Bangalore, June 02 : In a bold move to enhance digital transformation and capacity-building in India’s social sector, India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS) and the EkStep Foundation have partnered to expand and strengthen the Koita Centre for Digital Transformation (KCDT) at ILSS. Established by ILSS in collaboration with the Koita Foundation, KCDT is dedicated to equipping non-profits with the digital skills and capabilities they need to amplify impact and foster innovation.

The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in the development sector by offering structured leadership training, practical toolkits, and a vibrant ecosystem that supports mission-driven organizations in embracing technology and data for greater impact.

“At ILSS, we’ve long recognized that leadership in the social sector must adapt to meet the challenges of an increasingly digital world,” said Anu Prasad, Founder & CEO of ILSS. “This partnership with EkStep Foundation and Koita Foundation through KCDT represents our collective response to the sector’s deeply felt need—not just for tools, but for the mindset and skills necessary to lead digital transformation meaningfully.”

Since its launch in early 2025 under the leadership of Anirban Chaudhury, KCDT has served as a centre of excellence, providing a hub for experimentation, co-creation, and capacity-building for non-profits across the country.

“Through KCDT, we are creating a space where social impact organizations can learn, adapt, and innovate using digital tools while staying true to their core human missions,” said Anirban Chaudhury, Head of KCDT. “We believe that digital transformation must be inclusive, intentional, and grounded in real-world insights from change-makers on the ground.”

“Digital transformation is no longer optional for social organizations—it’s essential,” emphasized Rekha Koita, Co-Founder & Director of Koita Foundation. “At Koita Foundation, we are committed to building long-term digital capacity in the sector by supporting initiatives like KCDT that provide structured guidance, peer learning, and real-world application. It’s about fostering digital confidence, not just implementing systems.”

A cornerstone of this partnership is the Digital Transformation for Social Impact (DTSI) program, a curated learning journey that equips non-profit leaders to develop and implement digital strategies effectively. Complementing this is the upcoming Digital Toolbook for Social Impact (DiTSI)—an open-access resource featuring frameworks, case studies, and actionable guidance for integrating digital tools across operations, program delivery, fundraising, and impact measurement.

“Digital transformation in the social sector isn’t just about digitizing existing processes—it’s about reimagining how we learn, collaborate, work, and deliver value to communities,” said Shankar Maruwada, CEO & Co-Founder of EkStep Foundation. “This collaboration is a commitment to building that capacity in an open, accessible, and community-led way.”

By bringing together non-profits, funders, technology partners, and knowledge experts, this initiative aims to lay the groundwork for sustainable digital transformation in India’s development sector—empowering organizations to drive lasting impact from within.