Product Overview

This case discusses the evolution of VIKAS, from a small non-profit organisation to a cluster of non-profit as well as for-profit organisations, collectively attempting to address the issues of poverty and under-development. This case discusses the factors that influenced the evolution of VIKAS (non-profit organisation) and SAVE (for-profit organisation). The case provides an understanding about the necessity of incorporating a for-profit entity along with a non-profit entity in order to enhance the sustainability and impact of the developmental work carried out by VIKAS. The main questions this case raises are: Is the model of combining cause (developmental work carried out by VIKAS) with commerce (for-profit work done by SAVE) sustainable? What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a model? Is this model of organising scalable? Why or why not?

Learning Objectives

Discuss and debate the nature of activities of VIKAS and SAVE. Discuss the strategic/instrumental, legal and ethical reasons for why NGOs such as VIKAS incorporate for-profit organizations. Discuss the value-added to the company and society from incorporating for-profit subsidiaries in the NGO.