DCT has developed Integrated Community Development Programmes, in and around Nandesari, in the state of Gujarat. The programme has benefited a total population of 50,000 approximately in 27 villages.

Rural women, who are cattle-rearers, were educated on cattle care and on improving milk yield. These women are engaged in the Dairy Milk Co-operative Movement. The effort benefited 500 women and the turnover from the milk co-operatives reached a record of Rs. 76,13,231. More on empowerment for Women.

Training of women in other skills, like making readymade garments, leather goods, etc. to help create income opportunities. To improve economic and social conditions of women, "sangathan" were organised in 12 villages.

DCT has also been working on programmes for adolescent development. Around 810 adolescents have been trained in livelihood skills like tailoring, repairing home appliances and motor rewinding. Counselling on reproductive health and gender issues is also provided. More about our programmes for adolescent development.

DCT has encouraged people to save money and form "Self-help Groups" or "bachat mandals", wherein the members save every month and lend to those members who are in need of money. At Nandesari, there are 146 self-help groups with a membership of 2,646 persons. In December 2002, Deepak Charitable Trust was awarded a small grant by the American Jewish World Service, a U.S. based funding organisation, to strengthen the existing Self Help Groups.

Deepak Group has also planned to adopt Tikkar Village, Halvad Taluka, near Little Rann of Kutch. The company plans to support activities of income generation, by providing ground water facility, increasing production of fodder, etc.

DMF runs a hospital at Nandesari (Dist. Baroda, Gujarat) offering medical aid to out-patient, in-patient, diagnostic, referral and emergency services. Recently, ultrasound equipment has been installed in the Hospital for diagnostic support to OBGYN work. More about the DMF hospital.

DMF also runs a clinic at Taloja in Chindran village (Dist. Raigad, Maharashtra), which apart from offering out-patient and emergency services, also provides clinical services in pediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology, leprosy, immunization etc.

The foundation has been actively working in the area of mother and childcare and has been providing training and communication on health care. Ante-natal clinics were run in 13 villages around Nandesari to tackle reproductive health problems. More about our Interventions in reproductive and child health.

The Foundation has initiated and supported the creation of 40 Aanganwadis, which takes care of children. This is run as a part of the government's Integrated Child Development Scheme.

The foundation is now working on curtailing the spread of STI/HIV/AIDS.

These efforts are being made with the support of the Department for International Development (DfID), British High Commission and the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW). The Foundation has received recognition and support from foreign institutions such as the Population Council, UNFPA and the Ford Foundation.