The SIF Fund lays much emphasis on a bilateral (or multilateral) cooperation with their local partners. Those partners are preferred that work closely with the people concerned and display a high motivation and dynamism to shape their future. It is necessary that SIF partners also demonstrate a reasonable concern for the local ecology and the environment. The local organisations must be registered as per Indian law and must have a FCRA to receive foreign grants. An added value is given to those organisations with some experience in project management. The partners must be able to provide narratives on the project status as agreed as well as maintain regular financial statements.

Once partners are agreed upon, the SIF allocates from time to time a certain budget within which the local partners are expected to operate. SIF recognises their partners as local experts who have a good understanding of their context, problems and solutions, and respects decisions on the projects / activities to be realised in their regions. While projects / activities may be defined by the local partners, SIF is open to provide advise on goals / indicators and technical matters. At certain intervals SIF shall organise evaluation of the financed projects in cooperation with the local partners