2026 UNICEF Grant Opportunity for Child Protection and Adolescent Wellbeing in Maharashtra India Application Open, The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is implementing a targeted programme in Maharashtra aimed at improving child protection and adolescent wellbeing in high-risk districts, particularly Jalna and Nashik. The initiative is designed to enhance mental health services, reinforce child protection mechanisms, and strengthen community-level support systems to help safeguard children and adolescents from challenges such as child marriage, abuse, exploitation, and emotional or psychological distress.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.
Last Date of Submission: 18th May 2026
About the UNICEF Child Protection and Adolescent Wellbeing Programme
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has launched a comprehensive initiative in Maharashtra to strengthen child protection systems and promote the mental and emotional wellbeing of adolescents living in vulnerable communities. The programme primarily focuses on the districts of Jalna and Nashik, where children and young people face multiple social, economic, and environmental challenges.
The initiative adopts an integrated approach by combining community participation, school-based support systems, and government-led interventions to address issues such as mental health concerns, child protection gaps, violence, exploitation, and social exclusion. UNICEF is implementing the programme in partnership with government agencies, local institutions, and community organizations to establish sustainable support structures for children and adolescents.
Programme Coverage Areas 2026 UNICEF Grant Opportunity for Child Protection and Adolescent Wellbeing in Maharashtra India Application Open
Jalna District
The programme addresses several critical vulnerabilities in Jalna, including:
- Repeated drought conditions and agricultural hardships
- Seasonal migration disrupting children’s education and care
- Higher risks of child marriage and malnutrition
- Limited access to healthcare and educational services
Nashik District
In Nashik, the programme focuses on challenges such as:
- Socio-economic disparities and remote geographic conditions
- Large-scale migration
- Marginalization of indigenous and tribal communities
- Increased exposure to exploitation, early marriage, and mental health-related issues
Key Focus Areas for 2026 UNICEF Grant Opportunity for Child Protection and Adolescent Wellbeing in Maharashtra India Application Open
Child Protection
- Preventing violence, abuse, and exploitation against children
- Strengthening local child protection mechanisms
- Identifying at-risk children at an early stage
Gender-Based Violence Prevention
- Developing prevention and response systems for gender-based violence
- Building community awareness and protection structures
- Supporting survivors through referral and assistance mechanisms
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
- Expanding mental health services for children and adolescents
- Providing psychosocial support for families and caregivers
- Strengthening community counselling and wellbeing programmes
Prevention of Harmful Practices
- Combating child marriage
- Preventing family-child separation
- Addressing harmful social norms that increase vulnerability
Equity and Inclusion
- Supporting tribal and marginalized communities
- Addressing vulnerabilities linked to climate-related migration
- Improving inclusive access to essential services
Main Objectives of the Programme 2026 UNICEF Grant Opportunity for Child Protection and Adolescent Wellbeing in Maharashtra India Application Open
The initiative aims to:
- Reinforce community-level child protection systems
- Improve adolescent mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Strengthen early identification of vulnerable children
- Enhance referral and response services
- Reduce child marriage and exploitation risks
- Build stronger community-based protection networks
- Improve access to services for vulnerable populations
Expected Programme Results
- Youth Volunteer Network – Bal Mitras
The programme will identify and train adolescent volunteers known as Bal Mitras who will:
- Work within selected Gram Panchayats
- Promote peer-led mental health awareness
- Support outreach and wellbeing initiatives
- Training of Frontline Workers
Capacity-building programmes will be conducted for personnel from:
- Health departments
- Education systems
- Child protection services
- Tribal development sectors
The training will improve early detection of mental health concerns and strengthen referral systems.
- Community Engagement Activities
The initiative will organize:
- Mental health and wellbeing sessions for adolescents and caregivers
- Community psychosocial support activities
- Awareness and participation campaigns
- Development of Resource Materials
The programme will create:
- Context-specific learning tools
- Guidance materials for adolescent engagement
- Support resources for caregivers and frontline workers
- Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
The programme encourages coordinated action among:
- Self-help groups
- Adolescent clubs
- Village Child Welfare and Protection Committees
- Tribal schools
- Government departments
This collaborative model aims to strengthen child protection and wellbeing systems across communities.
- Strengthened Outreach Mechanisms
Efforts will include:
- Community outreach programmes
- Digital engagement platforms
- Improved information access for caregivers and adolescents
Target Beneficiaries
The programme primarily supports:
- Children and adolescents in vulnerable districts
- Families and caregivers
- Community health and education workers
- Government frontline staff
- Tribal and marginalized populations
- Migration-affected communities
Implementation Strategy
The programme follows a multi-dimensional implementation model that includes:
- Community-based interventions
- School-linked child protection systems
- Youth-led participation through Bal Mitras
- Government and NGO collaboration
- Both digital and offline outreach approaches
- Integration of psychosocial and mental health support
Anticipated Outcomes
Through this initiative, UNICEF expects to:
- Improve adolescent mental health and wellbeing
- Strengthen child protection systems in high-risk districts
- Reduce child marriage and exploitation
- Improve early identification of psychosocial distress
- Strengthen referral and support services
- Increase community participation and awareness
- Enhance coordination among stakeholders
Importance of the Programme
This UNICEF initiative addresses deeply rooted vulnerabilities in Maharashtra that are linked to poverty, migration, climate-related stress, and social inequality. By combining government systems, community participation, and youth engagement, the programme aims to create a stronger, more sustainable framework for protecting children and supporting adolescent wellbeing across vulnerable communities.
How to apply?
To apply for a partnership opportunity with any Agency, register and login onto the UN Partner Portal.
Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below
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