Bengaluru-based SGBS Unnati Foundation (SUF), a not-for-profit organisation that provides vocational training to students from underprivileged backgrounds, has listed its flagship UNXT Program on the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) Social Stock Exchange.
Unnati’s UNXT program is a comprehensive 200-hour, 30-day course designed to teach practical, real-world skills, including effective communication, workplace readiness, professional etiquette, core values, and essential life skills which is delivered offline and through blended learning. Conducted at no cost to students, Unnati Foundation has to date trained 4 lakh young people across the country, working closely with over 2,000 colleges. The program is hosted on government college campuses across 14 states. Funded by corporate CSR initiatives, UNXT transforms participants in just one month, equipping them with confidence, self belief and ability to communicate effectively, gain employability skills, secure jobs and succeed in life. Delivered at an exceptionally low cost of approximately ₹1,450 per student, the programme has achieved over 60% outcomes in jobs and higher education placements, particularly in rural regions and among economically weaker communities.
Through this SSE listing, Unnati Foundation aims to raise ₹50,00,000 (50 lakh), which will be fully directed toward providing free employability training to 2,867 final-year students studying in government colleges across India. The funds are being raised through the issuance of 50,00,000 Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments of Re. 1 each, the instrument structure mandated for non-profits on the Social Stock Exchange. This is Unnati’s third listing on the SSE platform which showcases the organisation’s commitment to transparency, accountability and impact.
The Social Stock Exchange segment on NSE serves as a unique platform for Social Enterprises, encompassing both Non-profit organisations (NPOs) and For-profit enterprises (FPEs) engaged in eligible activities. SSE was conceptualised to help social enterprises bridge the funding gap and allow them to access a wider spectrum of resources and support for their initiatives. It’s a powerful avenue that is built on the idea of leveraging financial markets to redirect capital towards social impact initiatives. In addition, it also helps address the transparency and credibility concerns prevalent within the NGO sector, which often leads to mistrust among donors.
Ramesh Swamy, Director, Unnati Foundation, said, “Becoming the first NGO in the country to list a project on the Social Stock Exchange for the third time showcases our continued commitment to credibility, measurable outcomes, transparency and impact. Every contribution to our listing is translated into measurable outcomes. We ensure that final-year students in government colleges, regardless of their circumstances, have access to structured vocational training programs that can alter the course of their careers and their lives. Our vision is to see every young individual in India thrive in the workforce and stand tall in society”
