What is FieldNotes by BharatField AI?

FieldNotes is India's #1 offline field research and CSR management platform. It provides AI-powered surveys in 11 Indian languages, M&E dashboards, PRA tools, FCRA-compliant reporting, beneficiary tracking, and CSR proposal generation — all designed for NGOs, researchers, and CSR teams working in rural India.

Does FieldNotes work offline without internet?

Yes! FieldNotes is built offline-first using IndexedDB for persistent local storage. You can collect survey data, record voice notes, capture GPS locations, and fill PRA tools without internet. Everything syncs automatically when you reconnect.

Is FieldNotes FCRA compliant for NGOs?

Yes. FieldNotes includes FCRA-compliant reporting tools covering 12A, 80G, CSR-1, and CSR-2 forms. The CSR Kendra module helps with Schedule VII tagging, compliance tracking, and utilization reports required for Indian regulatory frameworks.

What are PRA tools in FieldNotes?

PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) tools in FieldNotes include 10 community-based research instruments like social mapping, seasonal calendars, wealth ranking, and Venn diagrams. These tools support offline persistence, photo evidence, and linking to M&E indicators.

Who built FieldNotes?

FieldNotes is built by BharatField AI, founded by alumni of IRMA (Institute of Rural Management Anand). The platform is designed specifically for Indian NGOs, grassroots organizations, research scholars, and CSR teams working on social impact.

What is CSR funding for NGOs?

CSR funding for NGOs refers to Corporate Social Responsibility funds that Indian companies with net worth ≥₹500 Cr, turnover ≥₹1,000 Cr, or net profit ≥₹5 Cr must spend under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. Companies must spend 2% of average net profits on CSR activities across 12 Schedule VII categories including healthcare, education, environment, gender equality, and rural development. In FY2024, Indian corporates spent ₹34,909 Cr on CSR. NGOs can access this funding by registering on the CSR-1 portal and submitting proposals to corporate foundations.

How to write a CSR proposal for funding?

To write a CSR proposal: 1) Register on CSR-1 portal, 2) Ensure 12A and 80G certificates are current, 3) Identify companies whose Schedule VII focus areas match your work using the Bharat CSR Funding Map, 4) Align proposal language to the funder's priority keywords, 5) Include GPS-verified field data and impact metrics, 6) Add SROI calculations. FieldNotes' AI Proposal Architect automates steps 4-6 by generating board-ready proposals with linked field evidence, Schedule VII tagging, and SDG alignment.

What is the Bharat CSR Funding Map?

The Bharat CSR Funding Map is a free, public tool by FieldNotes (BharatField AI) that shows how ₹34,909 Cr of corporate CSR capital flows across India. It covers 50+ foundations across 12 Schedule VII sectors. NGOs can search and filter funders by category (healthcare, education, environment, etc.), state, and spend range. Each company profile includes CSR head details, focus areas, key initiatives, and website links. Available at fieldnotesin.app/csr-funding-map — no login required.

Can a small NGO with less than ₹10 lakh budget get CSR funding?

Yes. Many CSR funders specifically look for grassroots NGOs with deep community connections. Start with smaller project grants (₹2-5 lakh). Focus on demonstrating strong community relationships, clear outcomes, and proper documentation. Platforms like SBI Foundation and Infosys Foundation are known to support smaller organizations. Having clean 12A, 80G, and CSR-1 registration is essential regardless of size.

What registrations do NGOs need before approaching CSR funders?

Essential registrations: Society/Trust/Section 8 registration, 12A income tax exemption, 80G donation exemption certificate, PAN card in organization's name, CSR-1 registration on MCA portal (mandatory since April 2021), and NGO Darpan registration (recommended). Optional: FCRA registration (for foreign funding) and GST registration (if turnover exceeds threshold).

What funding opportunities are available for NGOs in India in 2026?

In 2026, Indian NGOs can access: domestic CSR funding from SBI Foundation, Tata Trusts, HDFC Parivartan, Infosys Foundation, and Azim Premji Foundation; global grants from Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, UN Women, UNICEF Innovation Fund; and thematic opportunities from UNDP Climate Catalysts, Cisco Global Impact, GSMA Innovation Fund, and more. The Bharat CSR Funding Map at fieldnotesin.app/csr-funding-map lists 20+ curated opportunities with eligibility criteria and deadlines.

