Kolkata Urban Services for the Poor

In 2005, KUSP created an Innovative /Challenge Fund (I/ CF) to support civil society organizations in undertaking innovative and pioneering initiatives that contribute to the overall mandate of urban governance ,with focus on the poor and the vulnerable sections of the society. Accordingly, an annual amount of 3.5 crores has been allocated for this fund from KUSP budget, throughout the entire duration of the programme. Observing the success and the potential of the programme Jamsetji Tata Trust, Mumbai has committed a grant of Rs. 5.4crores for 3 years (2009 - 2012).

At present, 181 projects have been approved under I/ CF reaching out to a total population size of over 3.45 lakh, mostly constituting the urban poor, slum dwellers and marginalized people with a special focus on women, children and differently-abled people.     

Objectives of Innovative/ Challenge fund:

• To support Civil Society Groups (CBOs, NGOs, research and academic institutions etc) in taking up initiatives within the broad area of urban governance.

• To encourage and support innovative and good practices within the thematic areas defined.

• To create a competitive environment for accessing the fund.