From grassroots changemaking to systems thinking, Neeru Chaudhary’s journey offers a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership across NGOs, and the broader climate and development sector.
Her path into social impact began with a moment of clarity while studying journalism. As part of a research assignment, she volunteered with a grassroots organisation working on disability, an experience that shaped her future direction. “I just knew, I belong here.” she says.
Today, with 20 years of experience working with non-profit organisations, leading programs and partnering with NGOs to help them realise their potential, she works as an Organizational Development and Strategic Capacity Building Consultant. Her work focuses on building internal capacities, integrating systems thinking, and democratising development knowledge. Through participatory, practice-based approaches to organisational development, she supports non-profit organisations to identify challenges, apply best practices, and operate more smoothly and strategically to create lasting impact.
She introduced sustainability and development as cross-cutting themes within one of her organisations, where she was leading Quality and Innovation. There, she secured and led the organisation’s first successful grant and program focused on climate change, gender equity, and livelihoods. A strong believer in continuous learning, Neeru currently serves as an External Fellow in Organisation Development and Development Practice with the Wipro Foundation, sits on the boards of two non-profit organisations, and is pursuing a Micro Masters in Sustainability and Development from the University of Michigan, United States.
Having worked across a wide spectrum, from grassroots collectives to national and international organisations, she brings a thoughtful, hands-on perspective to building stronger, more resilient institutions.
As the climate crisis grows more urgent, so does the need for effective and compassionate leadership in the social sector. Neeru’s insights reveal how values-driven action, contextual understanding, and collaborative strategy intersect to scale solutions without losing sight of the heart behind them.
Many non-profit organisations find themselves at a crossroads as they consider growth. The desire to scale is natural, there is urgency, opportunity, and often pressure from funders or peers. But as Neeru puts it, “Growth should deepen the organisation’s impact and strengthen its mission, not dilute it.”
Scaling, she explains, is not simply about getting bigger; it’s about going deeper. For her, it begins with one fundamental question: “Why do we want to scale?” “That question, she believes, must be guided by a real need, one that reflects ground realities, not just external opportunity.”
“Often, the pressure to scale comes from outside, donors, peer organisations, or the need for visibility but we need to be careful that, such pressures don’t override our internal compass,” she says. “Before asking ‘How do we scale?’ organisations must ask, ‘Why do we need to scale?’ That’s what ensures expansion is intentional, planned, and progressive.”
She views strategy as something that comes after that foundational clarity. “Strategy, to me, comes in once we know the ‘why’, it shapes the ‘what’ and the ‘how’.”
Equally important is recognising that sustainability is never one-size-fits-all. “Every geography brings its own challenges and opportunities. Solutions must speak to people. Unless they are adopted and practiced consistently, the change cannot be sustained.” She shares a grounded example, encouraging organic farming may seem like a positive step, but if it reduces farmers’ yields without adequate transition support, it can adversely affect their livelihoods and well-being.
“To design truly sustainable solutions, we must prioritise community voices, especially those of indigenous and rural populations.” she says.
As climate impacts intensify, she believes strategies must remain dynamic and responsive. “The ability to learn in real-time and integrate those insights into our thinking is critical.”
And while digital innovation, AI, and tech-based tools are important, she cautions against an overly technocratic approach. “Technology can enhance scale and efficiency, yes – but unless it is integrated with traditional ecological knowledge and local wisdom, it risks being irrelevant or even harmful.”
Ultimately, she believes collaboration and adaptability are what hold scaling strategies together. “Climate change cannot be solved by one stakeholder or one organisation. It needs to be a collaborative effort.”
NGOs Can Create Greater Impact by Collaborating Across Sectors
Neeru sees great promise in cross-sector collaboration but only when it is intentional and values-aligned. “In my work supporting NGOs to align with institutional frameworks, I’ve seen how speaking the language of policy, whether SDGs or ESG, opens doors to scale and influence.”
India, she notes, has made significant commitments to climate action, both at national and state levels. But she emphasises that the real impact often happens closer to the ground within decentralised governance systems.
“Panchayati Raj institutions, urban municipalities, local planning bodies, and the civil society are key to implementing climate resilience. When NGOs align with these systems, not just high-level policies, they become a part of a larger, embedded solution.”
She adds that corporates are increasingly interested in partnerships that are strategic, innovative and rooted in community. “It comes down to how you translate your program in a way that speaks to a business’s CSR or ESG priorities. You need to find alignment without compromising your values.”
Media and research institutions also play a role. “Media shapes public behaviour. Researchers build evidence. When NGOs collaborate with them, especially to integrate data or tech solutions, the impact becomes more visible, more grounded, and often more trusted.”
How Young People Can Lead Change in Climate and Social Impact
So many young people today are driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully yet navigating where and how to begin can feel overwhelming. Neeru encourages them to begin with curiosity and deep listening, both to the world and to themselves.
If you’re advocating for behaviour change in communities, begin with your own. Choose one sustainable practice, conserving water, reducing plastic, or conscious consumption , and commit to it. That personal alignment builds integrity in your work.”
She sees volunteering as a powerful first step. “When you show up and learn through experience, the rest follows. If you’re deeply grounded in what you’re doing, opportunities and eventually financial security follow.”
She also highlights the value of continuous learning. “There are so many resources, UN platforms, free online courses, field-based fellowships, learning is a lifelong asset. And mentorship has been critical in my own journey. I always tell young people, don’t hesitate to ask someone you admire for guidance.”