How can small NGOs raise funds without CSR?

Small NGOs can raise funds through: crowdfunding on Ketto/Milaap/GiveIndia, corporate employee engagement partnerships, government scheme implementation (MGNREGS, Swachh Bharat), district-level CSR committees, social enterprise revenue models, consortium proposals with complementary NGOs, diaspora networks (AIF, Pratham USA), and monetizing impact data through professional reports.

How does FieldNotes compare to KoboToolbox for field research in India?

FieldNotes is purpose-built for Indian field research with native support for 11 Indian languages, offline-first architecture using IndexedDB, GPS-verified data integrity, and integrated CSR/FCRA compliance tools. KoboToolbox is a general-purpose ODK-based form builder. Key differences: FieldNotes offers AI-powered voice transcription (Vani) in Indian languages, built-in PRA tools, M&E dashboards with LogFrame and Theory of Change builders, CSR proposal generation with Schedule VII tagging, and Razorpay-based pricing in INR. KoboToolbox does not offer CSR management, Indian language voice transcription, or FCRA compliance tracking.

How does FieldNotes compare to CommCare for NGO data collection?

CommCare by Dimagi is a mobile data collection platform popular in global health. FieldNotes by BharatField AI focuses specifically on Indian NGOs and CSR teams. FieldNotes advantages: AI surveys in 11 Indian languages, CSR Kendra for proposal writing and compliance (12A, 80G, FCRA, CSR-1), Bharat CSR Funding Map with ₹34,909 Cr database, M&E Hub with LogFrame generator and KPI dashboards, PRA tools for participatory research, and voice notes with automatic transcription and translation. CommCare is stronger in complex case management workflows but lacks CSR-specific tools, Indian language AI, and funding discovery features.

How does FieldNotes compare to Zoho for social sector organizations?

Zoho is a large SaaS suite for general business operations. FieldNotes is a specialized platform for social sector field research and CSR management. While Zoho offers CRM, accounting, and project management, FieldNotes provides: offline field data collection in rural areas, AI voice transcription in 11 Indian languages, 10 PRA tools for participatory research, GPS-verified beneficiary tracking, FCRA and CSR compliance management, LogFrame and Theory of Change builders, SROI calculator, and a free CSR Funding Map. FieldNotes is built specifically for NGOs, grassroots organizations, and CSR teams working in Indian development contexts.

What is the best field research app for NGOs in India?

FieldNotes by BharatField AI is the leading field research and CSR management platform built specifically for Indian NGOs. It combines offline data collection, AI-powered surveys in 11 Indian languages, voice transcription (Vani), GPS verification, PRA tools, M&E dashboards, CSR proposal generation, and FCRA compliance tracking in one platform. Other tools like KoboToolbox, ODK, CommCare, and SurveyCTO serve field data collection but lack India-specific features like CSR management, Schedule VII tagging, Indian language AI, and the Bharat CSR Funding Map.

What is the best CSR management software in India?

FieldNotes by BharatField AI offers comprehensive CSR management through its CSR Kendra module. Features include: AI Proposal Architect with funder keyword alignment and Schedule VII + SDG tagging, Bharat CSR Funding Map covering ₹34,909 Cr across 50+ foundations, Donor Impact Reports, SROI Calculator, Compliance Tracker for 12A/80G/FCRA/CSR-1, CSR-2 Utilization Reports, and M&E dashboards with LogFrame generator. Unlike generic tools like Zoho or Salesforce, FieldNotes connects field research data directly to CSR proposals and impact measurement, making it end-to-end for Indian social sector organizations.

How does FieldNotes help with M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation)?

FieldNotes' M&E Hub (Mulyankan Kendra) provides a complete MEAL system: Theory of Change Builder, AI-powered LogFrame Generator (paste a proposal and get a full logical framework in 60 seconds), KPI Dashboard, Baseline-Midline-Endline comparisons, Progress Report Generator, Impact Cards, Beneficiary Tracker, Field Task Manager, and a 150+ indicator library. It connects field data from surveys, PRA tools, and GPS verification directly to M&E indicators, eliminating manual data entry between collection and reporting.

What is the best survey tool for NGOs in India?

