Top CSR projects in Mumbai

Mumbai, often referred to as the financial capital of India, is not only renowned for its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets but also for its significant role in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. In the fiscal year 2021-22, Mumbai emerged as the largest beneficiary of CSR funds in the state of Maharashtra, receiving a staggering Rs. 2,890.8 Crores out of the total Rs. 5,229.31 Crores allocated to the state. This remarkable achievement underscores Mumbai’s status as a favoured destination for corporate entities seeking to fulfil their CSR obligations.

In FY22, a total of 2018 companies contributed to Mumbai City’s thriving CSR landscape, collectively disbursing Rs. 2,890.8 Crores towards a diverse range of social and developmental projects. Among the various focus areas, health, education, and rural development took the forefront, with a substantial expenditure of Rs. 1,724.4 Crores, Rs. 730.13 Crores, and Rs. 184.01 Crores, respectively. These investments have played a pivotal role in addressing critical societal issues and enhancing the quality of life for the city’s residents.

As we delve deeper into the realm of CSR initiatives in Mumbai, we will explore the impactful projects, innovative strategies, and positive transformations brought about by corporate entities in this dynamic city.

Top CSR Initiatives in Mumbai

CSR of ICICI Bank for cancer care

In June 2023, ICICI Bank announced a contribution of Rs 1,200 crore towards Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), a premier institution that runs cancer treatment and research centres across the country.

ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth (ICICI Foundation), the CSR arm of ICICI Bank, is implementing the initiative, which is likely to be completed by 2027. With modern equipment and specialised multidisciplinary teams, these new centres of excellence in oncology treatment will provide advanced and evidence based therapies to nearly 25,000 new patients a year, doubling the present capacity and providing a significant boost to the country’s cancer treatment infrastructure, as per an announcement made by the bank.

ICICI Foundation will set up an ‘ICICI Radiation Oncology Block’ at TMC’s Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC) at Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. This block will be equipped with state-of-the-art radiology facilities including CT scanner and MRT, new facility for outdoor patients, laboratories and radiotherapy facility for in-patients.

CSR of Bharat Petroleum for cleaner air

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) recently announced the implementation of an innovative air purification project aimed at addressing air pollution in Mumbai. In collaboration with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and M/s APRO Greentech, BPCL has installed air purifier units on 100 BEST buses in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), marking a significant milestone in the journey towards cleaner air.

APRO Greentech, the technology and equipment supplier for the project has pledged to offer maintenance services for a period of five years. The project is backed by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of BPCL. The project initiated last year is a step forward by Maharashtra Government with respect to the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai.

CSR of Shapoorji Pallonji Group: Home for cancer patients

KARO, a public charitable trust dedicated to supporting cancer patients, inaugurated their second accommodation home in Kurla in January this year. The Shapoorji Pallonji Group has provided financial support to the project.

Catering specifically to male teenage and young adult patients from lower-income backgrounds, the facility offers free-of-cost living, thus alleviating the burden of housing expenses in Mumbai during their treatment.

The cancer patients’ home at Kurla has 21 available beds—each room accommodates two caregivers along with the patient and includes a fully functional kitchen plus essential rations for residents to prepare home-cooked meals. The home also has an expansive terrace and recreational area to foster a sense of community. Committed to a clean, safe, and hygienic living space, the home offers various counselling and therapy sessions, contributing to the patients’ overall well-being. Sessions include arts and crafts, music, dance, and personal one-on-one counselling. Patients are also offered free transportation to and from the hospitals to ensure no appointments or treatments are missed, as per an announcement.

KARO Trust initiated its first accommodation centre for female patients at Sion, in 2019, which was also financially backed by the Shapoorji Pallonji Group.

Reliance Foundation and Akshaya Chaitanya Tackling Hunger

One of the standout CSR initiatives making a profound impact on the social landscape of Mumbai is the collaboration between Akshaya Chaitanya and Reliance Foundation. Together, they have embarked on a mission to combat hunger and vulnerability in the city, focusing on two key areas: providing nutritious meals to children in municipal schools and extending support to families of patients in public hospitals.

This transformative initiative addresses a critical issue facing underprivileged children in Mumbai – the lack of adequate nutrition during their formative years. By offering wholesome meals, it not only nourishes the bodies but also nurtures the aspirations of these young minds, breaking down the barriers to education and brighter futures.

