Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), in collaboration with the M3M Foundation, proudly announced the recipients of the inaugural DoCC-M3M Social Impact Grant 2024-25. This grant, instituted by the M3M Foundation in memory of the late Shree Lal Chandji Bansal (1937-2022), founder of M3M Foundation, marks a significant milestone in driving positive change in society. Established in 2019, the Foundation has been instrumental in spearheading various initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalised communities and fostering environmental stewardship.

Development of Corporate Citizenship (DoCC) is a longstanding experiential learning initiative pioneered by SPJIMR over 30 years ago. Grounded in the belief that civil society serves as a rich learning ground, participants of SPJIMR dedicate up to five weeks immersing themselves in rural India, addressing issues of ecology, social justice and economic equity. This engagement aims to cultivate a responsible managerial mindset and foster a culture of responsible management education.

The process of grant allocation underwent meticulous scrutiny. From the 300 DoCC projects undertaken by our PGDM, PGDM (BM) and PGPM students during their social internships, 40 projects were shortlisted. These projects then underwent detailed presentations to an evaluation panel, followed by rigorous due diligence.

The recipient civil society organisations include CTRD TRUST, Cord India, Krushi Vikas, Kutumb Family, Madhya Pradesh Viklang Sahayta Samiti, Makkal Vilipunarvu Kalvi Sangam (MVKS), PahadTrust, RTDC, Sahaja Samrudha, dJED Foundation, Slum Soccer and Synergy Sansthan, spanning various domains including climate action, gender equality, agriculture, biodiversity, poverty alleviation, food security, disability and education.

The inaugural event showcased the exemplary work and community engagement of these organisations, highlighting how the grant will further amplify their efforts. They epitomise social responsibility and innovation, aligning seamlessly with the grant’s mission for positive change.

The grant event, held at the SPJIMR Campus, Mumbai, was graced by Dr. Chandrika Parmar, Director, DoCC, who emphasised the importance of collaboration and partnerships. She remarked, “In our globally connected era, it’s clear that no single entity can tackle complex social challenges alone. This collaboration between M3M Foundation, DoCC and civil society organisations is a powerful testament to the impact of collaborative creation.”

Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee and President of M3M Foundation echoed this sentiment, and stated, “This collaboration embodies our shared commitment to driving positive societal and environmental change. Together, we embark on this journey with optimism, determination and a shared vision for a better tomorrow.”