Deadline: 23-Jan-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting grant applications from non-profit organizations to establish workplace-based creche facilities in industrial clusters across India. The initiative aims to improve childcare access, support women workers, and enhance women’s economic empowerment in urban lower-income communities. Target states include Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Haryana, with cities like Aurangabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Panipat prioritized.
Overview of the UNDP Creche Initiative
The UNDP initiative supports the creation of workplace-based childcare facilities to alleviate unpaid care burdens on women workers and unlock their economic potential. By establishing accessible, affordable, and high-quality creches, the programme aims to strengthen systemic childcare solutions within industrial clusters and enhance stakeholder capacity to support women’s economic participation.
Key Features of the Programme
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Target Beneficiaries: Women workers in industrial clusters, particularly from urban lower-income households.
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Facility Requirements: Creches accommodating at least 30 children per site.
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Geographic Focus: Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Haryana; priority cities include Aurangabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Panipat. Other locations may be considered based on feasibility.
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Eligible Organizations: Non-profits, NGOs, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, or institutions legally incorporated with a minimum of five years of experience in worker welfare, women’s economic empowerment, skilling, or MSME-focused welfare activities.
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Programme Goals: Expand childcare access, reduce unpaid care burdens, promote women’s economic empowerment, and strengthen institutional capacity for childcare solutions.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Organization Type: Legally incorporated non-profits, NGOs, civil society organizations, or community-based organizations.
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Experience: Minimum five years in worker welfare initiatives, women’s empowerment, skilling, capacity building, or MSME-focused welfare programs.
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Facilities: Available physical space for a creche accommodating at least 30 children.
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Location: Projects must be implemented in one or more of the prescribed states (Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Haryana). Priority cities are Aurangabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Panipat.
Why This Initiative Matters
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Promotes Women’s Economic Empowerment: Reduces unpaid care burdens and enables women to participate more fully in the workforce.
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Expands Childcare Access: Provides accessible, affordable, and quality workplace-based care for children of working women.
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Strengthens Institutional Capacity: Increases awareness and skills among public and private stakeholders to support childcare infrastructure.
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Supports Sustainable Development Goals: Focuses on inclusive economic growth, social protection, and resilient development.
How to Apply
Step 1: Assess Feasibility
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Identify industrial clusters with high concentrations of women workers.
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Confirm available space for a creche accommodating at least 30 children.
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Consider alignment with urban lower-income household needs and local feasibility.
Step 2: Prepare the Proposal
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Demonstrate organizational capacity and five years of relevant experience.
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Outline the proposed creche model, including operational plan, staffing, and childcare curriculum.
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Include plans for monitoring, evaluation, and evidence-based outcomes.
Step 3: Submit the Application
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Complete the UNDP Request for Information (RFI) form with detailed project description, target population, location, and proposed budget.
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Include proof of legal incorporation, prior experience, and facility readiness.
Step 4: Review and Selection
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UNDP evaluates applications based on feasibility, organizational capacity, alignment with objectives, and potential impact on women’s economic empowerment.
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Selected organizations are invited to participate in further grant discussions and potential implementation partnerships.
Tips and Common Mistakes
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Ensure Facility Readiness: Creches must accommodate at least 30 children; proposals without space will be ineligible.
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Focus on Women Workers: Clearly link childcare provision to reducing unpaid care burdens and enhancing economic participation.
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Highlight Organizational Experience: Demonstrate a minimum of five years of relevant work in worker welfare or women’s empowerment.
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Select Feasible Locations: Priority is given to industrial clusters in the prescribed states and cities; other locations require strong justification.
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Include Evidence-Based Planning: Proposals should include operational, monitoring, and impact assessment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Non-profits, NGOs, civil society organizations, or legally incorporated community-based institutions with at least five years of experience in worker welfare, women’s empowerment, or related initiatives.
2. What is the minimum creche capacity?
Creches must accommodate at least 30 children per site.
3. Which locations are eligible?
Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Haryana, with priority cities Aurangabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Panipat. Other locations may be considered based on feasibility.
4. What types of projects are supported?
Workplace-based childcare facilities that improve childcare access, support women workers, and promote economic empowerment.
5. How does the initiative link to SDGs?
It contributes to inclusive economic growth, gender equality, social protection, and resilient development.
6. Is prior experience mandatory?
Yes, applicants must have at least five years of experience in worker welfare, women’s economic empowerment, skilling, capacity building, or MSME-focused welfare initiatives.
7. Can industrial clusters outside the priority cities apply?
Yes, provided feasibility and alignment with programme objectives are demonstrated.
Conclusion
The UNDP workplace-based creche initiative offers an opportunity for non-profit organizations in India to establish childcare facilities that reduce unpaid care burdens and empower women economically. By targeting industrial clusters in key urban areas, the programme strengthens institutional capacity, promotes sustainable development, and improves childcare access for lower-income households, unlocking broader social and economic benefits for women and their families.
For more information, visit UNDP.