Beyond formal education or internships, she encourages exposure to different fields. “Design, data, technology, communications, these are all part of the ecosystem now. Interdisciplinary exposure enriches your perspective and strengthens your contribution.”
The Skills Future Leaders Need in the development sector
When asked what skills truly matter for the next generation of social impact leaders, Neeru doesn’t begin with tools or certifications. For her, it starts with mindset.
“You can always learn the technical,” she says. “But without systems thinking, emotional intelligence, and a hunger to learn, it’s hard to lead change in complex environments.”
At the heart of this is systems thinking, the ability to see interconnections between issues that may seem separate. “One cannot design sustainable change in development or climate action through linear thinking or short-term fixes. Understanding how land use, water security, livelihoods, education, and governance intersect is essential if we want our solutions to be effective and lasting.”
She adds that emotional intelligence is just as critical. “In my facilitation work, I’ve seen that emotionally attuned leaders are the ones who build the deepest trust, and trust is everything in this sector.”
Empathy, she believes, is more than a personal virtue, it’s a strategic capacity. “Empathy helps you make better decisions because you’re thinking about the people those decisions will affect. That kind of clarity only comes when you can genuinely see the world through someone else’s eyes.”
While mindset comes first, understanding systems also requires some foundational knowledge. Neeru encourages aspiring leaders to build a working familiarity with frameworks like climate finance, ESG, and key policy instruments, not to become technical experts, but to navigate decision-making spaces with more awareness and influence.
How Optimism Helps Navigate the Challenges of Social and Environmental Change
Amidst the various challenges that the world is facing such as shrinking resources, restricted civic space, and the accelerating impacts of climate change, Neeru remains hopeful.
“We’re already seeing the effects of the climate crisis in our daily lives, unpredictable weather, floods, extreme heat, and disruption of livelihoods. Yet amidst this, there is also energy, commitment, and innovation coming from many corners,” This is deeply connected to the psychological toll the climate crisis is already taking on individuals and communities, a theme we explore further in our feature on the effects of environmental crises on mental health.
It’s important to recognise how policy can create space for action. “Global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals and climate agreements are pushing countries, including India, to take bold action. India has made significant climate commitments and is showing leadership at both national and state levels”.
There are shifts showing how collaboration between sectors can unlock deeper impact. “Businesses are shifting too, embracing ESG principles, embedding sustainability into their operations, and seeking more meaningful partnerships with civil society.
A growing number of organisations are also investing in long-term capacity building, recognising that resilient institutions are key to lasting change. Funders, support networks, and intermediary organisations are collaborating to share tools, frameworks, and strategies that help nonprofits implement better. Initiatives like ‘pay what it takes’ and trust-based philanthropy are reshaping the conversation around what it means to resource organisations meaningfully.” she says.
“When we make knowledge, resources, and processes accessible to those working closest to the ground, implementation becomes stronger and more sustainable,” This kind of accessibility is fundamental to real progress.
And young people continue to be a source of transformation, reimagining the world through minimalism, climate entrepreneurship, and socially conscious innovation. The rise in youth-led sustainability startups is both promising and powerful.
The emergence of digital tools, AI, and outcome-based financing models, such as carbon credits and social impact bonds, signals new ways to monitor change, track impact, and shift power to communities.”
“We’re also seeing a welcome evolution in how philanthropy operates, with funders beginning to invest in long-term relationships, rooted in trust, flexibility, and respect for local leadership.” she says.
But for Neeru, the most powerful sign of hope lies in who is leading the work.
“Organisations in closest proximity to communities hold the highest potential for real impact. And we’re seeing those very actors – indigenous communities, women, frontline workers – step into their power and lead change in deeply rooted, contextual ways. Their clarity and courage inspire me every single day.” Their leadership reflects a deep, lived understanding of what resilience really means.
“A lot is shifting, in India, globally, and most powerfully at the last mile. That’s where the heart of real, lasting change truly lies.” It’s in these overlooked spaces that the most meaningful transformation often begins.
How to Trust NGOs with Your Donations
In an era where accountability matters more than ever, Neeru offers a perspective that bridges the gap between donors and NGOs.
“Trust comes with time, but it also begins with intention. Start by asking yourself what issues do you care about? What kind of change do you want to support? Which geographies, communities, or interventions align with your values?”
She cautions against giving based only on visibility or scale.
“Don’t just look for popularity. Look for clarity of purpose, consistency of work, and how the organisation engages with the people it serves.”
She also speaks to the often unseen side of social change.
“Running an NGO is not easy. It requires resilience, resourcefulness, and deep commitment to purpose. Many of these organisations are held together by people who work against enormous odds, often with limited resources, because they believe in something bigger than themselves.”
Her belief is clear that trust should be the starting point, not the reward.
“I believe we should begin with trust, and only withdraw it if that trust is broken. Don’t wait for perfection, look for alignment, transparency, and honesty.”
And giving, she says, is most powerful when it’s personal.
“Engage meaningfully. Follow their work. Ask questions. Visit the community if you can. And if time is limited, give where your values align. Giving is a relationship, not a transaction.”
Lastly, she highlights the role of communication, not just for donors, but for the NGOs themselves.
“Transparency matters. So does storytelling. Helping organisations communicate their work clearly and consistently is part of how we build long-term donor relationships, rooted not in scrutiny, but in shared purpose.”
In a world brimming with complex challenges, Neeru Chaudhary reminds us that clarity, compassion, and community-led action are the strongest foundations for climate leadership. Her work is a testament to how deep listening, systems thinking, and a resilient mindset can help shape a more equitable, sustainable world. One step, one alliance, and one empowered changemaker at a time.