About
-
Headquarters
Bangalore, Karnataka
-
Since
1994
The Foundation for Excellence (FFE) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives through Higher Education. Founded by renowned Read more serial entrepreneur Dr. Prabhu Goel and Mrs. Poonam Goel. Based in the USA with an associated entity, the Foundation for Excellence India Trust (FFEIT), registered in 2003 as a public Charitable Trust in India. For 30 years, FFE has supported academically brilliant yet financially needy students in India by awarding merit-cum-means scholarships. With a mission to help students and their families transition to middle-income status in a single generation, FFE offers opportunities to pursue professional degrees in Engineering, Medicine, Law, and BPharm at reputed institutions across the country. Beyond scholarships, FFE empowers scholars through Mentoring and Skills Training programs. Corporate volunteers and donors actively provide career counseling, employability skills, and personal guidance, ensuring students are well-equipped to succeed in their professional and personal lives. To date, FFE has impacted over 38,000 scholars, disbursing more than 1,11,000 scholarships worth Rs. 436 Crores.
Issue
In India, 53.3 million people live in extreme poverty, representing 4% of the population, and poverty often denies access to education, perpetuating the cycle across generations. While the Gross Enrollment Ratio for higher education has risen to 27.1% in 2019-20, economic barriers mean that only 27 out of 100 students pursue higher studies. With the largest youth population globally, around 600 million under the age of 25, many talented individuals are excluded from education, employment, or training, often working in the informal sector. Despite growing demand for tertiary education due to rising graduation rates, challenges like access and quality education persist, with poverty being a major obstacle. For academically brilliant students, financial constraints are a significant hurdle, making higher education unaffordable and unsustainable for many families. Without formal support, families often turn to exploitative moneylenders, further entrenching cycles of debt. This lack of education forces talented individuals into low-skill jobs, wasting human capital and restricting earning potential. The absence of higher education not only impacts individuals and families but also deprives the nation of valuable human resources, hindering its development and perpetuating generational poverty.
Action
Since its inception in 1994, FFE and FFEIT have been steadfast in their mission to empower economically disadvantaged yet academically talented students in India through the FFE Scholarship Program. Over the years, the initiative has significantly impacted higher education, supporting over 38,000 scholars with more than 1,11,000 scholarships awarded across 28 states, amounting to approximately INR 436 Crores. In FY 2023-24 alone, 16,294 students received scholarships totaling INR 75.89 Crores, enabling them to pursue studies in Engineering, Medical, B. Pharm, and Law disciplines. Through this unwavering commitment, FFE continues to transform lives and build a brighter future for countless deserving students across India.
Cause Area
Impact
The FFE Scholarship Program empowers talented scholars from economically challenged backgrounds, enabling them to focus on their college education, graduate successfully, and secure professional employment. This support transforms the economic status of individuals and their families, often in a single generation, creating a lasting impact. Since its inception in 1994, Foundation for Excellence (FFE) has awarded over 1,11,000 scholarships, helping students and their families break the cycle of poverty. In nearly three decades, FFE has positively impacted the lives of over 38,000 scholars across India, granting scholarships totaling Rs. 436 Crores. In FY 2023-24 alone, FFE awarded scholarships to 4,709 new scholars and 11,585 renewal students, amounting to Rs. 75.89 Crores in support for 16,294 students. FFE’s extensive network of 700+ volunteer facilitators across India identifies deserving scholars, verifies their need, and mentors them throughout their academic journey. This ensures that scholarships reach only the most deserving students. Explore Stories of Change through these videos: Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d38Jh7wMyi8 Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c2kSLv55Dg
Vision & Mission
The vision of FFE is to bring about economic and social transformation in the lives of academically bright and economically underprivileged students and their families through education and ultimately become a self-sustaining organization through FFE alumni contributions which support other students.
The mission of FFE is to provide scholarships to exceptionally bright students who have financial constraints, enabling them to achieve professional success as Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers & pharmacists.
The goal of FFE is to identify qualified Engineering, MBBS, Law & B. Pharm students studying across India and award merit cum means scholarships
Donor History
1.Foundation For Excellence Inc.
2.A World Of Opportunity Foundation
3.Transunion Cibil Limited
4.Faiveley Transport Rail Technologies India Ltd
5.Give Foundation
Programs
-
FFE's Mental Wellness Program
On November 18th,2023, FFE launched its Mental Wellness Program for all students, aiming to raise awareness, promote education, advocate prevention of mental health disorders, and provide comprehensive mental health services.
In collaboration with Mpower Minds, the program seeks to create a positive environment and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. Throughout the year-long initiative, students were onboarded in batches for weekly workshops focused on mental health.
Students were informed about their access to a 24/7 helpline for support and one-on-one counseling sessions. 24 workshops were conducted, educating over 800 students on the importance of mental health, how to prioritize it, and the best ways to seek help and support.
