CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
(CSR) FUNDING 

The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved over the years. From being a mere philanthropic gesture, CSR is now a strategic tool that aligns a company’s growth with social development. Legislation by the Government of India, through Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, made it mandatory for eligible companies to contribute a portion of their profits towards CSR activities. This opened new pathways for corporate partnerships in nation- building, especially in areas such as health, education, environment, and community development. For research institutions working at the grassroots level and addressing critical public health and social issues, CSR funding is vital, enabling them to expand and innovate their programmes for greater impact.

KEMHRC receives support from CSR initiatives of several committed corporate partners. This collaboration has enabled KEMHRC to implement community-based research, scale public health interventions, build infrastructure, and support education and training.

CSR funds have been used to provide direct benefit to underserved communities in the areas of maternal and child health, nutrition, and infectious disease control. These in turn help improve overall health outcomes and also contribute to handling complex social challenges.

CSR partnerships go beyond financial support and are built on mutual trust, transparency, and a shared vision for a better society. The Centre actively engages with CSR partners to identify priority areas, co\-develop project goals, ensure rigorous monitoring and evaluation, and showcase measurable outcomes. These partnerships have supported a range of initiatives, including longitudinal cohort studies, digital health solutions, and capacity-building programmes for frontline health workers.

We are deeply grateful to our CSR donors for believing in the power of science, research, and community engagement to drive transformative change. Their support has allowed us to bridge gaps between research and implementation, and policy and practice. As we move forward, we invite more corporate partners to join us in this journey. Investing in research through CSR is not just a compliance activity — it is a powerful commitment to inclusive development, innovation, and long-term impact. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable future for all.