Gramin Vikas Trust started its journey in the year 1992 as a national level nonprofit development organization with the active support from Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd (KRIBHCO) and Ministry of Chemical &Fertilizers, GoI.

Since its inception GVT has been working untiringly for bringing change in rural India with special focus on marginalized and acting as a catalyst to transform their lives and livelihood, taking into change and environmental sustainability. GVT is directed by the Board of Trustees, which includes five Trustees from KRIBHCO, two Trustees from Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, and three nominated eminent Trustees from diverse backgrounds.
GVT has partnered with various organizations, Central, State Governments and a number of philanthropic and developmental agencies in implementing livelihood programs and developmental projects particularly in rural geographies.

GVT acts as knowledge repository and over the time have buildup internal implementing capacity, innovative methods, collaboration and convergence approaches for inclusive and sustainable development.

Gramin Vikas Trust has a well-endowed Academic and Field Research oriented Educational and Training Institute in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh; known as National Livelihood Resources Institute (NLRI).

NLRI is also managing an AICTE approved School of Rural Management (SRM), which has been offering two years post graduate diploma in Rural Planning and Management.

In eastern India GVT manages one Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Dist. Godda, Jharkhand, which is as per ICAR, one of the best leading organizations in Frontline Demonstration of best practices related to agriculture, livestock and forestry based initiatives.

GVT was started as a division of KRIBHCO to look after Eastern India Rainfed Projects (EIRFP) and Western India Projects (WIRFP) in seven states by forming several clusters in tribal areas for the upliftment of the tribals.

GVT not only diversified its activities, but also its geographical presence. It started some new initiatives and activities in line with its mission and vision like undertaking skill development of rural youth in various trades, having good job opportunities in business houses, agri-business, market linkages to rural handicraft artisans etc.