The U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai, at the U.S. Department of State, announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program that promotes diversity in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in India.
Donor Name: U.S. Mission to India
Country: United States and India
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/22/2023
Size of the Grant: $150,000
Grant Duration: 15 months
Details:
This project aims to build a cohort of 60-75 MSMEs from across India with strong diversity and inclusion (D&I) policies, which will influence the larger MSME community in India to adopt similar policies and practices. By leveraging the convening power of U.S. and Indian trade bodies such as chambers of commerce and industry, and by underscoring the “business case” (i.e., benefits to the bottom line) for MSMEs that incorporate D&I policies and practices, the project will help businesses adhere to critical compliance requirements such as Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) and Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) stipulated by the Indian government through a multi-pronged approach:
- Sensitize and raise awareness among 10-15 owners of MSMEs from each of the five regions in India covered by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and U.S. Consulates General in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai (U.S. Mission), a total of 60-75 business owners, about the economic advantages of a diverse workforce.
- Inspire and assist these business owners to institutionalize policies and compliance measures from recruitment to retirement to help expand the diversity quotient and build an inclusive labor force.
- Convene and recognize participating organizations at a nationwide conclave to share successes, discuss learnings, and determine roadmaps to further strengthen their D&I frameworks, helping other MSMEs follow suit.
- Develop best practices and create digital stories that can be used as a tool to help guide other organizations.
Project Goal
By encouraging MSMEs to implement policies that ensure inclusive growth and provide equal opportunities to employees from diverse cultural, religious, gender, and social backgrounds, this grant will promote shared democratic values between India and the United States.
Program Objectives
Within 12-15 months after completion of the program, at least 10MSMEs from each of the five regions in India covered by the U.S. Mission will assign a dedicated DEIA lead and draft and put into practice new inclusive and gender-neutral policies before their next recruitment cycle.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $150,000
- Award Ceiling: $150,000
- Award Floor: $100,000
- Length of performance period: 15 months
Priority Region: India
Project Audience(s)
- Business owners from across India as well as U.S. and Indian trade bodies and chambers of commerce and industry, including but not limited to the American Chamber of Commerce, U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI), Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), which have an influence on business owners in their regions and can influence D&I compliance. The project will also leverage the experience and best practices of MSMEs with proven track records incorporating D&I policies and practices to help accomplish the project goals. Primary, secondary, and tertiary audiences will include:
- Primary audience: Owners and managers of MSMEs
- Secondary audience: Trade and commerce bodies
- Tertiary audience: Members of minority communities; MSMEs who are yet to be sensitized
Eligibility Criteria
- The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Public and private educational institutions
- Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions
- Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
