Launch of the Digital Transformation for Social Impact (DT4SI) Toolbook

India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS) introduced the Digital Transformation for Social Impact (DT4SI) toolbook under its Koita Centre for AI & Digital Transformation (KCADT). The freely accessible toolbook is designed to help Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs) navigate AI and digital transformation journeys by consolidating digital and AI tools, real‑world case studies, solution providers, pricing details, key features, and relevant use cases in a single repository.

The DT4SI resource also aggregates learning resources and training courses to build internal capabilities, creating a pathway from awareness to understanding, from understanding to choice, and from choice to action. ILSS envisions the toolbook evolving into a collaborative space where NGOs, technology providers, practitioners, and experts can share experiences and accelerate sector‑wide digital transformation.

Key Statements

Anu Prasad, CEO of ILSS, highlighted India’s emergence as a global technology powerhouse and stressed the need to make AI and digital capabilities accessible to SPOs tackling population‑scale challenges. He noted that the sector’s biggest constraint is a capacity gap rather than a lack of purpose, and that DT4SI aims to bridge this gap by offering evidence‑based tools and mentorship without gatekeeping.

Rekha Koita, Co‑Founder of the Koita Foundation, emphasized that digital and AI capabilities are now non‑negotiable for NGOs seeking scale and quality. She argued that merely providing tools or funding is insufficient; the real challenge lies in translating technology availability into effective use, and that DT4SI can accelerate capacity building across the sector.

Launch Event Details

The toolbook was unveiled at an ILSS‑hosted leadership event in Mumbai, featuring a panel titled “Accelerating Social Impact with AI & Digital.” Panelists included:

  • Rizwan Koita – Chairperson, NABH; Co‑Founder, Koita Foundation; Co‑Founder, Citius Tech
  • Rekha Koita – Co‑Founder, Koita Foundation
  • Ms Amrtha K. Rangan – COO, A.T.E. Chandra Foundation
  • Gayatri Nair Lobo – CEO, Educate Girls
  • Maharshi Vaishnav – CEO, Motilal Oswal Foundation
  • Abhejit Agarwal – Head, Sustainability & CSR, Axis Bank

The session showcased a live demonstration of DT4SI and a discussion on opportunities and barriers to AI and digital adoption in the social sector. Panelists shared examples of NGOs overcoming challenges related to affordability, contextual relevance, and replicable models, illustrating how India‑specific solutions are driving impact.

Research Findings Underpinning the Toolbook

ILSS’s research on digital transformation in India’s social sector identified common challenges across geographies and domains: uncertainty about available technologies, difficulty articulating technology needs, concerns over affordability and budgeting, and navigating an increasingly crowded technology landscape. DT4SI is intended to address these pain points by providing clear, categorized information on tools, pricing, and use cases.

Future Expansion

The DT4SI toolkit will continuously expand its catalogue of tools, solution providers, case studies, learning resources, and insights as more organisations experiment, learn, and share their experiences.

About India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS)

Established in 2018, ILSS is a leadership and institution‑building organisation focused on strengthening the social sector’s leadership capacity. Through four Centres of Excellence—Talent and Leadership Development, Fundraising, Board and Governance, and AI & Digital Transformation—ILSS has trained over 1,300 leaders, partnered with more than 800 social purpose organisations, facilitated over 250 leadership placements, and built a robust alumni network. ILSS aims to partner with 1,000 leading organisations and empower 5,000 impact leaders by 2030.

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