About SCOPE
Community participation is not a slogan. It is the method.
SCOPE is a Dharwad-based civil society organisation working with disadvantaged and rural communities through natural-resource management, livelihoods, education and locally rooted institutions.
Who we are
A development organisation built around people, resources and local capability.
Society for Community Participation and Empowerment (SCOPE) was established in 2000 and is headquartered in Dharwad, Karnataka. Its work has grown from natural-resource and water-management initiatives into a broader rural-development portfolio covering resilient agriculture, water and sanitation, farmer institutions, education, leadership and knowledge-based extension.
Across these programmes, SCOPE’s approach is consistent: mobilise communities, strengthen local institutions, connect people with practical technologies and knowledge, and create conditions in which communities can manage resources and development choices more effectively.
2000Established
DharwadHeadquarters
KarnatakaPrimary area of work
SOR/141Society registration
To facilitate community mobilisation and participation through appropriate technologies for efficient utilisation of natural resources, contributing to a better quality of life and stronger value systems.
SCOPE’s journey
One concern about water grew into a broader rural-development practice.
SCOPE is formed
SCOPE emerged from field experience with rural communities and concern about deteriorating traditional water and natural-resource systems in north Karnataka.
Tank rehabilitation and water governance
Work focused on the rehabilitation of irrigation tanks together with farmer mobilisation, local water-management institutions and community responsibility for shared resources.
Integrated farming and natural-resource management
SCOPE expanded into diversified farming systems, horticulture, forestry, fodder, farm ponds, rainwater harvesting and soil and water conservation.
Farmer groups, producer institutions and knowledge networks
Programmes strengthened collective action among farmers and connected rural communities with institutions, information, markets and agricultural extension.
Education, leadership and WatSan fellowships
The organisation broadened its work to include rural schoolchildren, young professionals, Gram Panchayats and participatory water and sanitation action.
Resilience, capability and sustainable livelihoods
SCOPE continues to build on its field experience in natural resources, livelihoods and community mobilisation, with increasing relevance to climate resilience and inclusive rural development.
Management team
Governance backed by field experience.
Chairperson
Angelina Gregory
Education and community-development professional with deep experience in teacher capacity building, school leadership and grassroots mobilisation.
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Vice-Chairman
Umesh Chinchani
Development professional and trainer with nearly three decades of experience across education, rural development, finance, marketing and ITES.
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Secretary
Banderao Patwari
Agricultural engineer and rural-development practitioner with three decades of field experience across livelihoods, water, institutions and education.
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Treasurer
Satishchandra Gondakar
Rural-development professional with two decades of experience across education, health, sanitation, environment, livelihoods and rehabilitation.
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Member
Shankar Narayan J. V.
Education and community-development leader with experience in tribal empowerment, rural institutions and foundational learning.
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Member
Suma Chilakwad
Entrepreneur and community contributor bringing business, education, culture and governance perspectives to SCOPE.
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Member
Veeresh Tadahal
Development professional working at the intersection of clean energy, sustainable livelihoods, public health and inclusive rural development.
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Member
Chandrashekarswamy M. T.
Impact and project-management leader with 23+ years of experience in livelihoods, climate resilience, financial inclusion and rural development.
View profile →Transparency
Development work needs institutional accountability.
SCOPE maintains organisational, programme and statutory records and has historically published annual reports, financial reports and programme documents. The redesigned publication section provides a clearer home for these materials as current approved documents are added.
View publications & reports