NF chose the community-based model for the NKN program. The NF team felt that the needs of the community must be put foremost. The design puts the needs of the community that the knowledge center serves first and is therefore implemented using a bottom-up, non-prescriptive approach.

The centres  have 3-5 computers, connectivity, content and co-ordinators.  The multimedia content available at the centres are used to deliver training and services to the communities. While NF facilitates the content and the connectivity component, a private donor (NASSCOM member) along with the NGO partner brings in the computers and co-ordinators or centre managers   Very often the physical space is donated by the local panchayat, school or people from the community. NKN centers render multi-purpose services to communities such as education, health, e-governance by facilitating access to information and essential services, providing opportunities through capacity building and training tools using ICT as outreach platform.

The program entails the actual implementation of NKN to be done by grassroots organizations. NF has identified several implementation partners who along with NF put in the hardware and peripheral devices to set up knowledge centers as their contribution to the partnerships. NF has also tied up with other organizations for content, service and implementation. Microsoft Unlimited Potential has funded a part of this program on a national level for two years. Apart from the funding, Microsoft is providing free of cost software upgrade for all the centers along with their Unlimited Potential courseware. NF has also received the support of Azim Premji Foundation, Cause an Effect Foundation, International Development Research Center, Rural –IT.Com, Tata Consultancy Services, UNDP and UNICEF.