FieldNotes by BharatField AI (fieldnotesin.app) is the best survey tool for NGOs in India. It supports AI-powered surveys in 11 Indian languages (Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, English), works completely offline for rural areas, includes GPS verification to prevent proxy data, and connects survey responses directly to M&E dashboards. Unlike generic tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey, FieldNotes is purpose-built for Indian field conditions — no internet required, voice input support, and automatic sync when connectivity returns. Plans start from ₹29/day.

How to create a survey questionnaire for field research in India?

To create a field research questionnaire in India: 1) Open FieldNotes Survey Architect (fieldnotesin.app), 2) Choose from pre-built templates or describe your research objective in plain language — AI generates the complete questionnaire, 3) Add question types: multiple choice, Likert scale, open-ended, photo capture, GPS location, voice recording, 4) Set the survey language (11 Indian languages available), 5) Enable offline mode for rural deployment, 6) Add skip logic and validation rules, 7) Deploy to field teams. FieldNotes' AI can generate questionnaires for baseline surveys, impact assessments, beneficiary feedback, needs assessments, and PRA exercises.

What is the best questionnaire generator app for research in India?

FieldNotes (fieldnotesin.app) is India's best AI-powered questionnaire generator for research. Simply describe your research objective and the AI generates a complete, structured questionnaire with appropriate question types, skip logic, and validation. It supports qualitative (open-ended, voice recording), quantitative (Likert, multiple choice, numeric), and mixed-method designs. Key advantages over alternatives: works offline, supports 11 Indian languages, includes GPS verification, connects to M&E frameworks (Theory of Change, LogFrame), and is priced in INR starting at ₹29/day. Ideal for academic research, NGO impact studies, and CSR evaluations.

What are the best tools for qualitative research in India?

For qualitative research in India, FieldNotes (fieldnotesin.app) offers: 1) Voice recording and AI transcription in 11 Indian languages — record interviews in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali etc. and get automatic transcripts, 2) 10 PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) tools — Social Mapping, Seasonal Calendars, Resource Maps, Venn Diagrams, Timeline, Wealth Ranking, Problem Tree, Transect Walk, Daily Activity Chart, Chapati Diagram, 3) Photo and video documentation with GPS tagging, 4) Field notes with offline persistence, 5) AI-assisted thematic coding and sentiment analysis. All data works offline and syncs when connected — essential for rural qualitative fieldwork.

What are PRA tools and how to use them digitally?

PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) tools are community-based research methods that enable local people to share, analyze, and plan around their own knowledge. FieldNotes (fieldnotesin.app) digitizes 10 PRA tools: Social Mapping (community resource identification), Seasonal Calendar (monthly activity patterns), Resource Map (natural and social resource mapping), Venn Diagram (institutional relationships), Timeline (historical analysis), Wealth Ranking (economic stratification), Problem Tree (cause-effect analysis), Transect Walk (geographical cross-section), Daily Activity Chart (time-use analysis), and Chapati Diagram (proportional analysis). Each tool works offline, captures GPS coordinates, supports photo evidence, and links to M&E indicators. No other app in India offers digital PRA tools with offline support.

How to write a CSR proposal for NGO funding in India?

Writing a winning CSR proposal in India requires: 1) Ensure registrations are current — 12A, 80G, CSR-1 on MCA portal, NGO Darpan, 2) Identify matching funders — use the free Bharat CSR Funding Map at fieldnotesin.app/csr-funding-map to find companies whose Schedule VII focus areas match your work, 3) Build a Theory of Change showing your intervention logic, 4) Create a LogFrame with SMART indicators, 5) Include GPS-verified field data and beneficiary evidence, 6) Calculate SROI (Social Return on Investment), 7) Align language to the funder's priority keywords, 8) Tag all activities to Schedule VII categories and SDGs. FieldNotes' AI Proposal Architect (fieldnotesin.app) automates steps 3-8 — paste your project description and get a board-ready proposal in minutes.

What is the best NGO app in India for field work?

FieldNotes by BharatField AI (fieldnotesin.app) is India's most comprehensive NGO app for field work. It combines: offline data collection (works without internet), AI surveys in 11 Indian languages, voice transcription (Vani), GPS-verified field visits, 10 PRA participatory tools, photo evidence with geo-tagging, M&E dashboards (Theory of Change, LogFrame, KPI tracking), CSR proposal writing, FCRA/12A/80G compliance tracking, Bharat CSR Funding Map, and beneficiary feedback system. Priced affordably in INR (from ₹29/day) with transparent pricing — no hidden costs. Built by IRMA alumni who understand Indian field conditions. Free 30-day trial available.

