Bengaluru is known for being the IT hub of India. The growth of IT sector in the region has made the city an attractive place for corporates of many other sectors, to set up their headquarters in and around Bengaluru. Presence of such major conglomerates has also led Bengaluru and regions around it to be a destination for CSR initiatives of these businesses.
Bengaluru was the largest recipient of CSR funds in FY 2021-22 in the state of Karnataka. The district of Bangalore Urban received a total of Rs.1074.13 crore of CSR funds while Bangalore Rural received Rs 120.57 crore. Let’s take a look at the top CSR projects in and around Bengaluru.
Top CSR initiatives in Bengaluru
CSR support to transform Government Schools
United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) as a part of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), the Government of Karnataka’s Samatva initiative signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the department in August 2024. This partnership aims to enhance the education landscape in peri-urban and rural areas across the state, with a particular focus on strengthening government schools.
Under the initiative called Samatva, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), the Government of Karnataka, envisions strengthening and transforming government schools into model institutions. These Karnataka Model Schools have been conceptualized to provide quality education to students from Lower KG (LKG) to Pre-University College (PUC) levels, all within a single campus. With upgraded infrastructure, facilities, and learning initiatives, the goal is to improve the learning and well-being of students. To achieve this, the DoSE&L has invited NGO and CSR partners for strategic collaboration.
Since 2008, UWBe has been actively working with government and government-aided schools. With the support of CSR partners, it recently strengthened the Karnataka Public School in Nandagudi, Hoskote, Bengaluru. This school serves approximately 1,200 children, primarily from families of migrant and wage labourers. Key enhancements under this initiative included the construction of new classrooms and renovation of existing infrastructure, upgrading of toilet facilities, setting up STEM labs and science laboratories, and the installation of solar panels to promote sustainability and energy efficiency. Additionally, teachers have received training in STEM education, enabling them to integrate innovative teaching methods into their classrooms.
CSR-funded multipurpose facility at Bengaluru school
The Shishu Mandir Education Centre in August this year announced the expansion of its partnership with Boeing India through the establishment of a Boeing-funded multipurpose facility at its Bengaluru school. The 6,000 sq. ft. facility was inaugurated by Chris Raymond, executive vice president of The Boeing Company and president and chief executive officer of Boeing Global Services, alongside Hella Mundhra, Founder of Shishu Mandir.
This new facility is designed to support 850 community beneficiaries daily, enhancing their educational, recreational, and day-to-day activities. “At Boeing, we believe that community service is more than just a commitment – it is central to how we operate as a business within our communities. By contributing to such initiatives, we aim to foster environments where every individual has access to resources that empower them to take flight and achieve their life aspirations,” said Raymond during the inauguration.
The multipurpose facility will feature state-of-the-art amenities, providing students with a conducive environment for learning and personal development. It will include spaces for educational activities, recreational areas, and facilities to support daily needs, ensuring a holistic approach to student and community welfare.
Over the years, Boeing has supported Shishu Mandir School through STEM education programs, scholarships for higher education, and a generous grant for school transportation. Boeing has also installed a state-of-the-art STEM lab designed to nurture curiosity and develop a passion for STEM learning through a real-world applications-based curriculum for the students. Boeing will also train 16 girls from Shishu Mandir to pursue careers in aviation as part of the Boeing Sukanya Program.
NTT DATA, a global digital business and IT services leader, in collaboration with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, announced the inauguration of a newly built government school in Lakshmipura, Bangalore in July 2024. This project exemplifies their shared commitment to creating significant long-term social impact through enhanced learning environments and comprehensive nutrition programs for students.
The school features:
– Innovative design: The school features a circular structure that maximizes energy efficiency and sustainability. The total built-up area stands at 902 square meters.
– Enhanced learning tools: Students have access to a computer lab and a well-stocked library, equipped with modern educational technologies.
– Health and nutrition: A kitchen garden on the premises allows students to participate in growing organic produce, encouraging healthy eating and sustainable living practices.
– Physical and security measures: The school is equipped with CCTV systems, modern toilet facilities, and extensive outdoor sports areas, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment.
– Water conservation: The inclusion of a rainwater harvesting system underlines the commitment to sustainability.
CSR for Lake Restoration
The Indian Army, 3one4Capital, and HandsOnCSR by That’s Eco Foundation annoumced in August 2024 that they have completed the successful restoration of a polluted aquifer, now known as Eagle’s Nest Lake. The 8-acre shallow aquifer was plagued by pollution, invasive species, and diminished water capacity. Recognizing the ecological and community value of the water body, the restoration project, led by HandsOnCSR, began with support from 3one4 Capital. The aquifer is now a thriving, clean lake, showcasing the power of effective environmental restoration.
Kennametal India Limited, together with Planet Sutra, a sustainability implementation partner, completed the Harokethanahalli lake restoration project at Bengaluru, India in June this year. The project spans nearly 18 acres of land, and the lake itself has a capacity of over 140 million litres of water.
Situated amidst agricultural land, commercial orchards and private farmhouses, and yet away from the public water supply system, the main source of water in the region is groundwater that is extracted through deeply dug borewells for consumption. Further, the hard rocky strata and steep slopes make it challenging for rainwater to percolate into aquifer zones and its runoff rapidly erodes the fertile soil. This initiative is expected to restore the quality of water of the lake and free it from garbage, effluents, and other pollutants. It should also raise the groundwater table by eight meters, benefitting up to 5000 people living in and around the Harokethanahalli lake. Another key benefit is the revival of the surrounding flora and fauna.
Addressing the severe water scarcity faced by Bengaluru, Alstom partnered with United Way Bangalore in June 2024 to successfully rejuvenate the Bidare Agrahara Lake, situated in the Doddabanahalli Village, Bengaluru East. The initiative is aligned to the larger ‘Wake the lake’ plan that aims to address the SDG goal 6.
This comprehensive restoration project has increased the lake’s water holding capacity to 18 crore litres, significantly improving the groundwater table and reviving Dakshina Pinakini River. It has led to the removal of 25,800 cubic meters of silt and 8,300 cubic meters of sludge from the lake, significantly improving its water quality and capacity.
To promote biodiversity, an island has been created for bird perching at the centre of the waterbody, and various native tree species were planted using traditional, dense and Miyawaki methods. Community amenities such as walk paths, benches, an adult open-air gym, and play areas for kids have also been established to provide an enhanced recreational space for greater engagement of the community.
CSR to support children of Auto and Cab Drivers
Namma Yatri, India’s open mobility app announced a new initiative to support the education of children of auto and cab drivers in Chennai and Bengaluru in August this year. This scholarship program, called the “Namma Yatri Rising Stars”, provides financial assistance to 10th and 12th-grade students, recognizing their academic achievements and helping them pursue higher education.
The Namma Yatri Rising Stars program aims to uplift over 500 students each year, offering essential support to those who excel academically despite challenging circumstances. Among the notable recipients is Bhavana, daughter of Siddegowda who drives an auto for Namma Yatri in Bengaluru, who scored 625/625 in SSLC exam. Bhavana has been a highly aspirational and a hardworking student despite the financial situation at home and aspires to become an IAS and serve the country. These scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also open doors to a brighter future for these talented students.
