Across Southeast Asia, unpaid care work quietly sustains families, communities, and entire economies. From childcare to eldercare and household responsibilities, this essential work remains largely invisible and disproportionately carried by women. Now, a new regional grant opportunity is shining a spotlight on entrepreneurs who are turning this challenge into innovative, impactful solutions.
Why This Grant Matters
Unpaid care work is not the issue—it is vital to society. The real challenge lies in its lack of recognition, support, and fair distribution. Women across ASEAN spend significantly more time on unpaid care tasks than men, limiting their access to education, employment, and leadership opportunities.
This is where local entrepreneurs step in. Small businesses, social enterprises, and community initiatives are already creating practical, culturally relevant solutions—from community childcare services to care-friendly workplaces. However, many of these efforts remain underfunded and underrepresented in policy discussions.
About the Grant Opportunity
The Caring Entrepreneurs ASEAN Grant Program, launched by Oxfam and ESCAP, aims to bridge this gap by supporting grassroots innovators working at the intersection of care and entrepreneurship.
What You’ll Receive
- Up to $10,000 in funding
- Support for 5 months of documentation, storytelling, and reflection
- Opportunity to contribute to regional policy discussions
- Participation in a regional learning event in Bangkok (November 2026)
What the Grant Supports
This is a learning and documentation grant, not a business expansion fund. Selected grantees will focus on:
- Capturing and sharing their business journey
- Highlighting innovative care-focused models
- Engaging with policymakers and stakeholders
- Producing storytelling outputs (e.g., reports, documentaries, campaigns)
What the Grant Does NOT Cover
- Infrastructure or large-scale expansion
- Equipment purchases
- Loans or business capital
- Long-term staffing unrelated to documentation
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Social enterprises
- Cooperatives and community-based initiatives
Especially those working on:
- Paid care services (childcare, eldercare, disability care)
- Care-responsive workplace practices
- Innovations that reduce unpaid care burdens
Women-led and community-driven organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
To apply, you must:
- Submit a narrative proposal (max 4 pages)
- Include a budget plan (up to $10,000)
- Send your application to: info@oxfam.org.ph
- Use the subject line: “Application: Caring Entrepreneurs”
📅 Deadline: 10 May 2026
For more information about this apportunity, click here.
Discover more grants opportunities, click here.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
This grant is more than funding—it’s a platform to amplify your impact, influence policy, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable care economy across ASEAN. If your work is rooted in community, driven by purpose, and focused on care, this is your chance to be part of a regional movement for change.
