The Journey

Social Work and Research Centre (SWRC)

SWRC is the original organisation founded by Bunker Roy in 1972. It is registered in India (Delhi) under the Societies Act and Holds a FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulatory Act) approval, thus it is able to receive foreign donations for its work, as stipulated in its charter. It also holds an 80G certificate and 12A approval. It has two distinct parts FCRA and Non FCRA. Government of India and CSR work from inside India are carried out and managed under the Non FCRA internal structure while foreign grants, re-grants and donations coming into Barefoot College in india are managed through the FCRA division. Two sets of accountants are organised who report to a single organisational CFO.

SWRC activities are focused on local Rajasthan communities and through our SAMPDA network of 27 organisations in 16 states of India. It works across the following programatic areas, Water & Sanitation, Alternative Energy, Education, Women’s Health & Wellness, Traditional Communications & Women’s & Girls Rights Advocacy.

Hatheli Sanstan

Hatheli Sanstan is responsible for all artisan industries and rural livelihoods which produce products for sale within India and abroad. It is registered legally as a Society in the year 1991 in Ajmer, thus; making it a Not-for-Profit social enterprise vehicle. The mission is to develop and train artisans for a global supply chain, to support ongoing interventions that perpetuate and honour the culture and craft of the regions Barefoot College work within and to successfully elevate grass roots leadership positions in a viable cottage industry structure. It is eligible for investment and grant receipt from within India as well as from SWRC. It can also donate profit of up to 10% of its annual turnover back to SWRC to support the non grant funded and non self sustaining activities of the Barefoot College.

Barefoot College International (BCI)

BCI was established in 2015 under section 8 of the Companies ACT 2013 as a Not-for-Profit Social Enterprise. It was established to meet the growing magnitude and evolution of the Technology and Enterprise Activities arising through the global and domestic design, fabrication, supply and maintenance of Renewable Energy technology to communities and to our own educational models. It encompasses the empowerment programs to communities and women in India and abroad. Its India based running costs are totally self sufficient and it is working towards also meeting its International operational costs. It comprises a vibrant R&D Department and the Barefoot College IT team work under this structure. It has the scope to develop multiple product lines that continue to develop the entrepreneurial endeavours of the women it trains and supports through its technology transfer training. It acts as the implementing agent for all Grants received for implementation of the Barefoot Women’s Solar Initiative, The Solar Digital Night Schools, The ENRICHE curriculum and the advancement and development of products under the brand B.Barefoot.