Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts | Photo Credit: FRANCIS MASCARENHAS

Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata has said philanthropy needs to have measurable and sustainable outcomes in his message in the FY26 annual report.

Tata Trusts disbursed grants worth ₹1,556 crore to individuals and institutions in FY26 while emphasising their focus on education and health sectors. In FY25 grants totalled ₹902 crore.

“We need to move beyond measuring philanthropy by the number of people reached or the amount spent. We must be able to show, in meaningful and measurable terms, what has changed as a result of our efforts, and whether those changes can be sustained. This is an important part of being accountable not only to those who support our work, but, more importantly, to the  communities we serve,” Tata said.

While supporting families facing medical crises, the Trusts are also working towards a network of forty to fifty not-for-profit general hospitals across the country. These hospitals will have a model that will allow those who can afford to pay for care, help make quality treatment accessible to those who cannot, Tata said.

Tata has also called for educational institutions which can nurture talent locally and prevent brain drain. “Every year, talented young Indians leave the country to pursue opportunities that are not always available to them at home....What we need are more institutions in India capable of nurturing that talent, giving young people the opportunity to learn, discover and contribute without having to look elsewhere,” he said.

“Whilst the Tata Trusts have incubated several institutions of national importance, and will continue to do so in the future, we may also seek out other philanthropies and like minded organisations to shoulder this responsibility, and partner with us, wherever warranted and necessary. Systemic change happens when all players in the ecosystem play their part in a coordinated and efficient manner,” he said. 

Tata Trusts own 66 per cent of Tata Sons, the holding company of the conglomerate. The annual general meeting for Tata Sons could not be held in August as Sir Ratan Tata Trust, one of the two key Tata Trusts, is facing regulatory probe. As a consequence dividend payout of ₹4,474 crore to shareholders including Tata Trusts has been delayed.

Published on October 17, 2026