Founded in the 1990s, the National Center for Advocacy Studies (NCAS) is a catalytic inspiration  for social change in India. This research, advocacy, and movement support organization works relentlessly to improve the lives of marginalized communities, with a core focus on empowering them to determine their own futures.

NCAS takes a unique and inclusive approach to ensure their agenda reflects the needs of the communities they serve. Their membership base is a powerful combination of institutions and individuals, including movement activists, peoples’ organizations, youth collectives, cooperatives, and advocacy groups. This collaborative structure guarantees their work stays grounded in the realities faced by the communities they champion.

NCAS offers a comprehensive toolbox to empower grassroots movements: People-Centered Advocacy Capacity Building Initiatives, Popular Education, Research & Documentation, Strategic Campaign Support, Networking & Collaboration to name a few. NCAS engages with the marginalized communities, voicing the concerns and visibilize it on a national stage. NCAS equips grassroots movements with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate effectively through popular education programs. It also meticulously documents the challenges faced by marginalized communities, providing crucial data to support future advocacy efforts.NCAS extend its strategic support to actions launched by grassroots movements, offering strategic guidance and vital resources. It also fosters connections between grassroots movements, relevant state authorities, and allied social movements, creating a powerful network for systemic change.

NCAS’s influence is evident in key policy victories, including the Right to Information Act and the Right to Education Act. They have also championed crucial issues related to the natural resource dependent communities. Furthermore, NCAS has incubated influential initiatives like the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability and the Wada Na Thodo Abhiyan.