New Delhi, Oct. 15 -- In India's complex ecosystem of social change, the relationship between those who provide funds and those who dedicate their lives to work on the ground deserves far more attention. It is a relationship that at its best can contribute to real change, but can also be stifling.

My reflections are rooted in our learnings (and some mistakes) at the foundation I am part of. We currently support over 1,400 NGOs across the country, from new entities to well-established institutions. We receive over 300 formal grant requests every month. These numbers provide a large bed of experience to identify good practices and missteps.

This is an unsolicited note to fellow donors-philanthropic foundations, corporate social responsibi...