UNICEF’s Bastar 2.0 call seeks a locally established implementation partner to strengthen child and maternal survival, climate-resilient water and sanitation, nutrition and access to social protection in underserved communities of Chhattisgarh. Application deadline: 14 October 2026 (deadline today).
Opportunity overview
- UN Partner Portal reference: CEF/IND/2026/082
- Issuing agency: UNICEF
- Geography: Bastar region, Chhattisgarh, India
- Application deadline: 14 October 2026 (deadline today)
- Planned implementation period: 1 December 2026 to 31 December 2027
- Indicative funding: Not disclosed
- Application channel: UN Partner Portal
Programme objectives and delivery model
Remote and tribal communities in the Bastar region face overlapping disadvantages that cannot be solved by a single health or sanitation campaign. The proposed programme takes an integrated approach involving local authorities, front-line workers, facilities, schools and community groups. It includes work within the Government’s Niyad Nellanar areas and technical support across selected districts.
The climate-resilient WASH component focuses on safe water, sanitation and hygiene in schools, pre-schools and other institutions, sustainable waste management, cleaner healthcare facilities and menstrual hygiene. It also links climate risk to facility planning, energy efficiency and disaster preparedness. Accessibility for children with disabilities and adolescents’ needs should shape the design.
Health-system strengthening involves facility assessment, quality improvement and staff supervision. Nutrition activities refer to screening, reliable POSHAN Tracker data, continuity of services and locally appropriate food diversity. Social-protection support includes helping excluded households access existing documentation, entitlements and services through the relevant government systems.
The implementing partner needs a credible field delivery model across these functions. A strong plan would define which public department owns each service, where case referrals take place and how the organisation will demonstrate improvements without creating a parallel structure.
Who should consider applying?
Organisations based in the Bastar region with demonstrated multisectoral delivery and work with relevant government departments, including in operationally difficult areas.
Selection criteria and competitive positioning
The matrix expressly scores access and security at 10 points and clarity of programme activities and expected results at 20 points. Additional criteria in the full terms of reference cover multisector expertise and credible implementation arrangements. Confirm any government authorisation and partner-registration requirements directly.
Five application priorities
- 1. Prove operational establishment in Bastar with office and staff evidence, prior assignments and government working relationships.
- 2. Map which health, nutrition, WASH and social-protection activities the organisation can genuinely deliver, rather than treating every theme as a mandatory promise.
- 3. Use existing public service delivery data to specify credible baselines, referral processes and roles for community personnel.
- 4. Budget facility support, training, travel and supervision realistically; separate staff from supply and infrastructure costs.
- 5. Prepare safe access protocols, feedback channels and a clear reporting framework for children and other vulnerable groups.
A practical evidence example
For example, a facility-improvement component might track a completed accessibility audit, approved facility action plan, corrective action and service-use follow-up. A single hygiene-awareness session would not establish that water quality or infection-prevention practices improved.
Important mistake to avoid
Do not describe eligibility as open to all Indian NGOs. The stated local-presence and government-experience conditions are crucial. Because the application date is today, the first task is confirming that the portal still accepts submissions.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a general grant across India?
No. The call focuses on the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh and places importance on a local operational base.
Which programme components are included?
Climate-resilient WASH, maternal and child health, nutrition-system support, social protection and associated institutional capacity.
What is the application deadline?
The published notice lists 14 October 2026. Current acceptance and the exact closing time must be confirmed on the portal.
Does it fund any applicant amount?
A fixed award amount is not disclosed in the call summary.
Are district names final?
Applicants should use the exact district and activity allocations in the current full terms of reference.
Official source and application route
Applicants should locate CEF/IND/2026/082 on the official UN Partner Portal. Read the current full terms of reference and attachments, including the technical and financial proposal templates, exact closing time, safeguarding requirements and any amendments. These calls select prospective partners and do not guarantee an agreement.
This call lists 14 October 2026 as the submission date. Confirm directly on the UN Partner Portal whether submissions are still accepted before preparing an application.
Next steps for your organisation
A bid/no-bid review should begin with legal eligibility, local presence, demonstrable technical skills, sound financial controls and the time available to produce a credible proposal. Use the Africads Grant Funding Toolkit to organise evidence and implementation readiness. For an independent review of fit or a draft concept note, contact Africads Consultants. Subscribe to free Grant News to receive future opportunities.
