Over the last year, we have observed that the social impact ecosystem has increasingly been moving away from fragmented, use-case-specific technology solutions towards stronger, more integrated digital foundations. There is a growing appetite to build technology backbones that can support multiple needs, improve efficiency, and strengthen knowledge management. Within this broader shift, AI is emerging as an increasingly important part of digital transformation—particularly for addressing costly and time-intensive challenges. At the same time, there is growing recognition that effective AI adoption depends on first building the right data, technology, and organisational foundations.
This shift has also shaped our own work, as we have supported organisations in navigating these changes and building the foundations needed to become more efficient, secure, data-driven, and ready for what comes next.
We’re excited to now open applications for the H2 2026 cycle of our Fractional CxO Program—supporting more organisations that are ready to strengthen their technology and build for what’s next.
Over a period of 6 to 12 months, participating NGOs work with an experienced technology leader and a technical team to identify priorities, build the right foundations, test new ideas and move from strategy to execution from a technology perspective.
Broadly, the fCxO program helps NGOs answer the following questions:
How can technology help us deliver better? – explore digital tools and practical applications of AI and automation, to improve program delivery, data collection, and community engagement
How can we make better decisions? – build stronger data systems and generate reliable, actionable insights to support strategic and operational decision-making.
How can we test ideas faster? – experiment, test ideas, and build PoCs without getting slowed down by lengthy development processes to help NGOs visualise outcomes faster and earlier
How can we access the right expertise when we need it? – get flexible support for technology, data, digital transformation, and ongoing implementation initiatives.
How can we build a stronger and more responsible technology foundation? – Strengthen data management and security practices to meet evolving compliance requirements like the DPDP Act.
The goal is not simply to introduce new technology.
It is to help each organisation develop a clear, practical, and sustainable technology roadmap aligned with its mission and organisational priorities and to build the capabilities needed to take that roadmap forward.
A Proven Model: Areas of focus
A typical fCxO program looks at all issues “tech” from the following lenses:
Big Bets: Identify and pursue high-impact technology opportunities that can significantly advance the organisation’s mission and scale.
Information Governance: Establish clear policies and practices for managing, protecting, sharing, and using organisational information responsibly.
Data Management: Build reliable systems and practices to ensure data is accurate, accessible, secure, and useful for decision-making.
Infrastructure Management: Strengthen and maintain the organisation’s technology infrastructure, systems, devices, and platforms to ensure they are secure, reliable, and fit for purpose.
Vendor Management: Improve the selection, management, and oversight of technology vendors and external partners.
Capacity Building: Strengthen internal technology and digital capabilities through skills development, training, and knowledge transfer.
What NGOs gain:
- A clear technology and data roadmap aligned with the organisation’s mission and strategic priorities.
- Stronger internal capabilities to effectively manage and deliver technology products and projects.
- More evidence-based decision-making, enabled by reliable data insights and the effective use of appropriate data visualisation tools.
- Agile prototypes and scalable pilot solutions that enable rapid innovation, help NGOs see technology in action, and create a foundation for long-term scalability and sustainability.
Clients and client speak:
“The fCxO program brought clarity to our tech priorities, strengthened internal decision-making, and positioned technology at the right level within our organization.”
– Janaagraha“A systematic approach and market awareness saved us time in identifying the right solutions and vendors for our needs.“
– SNEHA
How the Program Works
NGO Eligibility
We’re looking for NGOs that:
- Technology is identified as one of the organisation’s three key priorities and strategic goals.
- The CEO and leadership team demonstrate clear commitment to and active involvement in technology-related initiatives.
- The organisation has a clear strategy and well-defined, stable operational processes to support its programs.
- The organisation is operating from a position of stability, rather than responding reactively to ongoing technology-related crises.
- The organisation is willing to invest in technology to support and enable better organisational outcomes.
Cost Structure
We co-invest with Tech4Dev covering part of the program cost.
NGO contribution: ₹2 Lakhs/month for a half-time (16 hours) fractional CxO + Tech Team (inclusive of GST). The fractional CxO in coordination with the NGO will bring in tech resources as needed and manage the team and their hours during that time. For example, a rapid development of a prototype could have the fCxO contributing 8 hours/week and a senior tech resource (~5+ yrs experience) putting in 12 hours/week for a month, followed by the fCxO still at 8 hours/week + a tech resource (~3+ yrs experience) at 8 hours/week and a project management resource (8 hours/week) for the next month as the project moves towards a full scale implementation with a vendor.
Timeline & Process
- Apply Now via our short application form
- We’ll follow up within a week
- Rolling onboarding for the July – December 2026 cohort
Field & Remote Work
Fractional CxOs & Tech team primarily work remotely but typically include:
- 3–5 day onboarding visit in the first month
- Multiple short field visits during the engagement (NGO covers travel/stay)
Ongoing Support & Peer Learning
All fractional CxOs engage in weekly peer sessions within Tech4Dev to exchange insights, resolve challenges, and foster collaboration. Cross-learning is embedded as a core principle of the program. When specialized expertise is required, a fractional CxO may draw on the support of another peer to address specific technology or data scenarios, ensuring the right capabilities are applied to each context.
Ready to Transform Your Tech Journey?
Apply now to bring senior tech leadership into your nonprofit — and build a tech strategy that powers your mission.
Questions? Reach out to us at fcxo.info@projecttech4dev.org
