How It All Started
The India Foundation for Humanistic Development (IFHD) was born out of a deep commitment to people, equity, and sustainability. When Hivos, a Dutch development organization with a long history in India, closed its operations in the country, two of its senior leaders — Dr. Jamuna Ramakrishnan and Ms. Reena Fernandes — felt compelled to continue the journey of driving meaningful, grassroots development.
In 2011, they founded IFHD in Bengaluru as a Section 8 non-profit company with a vision of creating climate-resilient futures for people and nature. From the beginning, IFHD has focused on sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, and social entrepreneurship.
Over the years, IFHD has expanded its work across 22 states in India, impacting more than 100,000 rural households. By partnering with communities, IFHD has restored ecosystems, strengthened farmer collectives, built micro-enterprises, and co-created pathways to resilience.
What began as a response to a closing chapter has grown into a nationwide movement for climate resilience, grounded in humanistic values and driven by the belief that when people and nature thrive together, the future is secure for all.
Our Story: A Journey of Resilience
When Hivos, a Dutch development organization, closed its operations in India, it marked the end of a long chapter—but for us, it was a call to action. Deeply committed to people, equity, and sustainability, the two of us, Dr. Jamuna Ramakrishnan and Ms. Reena Fernandes, felt compelled to continue the journey of meaningful, grassroots development.
In 2011, we founded the India Foundation for Humanistic Development (IFHD) in Bengaluru as a Section 8 non-profit company. Our vision was clear: to create climate-resilient futures for people and nature.
Core Values
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People-centered
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Collaborative and learning-oriented
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Inclusive and fair
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Evidence-led
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Innovative and adaptive
Vision
We imagine a climate-resilient world for people and nature.
Mission
Equitably and sustainably work with communities to explore, identify, co-develop climate resilience for the future of our planet. This involves promoting restoration, sustainable management of land and ocean systems, fostering inclusive decision-making processes, and advocating for policies that support healthy landscapes and seascapes
2011
IFHD founded in Bengaluru.
2013
ProCIF Launched
2016
CSR Leadership Award
2016
ProHABITAT Launched
2018
ProRASA Launched
2021
Equator Prize for ProHABITAT
2023
Aruna Invited for TED Talk in Detroit
Impact
Measuring Success Through
Our Achievements
1500+
Farmers Trained in Natural Farming
Scaling climate-resilient zero-budget practices.
50,000+
Farmers Engaged in Sustainable Agriculture
Adopted practices that improve soil health and reduce costs.
325
Green Micro-Enterprises Created
Promoting eco-friendly businesses across 168 districts.
11
Freshwater Swamps Restored
Reviving biodiversity-rich habitats in Uttara Kannada.
Impact
Measuring Success Through Our Achievements
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1500+
Farmers Trained in Natural Farming
50,000+
Farmers Engaged in Sustainable Agriculture
11
Freshwater Swamps Restored
325
Green Micro Enterprises Created
Our Programmes
Driving climate resilience through sustainable agriculture, biodiversity restoration, and inclusive livelihoods.
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Partners & Donors
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re a partner, donor, volunteer, or community member, reach out to us to explore how we can work together for a climate-resilient future for people and nature.
Phone Number: 080 4122 2591
Email Address: info@ifhd.in
Address: India Foundation for Humanistic Development (IFHD)
91Springboard, 1st Floor, Gopala Krishna Complex
45/3 Residency Road, Bangalore – 560025, India