IFIRST is a dynamic team of professionals bound by a common purpose and intent - to create an environment where socially excluded groups can freely claim their rights and entitlements.

IFIRST's leadership

IFIRST is led by Christian Aid, along with Caritas India, Indian Institute of Dalit Studies, ACCESS Development Services, and Financial Management Services Foundation. IFIRST member organisations are internationally acclaimed for their expertise in issues related to social exclusion and poverty in India. IFIRST addresses social exclusion through research, policy and advocacy, and through programmes aimed at improving accountability and livelihood opportunities.
 

IFIRST Consortium members

Christian Aid is the UK’s largest international grant-maker for development and emergencies. It supports the poorest, regardless of creed, ethnicity, caste, class or gender. It operates through partner organisations in 56 countries. Christian Aid has been working in India for over 50 years, supporting civil society organisations.
Visit the Christian Aid website.
 

Caritas India was established in 1962. It is one of the largest autonomous Indian agencies in development and humanitarian work. Its mission is to restore the dignity of the poor and socially excluded through development work, advocacy, gender equity and disaster relief and rehabilitation. Caritas India works at the grassroots level through a network of about 300 implementing partners.
Visit the Caritas India website.
 

Indian Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS) is India’s leading social science research institution on social exclusion, socially excluded groups and inclusive policies. It has an international reputation for empirical and theoretical research, policy and advocacy work.
Visit the Indian Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS) website.
 

ACCESS Development Services is a national technical-services organisation. It works on livelihoods, micro finance and institutional capacity strengthening. It develops sustainable, scalable and replicable models of viable livelihoods.
Visit the ACCESS Development Services website.
 

Financial Management Services Foundation (FMSF) is a development resource organisation promoting accountability in financial, legal and governance issues in South Asia. FMSF does financial monitoring, consultancy, assessments, reviews and evaluations, training and research.
Visit the Financial Management Services Foundation (FMSF) website.