-
FFE's Scholarship Programme
State- Andhra Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Odisha
- Puducherry
- Tamil Nadu
- West Bengal
- Chhattisgarh
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Bihar
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
- Goa
- Gujarat
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Jharkhand
- Kerala
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- Sikkim
- Tripura
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Telangana
Identification of eligible scholars: Students apply to FFE’s Scholarship Program through an online form, and once deemed eligible, are connected to one of FFE’s volunteer “Facilitators” across 28 states. These facilitators—retired professionals, experienced experts, alumni, and socially influential individuals—conduct in-person meetings with students or their families to verify financial need. After confirming family background and academic qualifications, students submit the online application with supporting documents. FFE’s selection process is inclusive and non-discriminatory.
Eligibility Criteria:
Students must meet two qualifying criteria to be eligible for the scholarship program:
Academic: Academic Excellence based on qualifying rank in the entrance exam. i.e., CET/JEE MAIN/JEE Advance
Financial: Students must belong to families where the combined family income is INR 3 Lakh or less per annum. Details at: https://ffe.org/site/scholars/ -
Beyond Scholarships Programme- FFE's Skills Training Program
Skills Training:
FFE's Employability Skill Development Program, widely known as "The Beyond Scholarship Program," was launched in FY 2017-18 and has thrived over the past seven years, thanks to the generous support from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF).
Capgemini contributed to the program from FY 2019-20 to 2022-23, with Lenovo joining as a supporter in FY 2023-24. The program's primary objective is to equip FFE scholars with crucial 21st-century skills that are critical for their employability and professional growth.
The Beyond Scholarship Program(Skills Training) offers a comprehensive four-year training curriculum, tailored to address the skill gaps faced by students. It is delivered through partnerships with various vendors who provide curated skills training. -
Beyond Scholarships Programme-FFE's Mentoring Program
State- Andhra Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Odisha
- Puducherry
- Tamil Nadu
- West Bengal
- Chhattisgarh
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Bihar
- Chandigarh
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- Delhi
- Goa
- Gujarat
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Jharkhand
- Kerala
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- Sikkim
- Tripura
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Telangana
FFE's Mentoring Program is a distinctive initiative designed to prepare third-year students for job readiness through interactions with industry experts, leading to meaningful and impactful outcomes. This 4–6-month virtual program provides FFE scholars with personalized guidance from professionals across various fields, including Engineering, Law, and Pharmacy.
While the in-house curriculum offers a structured framework for the mentoring
sessions, mentors enrich the program with their valuable experiences. The mentorship aims to address skill gaps, help students secure internships and
employment, and improve communication, critical thinking, and time management skills for greater professional success.
Impact Metrics
-
Scholarships for Higher Studies to the Students From Families With Annual Income Below Three Lakhs
Program Name
Scholarship Programme
Year-wise Metrics- 2017-18 4946
- 2018-19 5422
- 2019-20 6383
- 2020-21 7498
- 2021-22 10227
- 2022-23 13579
- 2023-24 16294
-
Number of Mentor-Mentee Pairs for Guiding and Supporting Students in Their Studies
Program Name
Mentoring Programme
Year-wise Metrics- 2017-18 181
- 2018-19 200
- 2019-20 187
- 2020-21 386
- 2021-22 1012
- 2022-23 1214
- 2023-24 1949
-
Circle of Giving -Ffe Alumni Contributing Back (Inr)
Program Name
FFE's Circle of Giving- Alumni Contributions
Year-wise Metrics- 2019-20 10320428
- 2020-21 11599593
- 2021-22 15336723
- 2022-23 20363636
- 2023-24 27736359
-
Number of Scholars Under the Skills Training Program
Program Name
FFE's Skilling Program
Year-wise Metrics- 2019-20 2145
- 2020-21 2711
- 2021-22 2935
- 2022-23 3566
- 2023-24 3484
-
Number of Scholars Mentored
Program Name
Mentoring Program
Year-wise Metrics- 2019-20 187
- 2020-21 386
- 2021-22 1012
- 2022-23 1214
- 2023-24 1949
-
Number of Corporates Who Enrolled as Mentors
Program Name
FFE's Mentoring Program
Year-wise Metrics- 2019-20 8
- 2020-21 12
- 2021-22 20
- 2022-23 34
- 2023-24 57
-
Number of Scholars Who Completed the Skills Training Program
Program Name
Skilling Program
Year-wise Metrics- 2019-20 1023
- 2020-21 889
- 2021-22 1256
- 2022-23 1455
- 2023-24 1508
-
Average Ctc of the Placed Cohort
Program Name
FFE's Scholarship Program
Year-wise Metrics- 2019-20 750000
- 2020-21 850000
- 2021-22 995000
- 2022-23 1188000
- 2023-24 1260000
-
Percentage of Scholars Placed Who Were Mentored
Program Name
Mentoring Program
Year-wise Metrics- 2019-20 97
- 2020-21 95
- 2021-22 72
- 2023-24 84
Theory of Change
Transforming lives of academically brilliant and economically underprivileged students in India by enabling them to complete their higher education through Scholarships, Skilling and Mentoring Support.
