🌱 Introduction: Rethinking NGO Growth in India In India, the nonprofit sector is vast and diverse, with thousands of organizations addressing issues ranging from education and health to the environment and youth empowerment. Yet, one common thread runs through most NGOs: dependence on foreign funding . Foreign contributions often provide the financial backbone for scaling operations, hiring staff, and sustaining programs. But they also come with challenges—donor conditions, dependency risks, and questions of credibility. Against this backdrop, Marpu Foundation has charted a different course. By rejecting foreign funding entirely, it has expanded its work to 23 states across India , proving that self-reliance, community trust, and ethical leadership can drive large-scale impact. This case study explores how Marpu achieved this, the philosophy behind its decision, the strategies it used, the challenges it faced, and the lessons it offers to the wider social sector. 🌱 Why Mar...