It began, like most good things at LivingMyPromise, with a conversation.
At the LMP Annual Meet in Bangalore earlier this year, a group of Promisors—individuals who have each pledged to give away at least half their wealth to causes they care deeply about—gathered to discuss a challenge that many in the development sector face but few talk about openly.
An NGO secures funding. Agreements are signed. The intent is clear. And yet, the funds don’t arrive on time. Stuck in corporate pipelines or delayed by administrative formalities, they leave nonprofits in limbo—unable to pay salaries, rent, or continue vital programs. In that moment of delay, impact is not just paused; sometimes, it is lost.
The Promisors listened, reflected, and then, characteristically, asked: What if we did something about this?
From that room emerged an idea that was as practical as it was powerful—the LMP Bridge Fund, a revolving, interest-free loan facility designed to help NGOs carry on with their work while they wait for committed donor money to arrive. It’s not a grant, nor is it traditional philanthropy. It’s something refreshingly new—a bridge between intent and action, designed by a community of givers who don’t wait for perfect systems to fall into place before stepping up.
The beauty of the Bridge Fund lies in how it came together. There was no big institutional push, no top-down strategy. Just a handful of individuals, voluntarily pooling in contributions of ₹1 lakh or more, no strings attached. A series of committees—fundraising, due diligence, selection, monitoring—formed organically, powered entirely by Promisors. Operational protocols were created, and a partnership was forged with Charities Aid Foundation India (under its NGO OneStage platform) to manage the fund.
By May 2025, the fund had garnered strong support from the LMP community. When applications opened, 77 NGOs responded—49 of them with signed MOUs from CSR donors or private foundations. After a meticulous process of screening and interviews, four organisations were shortlisted. Among them, Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti—a grassroots NGO working to empower Dalit communities in India—was selected to receive the first bridge loan, with a structured repayment plan beginning in October.
“The Bridge Fund support from #LivingMyPromise Promisors came at a critical moment—helping us sustain and scale our work with Dalit women and youth. With this timely gap funding, 200 women have stepped into roles as organic farmers and entrepreneurs, reclaiming their dignity, income, and agency. It’s more than a loan—it’s a catalyst for lasting economic empowerment and community transformation.”
— Dharmendra Kumar, Founder, Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti
Another innovative and youth-led organisation, The Unifly Collective, was also selected for support—highlighting how diverse and inclusive the selection process has been.
“Thanks to the timely support from #LivingMyPromise, we’ve been able to continue our program operations without losing team members or momentum. In just 2.5 months, we’ve onboarded 130 schools and reached hundreds of children and parents through orientations — despite being in a funding gap. The process with LMP Promisors was clear, empathetic, and deeply human. They listened with curiosity and kindness, allowing us to be vulnerable without fear of judgment. They saw our work, understood the urgency, and stepped in when it mattered most.”
— Subhankar Paul, Director, Unifly Collective
What makes the Bridge Fund more than just a stopgap measure is the spirit behind it. This isn’t about writing cheques and moving on. It’s about staying close to the real challenges that nonprofits face and co-creating solutions that are as nimble as they are necessary. It’s also a quiet but powerful reminder that philanthropy can be collaborative, thoughtful, and incredibly human.
At its core, the Bridge Fund is a reflection of what makes LivingMyPromise so unique. Here, people don’t just give—they give meaningfully. They don’t just support ideas—they roll up their sleeves to make them work. And most importantly, they don’t wait for institutions or governments to take the lead. If something needs to be done, they figure out how to do it—quickly, intelligently, and with care.
As the fund grows and evolves, it promises not just to bridge financial gaps but to model a new way of thinking about philanthropy—one that’s responsive, rooted in trust, and driven by people who understand that the only thing better than giving… is giving at the right time.
The LMP Bridge Fund is more than just a response to a sectoral need—it’s a reflection of what’s possible when a community of everyday givers come together to act, not out of obligation, but out of deep intent.
The time is now—for philanthropy that is nimble, human, and rooted in trust.
LivingMyPromise is not an organisation and does not operate a common pool of funds. All initiatives—like the Bridge Fund—are voluntary, independently driven, and managed by Promisors. It is a completely community-led effort.