The FFE Scholarship Program ensures that a brilliant scholar from an economically constrained background can focus on his/her college degree, graduate successfully and gain employment as a Professional. Economic empowerment of individuals and their families in a single generation is the lasting impact of this program.
The program empowers the academically brilliant students from underprivileged backgrounds and brings a transformation in their lives and of their families in a single generation through financial scholarship awards.
Milestones & Track Record
Since its inception in 1994, FFE has helped over 38,000 scholars in India who are today very successfully part of India's human resource legion. More than 1,11,000 scholarships have been awarded since FFE's inception, to students in 28 states, amounting to approximately INR 436 Crores.
In FY 2023-24 alone, 16,294 students were awarded scholarships totaling INR 75.89 Crores to students attending 438 Engineering colleges, 295 Medical Colleges, 52 BPharm Colleges and 54 Law Institutes.
Significantly, 40% of first-time scholarship awardees were women, with 19% of scholarship applicants being referred by FFE's NGO Partners. The "Pay Forward" model, central to FFE's Circle of Giving, continues to make a significant impact. Alumni contributions, both direct and indirect, have supported approximately 10% of the scholarships awarded during FY 2023-24. Additionally, many alumni have volunteered as facilitators for student verifications and as mentors to current scholars, demonstrating their deep commitment to the program.
Donor Testimonial
1."Axtria's association with FFE is a deep rooted connection with its values and core foundation. With immense sense of satisfaction of our humble contributions to the lives of FFE scholars, we feel strengthened and charged to do much more in the coming years. Our most proud contribution has been when we hired one of the mentees last year (2019) and could provide internships to 4 mentees this year (2020)."
Manish Mittal
Country Head, Axtria Pvt. Ltd.
2."The Foundation (AWOO - a World of Opportunity Foundation) was registered as a charitable trust in 2011, and since then we have been able to transform the lives of 1,175 students. We now have a 300+ strong AWOO alumni base working in organizations like Citibank, Capgemini, Ford, Schneider Electric, Mahindra, Godrej etc. which in itself is a testimony to the kind of impact it has made over the years. Foundation For Excellence (FFE) has been our trusted partner since long, and it has always delivered way above the commitments made, each time we have partnered with FFE. An unflinching passion for transparency and earnestness in action has been the bulwark of it’s strengths in the field of enabling education through scholarships. We look forward to a long and fruitful association with FFE."
Rajiv Gupta
Secretary, AWOO Foundation
Leadership Team
Demographics & Structure
-
No. of Employees
51-100
-
Strength of Governing Body
5
-
Diversity Metrics
89% women
M&E
-
Internal, External Assessors
Yes
Policies
-
Ethics and Transparency Policies
Yes
-
Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy
Yes
Political & Religious Declarations
-
On Affiliation if any
No
-
On Deployment Bias if any
No
Organisation Structure
Yes
Awards & Recognitions
1,"FFE was felicitated with the ‘Best Employee
Engagement Partner’ award by Capgemini
for the FY 2021-22."
2.GuideStar India Gold Award
3.Credibility Alliance Certification
4.Sammaan
5."Cognizant Foundation
Appreciation Award"
Registration Details
-
PAN Card
AAATF0985D
-
Registration ID
BNG(U)JNR 160/2003-2004
-
VO ID / Darpan ID
KA/2017/0167716
-
12A
AAATF0985DE20214
-
80G
AAATF0985DF20214
-
FCRA
094421348
-
CSR Registration Number
CSR00002053
Location
-
Headquarters
No. 840, 5th Main, Indiranagar 1st Stage, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, Bangalore, 560038
Directions
Other Details
-
Parent Organisation
NA
-
Sister Organisation
NA
-
Type & Sub Type
Non-profit
Trust
Website
Financial Details
-
2019-20
IncomeRs.346,211,887ExpensesRs.309,716,067Admin ExpensesRs.17,988,860Program ExpensesRs.291,727,207Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it. -
2020-21
IncomeRs.395,498,976ExpensesRs.393,120,593Admin ExpensesRs.24,364,341Program ExpensesRs.368,756,252Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it. -
2021-22
IncomeRs.525,991,417ExpensesRs.552,269,944Admin ExpensesRs.26,148,300Program ExpensesRs.526,121,644Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it. -
2022-23
IncomeRs.660,524,997ExpensesRs.695,289,809Admin ExpensesRs.34,550,894Program ExpensesRs.660,738,915Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it. -
2023-24
IncomeRs.900,613,784ExpensesRs.908,231,379Admin ExpensesRs.44,576,444Program ExpensesRs.863,654,935Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it.