Moreover, the initiative extends its reach to the families of patients from vulnerable sections of society who often struggle to access hygienically prepared food in government hospitals. By making these meals readily available, it eases the burdens carried by these families during times of distress.

Meals are being served across 19 government hospitals and 102 municipal schools in Mumbai. Akshaya Chaitanya’s ambitious vision for 2025 is to serve 1 lakh vulnerable adults and children every day in Mumbai.

PNB Housing Finance’s Mobile Medical Units

Another standout CSR project in Mumbai is spearheaded by PNB Housing Finance, a prominent player in India’s housing finance sector, in collaboration with their CSR arm, Pehel Foundation. This noteworthy endeavour is none other than the ‘Mobile Medical Units’ initiative, implemented in partnership with the Wockhardt Foundation. The mission is to bring accessible primary healthcare services to the doorsteps of those who often go underserved – construction labourers and their families in bustling metropolises like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

PNB Housing Finance and Pehel Foundation share a steadfast commitment to uplifting society through a multitude of initiatives spanning healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation. However, it is the ‘Mobile Medical Units’ program that has emerged as a beacon of hope for the unsung heroes of the real estate industry – the construction workers. Despite being the backbone of the construction sector, these labourers frequently face insurmountable challenges in accessing essential medical facilities.

Each Mobile Medical Unit is a self-contained healthcare facility, equipped with essential medical equipment and staffed by a dedicated team comprising a registered doctor, trained pharmacist, and licensed van driver. These units serve as a lifeline to beneficiaries, offering immediate treatment for a range of ailments, from common colds and skin infections to more serious conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Furthermore, patients requiring specialized treatment are referred to hospitals for advanced care. In addition to providing medical aid, the initiative also focuses on educating and sensitizing individuals on crucial aspects of health, hygiene, and sanitation.

Suvidha centres by HUL and JSW

A significant CSR initiative that has emerged in Mumbai is through the partnership of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and JSW Foundation. Their strategic collaboration aims to establish ten new ‘Suvidha’ centres across the city, building upon HUL’s pioneering public-private partnership with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and HSBC India which has already made a profound impact on the lives of 300,000 people annually since its launch in 2016.

The expanded network of Suvidha centres, facilitated by the JSW Foundation, is set to provide a safe and dignified sanitation experience for an additional 200,000 individuals residing in low-income communities in Mumbai. These centres offer a comprehensive solution to hygiene and sanitation needs, encompassing safe toilets, purified drinking water, showers, and even laundry services – all under one roof.

One of the key highlights of this initiative is affordability, with drinking water priced at just Rs. 1 per litre and a family monthly pass available for a mere Rs. 150, ensuring access to essential services for those who need it most. Furthermore, these Suvidha centres are designed to be environmentally conscious, incorporating rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems, thus contributing to the conservation of over 300 million litres of fresh water over a decade. Additionally, these centres will be powered by solar energy, furthering their commitment to sustainability.

But these centres are more than just physical infrastructure – they prioritise the safety and well-being of women and children through inclusive design, ample lighting, CCTV cameras, and an emergency panic button. Moreover, to create a sense of ownership and pride within the communities they serve, the centres will employ staff from nearby areas.

Beyond the physical facilities, HUL and JSW Foundation are committed to driving a positive change in health and nutrition behaviours within the surrounding communities through extensive home-to-home visits. This holistic approach to community well-being exemplifies the power of CSR initiatives to foster lasting change and empower local communities.

Kotak Junior Scholarship Programme

The Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), the CSR implementing agency of Kotak Mahindra Group, has introduced a transformative initiative known as the Kotak Junior Scholarship programme. This program is designed to provide vital support for the further education of meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, specifically targeting Class 11 and beyond.

KEF’s vision for this program extends beyond financial aid; it seeks to establish a robust support system at the grassroots level, nurturing the overall education and development of the future youth of the country. Over an initial term of 2 years, this programme caters to Class 11+ students from various boards, including SSC, CBSE, and ICSE.

What sets this initiative apart is its holistic approach to student development. Beyond offering financial support, it includes one-to-one mentoring, career guidance sessions, assistance with entrance exam preparation, exposure visits, and even home visits. This comprehensive engagement strategy aims to empower students not just academically but also in terms of their overall personal and professional growth.

KEF’s scholarship program has a rich history of supporting students for over a decade, benefiting over 3600 scholars to date. Remarkably, more than 800 alumni of the programme have transitioned into successful white-collar professionals, contributing to leading companies and esteemed institutions.