About Us
Centre for Innovations and Development Assistance (CIDA)
Founded in 2012, the Centre for Innovations and Development Assistance (CIDA) is a not-for-profit organization committed to driving inclusive and lasting change in communities that are often overlooked or underserved. We believe true development starts from within—powered by local knowledge, community ownership, and shared responsibility.
Our Vision, Mission & Values
Our Vision
A world where local communities are empowered to lead their own development and build progressive futures.
Our Mission
To co-create innovative, technology-enabled, community-led solutions that address local challenges and promote inclusive, sustainable development—grounded in local knowledge and driven by collaboration and empowerment.
Core Values
Core principles that shape our work and the future we strive for, built on local solutions, innovation and sustainability.
Integrity & Accountability
We act honestly, honor commitments, and are transparent in all our work.
Inclusion & Respect
We value diversity and ensure all voices—especially marginalized ones—are heard and respected.
Empowerment & Participation
We place people at the center, enabling them to lead their own development.
Collaboration & Partnership
We believe lasting impact requires working together with communities, governments, and stakeholders.
Sustainability & Climate Responsibility
We commit to environmentally sound practices that protect our planet for future generations.
Innovation & Learning
We embrace new ideas and adapt continuously based on evidence and experience.
Objectives
- Empower people to turn knowledge and skills into practical solutions for development challenges.
- Create sustainable, innovative strategies for holistic growth in poor and vulnerable communities.
- Deliver relief and support rehabilitation in disaster and conflict-affected areas to help rebuild safer, stronger lives.
- Promote youth entrepreneurship and new business models to boost economic empowerment in disadvantaged communities.
Organizational Approaches
Our Values in Action: Real change happens when communities lead. Through collaboration and innovation, we turn these beliefs into lasting progress.
Community-Led Development
We facilitate communities to identify needs, design solutions, and own results—building local leadership and agency.
Integrated & Contextual Solutions
We design programs that address interconnected issues—combining livelihoods, environment, health, and education—tailored to local realities.
Participatory Learning & Innovation
We encourage experimentation, reflection, and knowledge sharing to develop practical and scalable solutions.
Partnership-Driven Impact
We collaborate with diverse stakeholders to pool resources, expertise, and reach for greater sustainability.
Resilience Building & Risk Management
We strengthen community capacities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from shocks and crises.
Evidence-Based Decision Making
We use data, monitoring, and evaluation to inform improvements, demonstrate impact, and influence policy.
Legal & Financials
CIDA is a registered not-for-profit under Section 8 of the Indian Companies Act, 2013, and is recognized under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act for tax-exempt donations. It is also registered with NITI Aayog (NGO Darpan) and authorized by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.
Committed to transparency and compliance, CIDA engages a Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary to conduct annual audits, file statutory reports, and ensure timely submission of financial and program reports to authorities and donors.
All financial records are maintained using Tally Prime software, ensuring accuracy and adherence to best practices.
These measures reinforce CIDA’s dedication to ethical governance, accountability, and building trust with regulators, donors, and communities.
Our Team
CIDA’s strength lies in its multidisciplinary team, which collectively brings over 60 years of rich experience working across diverse regions of India—including Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan—as well as in African countries such as Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Somalia, and Kenya. Our team combines deep technical knowledge with innovative approaches to design and deliver high-impact, sustainable development programs in health, livelihood, education, and community empowerment.
To complement our core team, we collaborate with a network of seasoned associates who provide specialized expertise and extend our capacity to deliver tailored professional services. This flexible model ensures that CIDA can respond effectively to diverse project needs with the right skills and insights.
Equipped with advanced infrastructure and modern technologies for project planning, monitoring, data analysis, and communication, CIDA is well-positioned to implement efficient, results-driven interventions. Our professional approach and robust systems enable us to consistently manage and deliver programs that create meaningful, measurable impact for communities and partners alike.
Partners & Supporters
At CIDA, we believe that collaboration is key to driving meaningful and inclusive change. Over the years, we have proudly partnered with a diverse range of institutions and organizations that share our commitment to sustainable development, community empowerment, and innovation.
Where we work
CIDA’s programs are primarily focused in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Over the years, we have implemented impactful initiatives across the districts of Gwalior, Chhatarpur, and Shahdol, creating meaningful change at the grassroots level.
Currently, our efforts are concentrated in Vidisha, where our strong on-ground presence enables us to design and deliver context-specific, community-led solutions that address local challenges and foster inclusive development.