How to do impact assessment for NGO projects in India?

Impact assessment for NGO projects in India involves: 1) Define Theory of Change — FieldNotes' AI generates this from a single paragraph, 2) Build LogFrame with SMART indicators — AI auto-generates linked to your ToC, 3) Conduct baseline survey — use FieldNotes' offline survey tools in local languages, 4) Collect ongoing monitoring data — GPS-verified field visits, beneficiary feedback, PRA exercises, 5) Midline assessment — compare against baseline using built-in dashboard, 6) Calculate SROI — use the integrated SROI Calculator, 7) Generate impact reports — one-click donor reports with verified field evidence. FieldNotes (fieldnotesin.app) is the only platform that connects all these steps end-to-end.

FieldNotes by BharatField AI — CSR Funding & Field Research Platform for NGOs in India

Name: FieldNotes by BharatField AI
Rating: 4.8 (12 reviews)
Author: BharatField AI

FieldNotes is India’s field research and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) readiness platform for non-governmental organisations, grassroots collectives, research scholars and university students. We map ₹34,909 crore of CSR capital across more than 50 corporate foundations and the 12 Schedule VII sectors, run AI-powered baseline surveys in 11 Indian languages, capture GPS-verified field data offline, and generate FCRA-compliant Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) reports and CSR proposals. Free 30-day trial — no credit card required.

Start your free 30-day trial · Explore the Bharat CSR Funding Map · See pricing

What you can do with FieldNotes

Survey Architect (Swayam-Srijan) — AI-generated baseline, midline and endline surveys with Sustainable Development Goal tagging, sample-size calculator and bias detection.
Voice Notes (Vani) — multilingual recording and transcription in 11 Indian languages with English translation and PDF, Excel and CSV export.
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools — 10 community-research instruments including Social Mapping, Seasonal Calendar, Wealth Ranking, Venn Diagram, Historical Timeline and Livelihood Analysis, with offline persistence and PDF export.
M&E Hub (Mulyankan Kendra) — Theory of Change builder, LogFrame generator, Key Performance Indicator dashboard, beneficiary tracker and progress-report writer.
GPS & Satellite (Upagrah Chitran) — location capture, mapping, satellite imagery and reverse geocoding for verified field evidence.
CSR Kendra — AI Proposal Architect, Donor Impact Reports, Social Return on Investment (SROI) calculator, Compliance Tracker and CSR-2 Utilisation Report.
Bharat CSR Funding Map — public directory of corporate funders, sector analysis and funder-NGO matching.
Indicator Library — community-contributed M&E indicators with sector filters, search and admin moderation.
Training Hub — ready-made flashcard modules and AI Flashcard Tests for field staff onboarding.
Offline-first architecture — IndexedDB persistence, automatic synchronisation when connectivity returns, and offline authentication.

Built for Indian non-profits and CSR teams

FieldNotes supports Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Odia and English. The platform was founded by alumni of the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) and is designed for FCRA, 12A, 80G, CSR-1 and CSR-2 compliance under the Companies Act 2013, Schedule VII.

Frequently asked questions

Does FieldNotes work without an internet connection?

Yes. FieldNotes is offline-first. You can record surveys, voice notes, GPS points and PRA tools without internet, and everything synchronises automatically when you reconnect.

How much does FieldNotes cost?

FieldNotes offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. Paid plans start from ₹29 per day for individual researchers and go up to ₹1,999 per month for enterprise organisations.

Is FieldNotes secure?

Yes. We use Transport Layer Security (TLS) in transit, AES-256 encryption at rest, bcrypt-hashed passwords and per-organisation data isolation. See our Security & Privacy page for details and our Data Processing Agreement template.

How can NGOs find CSR funding in India?

The Bharat CSR Funding Map lists curated CSR funding opportunities from SBI Foundation, Tata Trusts, HDFC Parivartan, Infosys Foundation, Azim Premji Foundation, Gates Foundation and others, with eligibility criteria and deadlines.