ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth

In recent years, the ICICI Foundation has expanded the scope of its work to include various environmental initiatives. This is because we understand that people’s livelihoods and other developmental initiatives are closely linked with their immediate environment.

In a time of heightened risk and pressure from climate change, strengthening local ecosystems is a way to build resilience in local communities.

Most of the initiatives we’ve undertaken, whether it is watershed management, lake rejuvenation, or climate-resilient agriculture, have a direct bearing on the livelihoods of our communities. Water scarcity is an existential threat to rural economies, one which is only exacerbated by climate change. Outside of the larger efforts to mitigate the issue, there is a pointed, grassroots approach through our programmes, where we empower communities to take control of their own water resources.

By engaging with people through various programmes, we aim to build a culture of conservation that can lead to long-term, sustainable solutions for water management.

India’s forests are under threat due to various factors — industrialisation, urbanisation, and agricultural expansion. In rural areas, localised, community-led solutions are important to tackle deforestation. By implementing programmes that address the underlying socio-economic issues, the ICICI Foundation is addressing the root cause that contributes to deforestation — whether it is poverty or lack of alternative livelihoods.

Involving the community in forest conservation efforts means that solutions are likely to be more effective, creating lasting change.

With rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, the amount of waste being generated has increased exponentially. More than ever, effective waste management is crucial for building a sustainable future. At ICICI Foundation, we are committed to promoting sustainable waste management practices to help reduce the environmental impact of waste. To achieve this, we have implemented a range of initiatives, including promoting waste reduction, recycling, and working with communities to implement innovative waste management solutions. We are working on specific, contextual strategies and initiatives to build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

The Academy for Skills has trained more than 1.86 lakh students so far. Most of these trainees come from diverse economic and social backgrounds. Many students have used vocational training to overcome their difficult circumstances and move ahead in life.

Affordable and timely healthcare is an often ignored component of social development in communities. The benefits of good healthcare systems are often intangible, but acutely felt when absent. And a chronic illness or disease isn’t just an added burden in terms of expenses. When people from low-income families aren’t able to earn a livelihood, the entire family is affected. In this context, the ICICI Foundation has been working to strengthen local health systems and provide long-term security for families we are working with.

"Right since its inception, the ICICI Foundation has focused on increasing the income of individuals and communities. We did this by directly supporting income-generating activities and undertaking skill training that allows people to take up decent jobs.Over the years, our focus has expanded from just providing an income to strengthening livelihoods. A major component of this was setting up inclusive value chains in rural areas, where entire communities are able to leverage resources to multiply their income in a short time.

Our long-standing work with the Academy of Skills has seen us develop an ecosystem of skilling. We’ve brought together knowledge partners, excellent training modules and industry giants through the Academy. We are able to help those at the margins of society, right from providing training to helping with job placements. With 28 academies and 1.85 lakh trainees so far, we’ve been able to do this efficiently, at considerable scale.

Our financial literacy programmes are aimed at empowering people, and letting them take charge of their lives. A decent income and livelihood is the most direct way of empowering people. And that’s what we have set out to do with our economy-focused programmes. "