RFP - Baseline and Cluster feasibility assessment

Apply by: 08 Aug 2026

Terms of Reference/ Scope Document for Baseline Survey for

Mpowered Plus- Scale Up cluster

Trickle Up India Foundation (TUIF) Invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from reputed research agencies, academic institutions, and consulting firms to conduct Baseline Surveys and B2B Market Assessments in the following operational areas:

Rayagada District, Odisha: Kalyansinghpur and Ramnaguda Block

Kandhamal District, Odisha: Daringbadi Block

Dumka District, Jharkhand: Raneshwar and Ramgarh Block

The assessments will support the identification of suitable Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and viable trade opportunities for micro-enterprise development by generating a comprehensive understanding of the existing socio-economic conditions, livelihood opportunities, and digital readiness of the target communities. The study will identify pathways for sustainable livelihood enhancement and social transformation, while mapping potential SHGs—particularly those comprising Affirmative Action women who are not currently engaged in collective enterprises—for inclusion in the project. In addition, a baseline survey will be conducted among existing project participants, including Smart Sakhis, to assess the current level of digital integration, technology adoption, and usage within the same geographic areas. The combined findings will inform the selection of SHGs, enterprise interventions, and digital inclusion strategies for effective project implementation.

1. Introduction

Trickle Up India Foundation (TUIF) is a nationally registered non-profit organization that partners with women in ultra-poverty in India to build economic opportunity and drive inclusion. In collaboration with government agencies and local non-governmental organizations, TUIF reaches underserved women in remote rural areas through programs that enable them to build resilient pathways out of poverty for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Since 2013, TUIF has been working with women in ultra-poverty who have faced lifelong discrimination and socio-economic exclusion. Through its programs, participants develop sustainable livelihoods and strong savings habits, strengthening their capacity, self-reliance, and stability. This process fosters improved self-esteem and resilience, with positive ripple effects across families and communities over generations.

TUIF has reached approximately 150,000 extremely poor women and their families across 22 districts in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Its programs are grounded in rigorous evidence, with a strong focus on the Graduation Approach. This sequenced and time-bound model combines participant identification, livelihood planning based on market assessments, training and coaching, consumption support, asset transfer, and savings support. The approach promotes both economic and social inclusion by integrating participants into savings groups.

2. MPowered Plus – Scale-Up Cluster Program

The objective of the Scale-Up Cluster Project is to transition of approximately 6,000 women from Affirmative Action communities (Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Persons with Disabilities) across 500 SHGs in Jharkhand and