A partnership firm founded in September 2010 at Ahmedabad

MissionTo move from charity driven giving, to focused CSR by creating effective

partnerships among development entities- through research, advocacy and consultancy

VisionSocially responsible and responsive

corporate houses leading to sustainable and inclusive development

Projects undertaken with Habitat for Humanity- Mumbai, National CSR Hub, TISS- Mumbai, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry- Ahmedabad, Coastal Gujarat Power Limited, Tata Power- Mundra, among others.

Friends with a passion for learning, understanding and working for economic, social and human development decided to enter the exciting world of entrepreneurship. They shared a passion for social progress and were committed to doing something about it. They represent the new generation of social entrepreneurs who love to swim across the tide. Each of them come from a different background and their education and experience put together makes 4th Wheel a whole and complete organization ready to tackle the myriad aspects of social enterprising. Fueled by innovation and foresight, they are driven to make a positive impact in society with ideas, for wide-scale change. Work started long before theentrepreneurs formally founded 4th Wheel in September, 2010. 4th Wheel focuses on advocacy, research and consultancy of Corporate Social Responsibility. The name signifies the business sector in addition to the other three integral wheels-The state, NGOs, and International development organizations required and capable of driving human development. Why CSR?

 

 

 

 

 

Businesses have an intrinsic relationship with a large segment of population through employment provision and labour markets, service provision, commodity markets, environment and resource use. The complex problems of today’s poor cannot be solved by the state, civil society and international development organizations alone. The business sector has emerged as a key player and needs to accept responsibility and work in collaboration with these entities to address social issues. The Gandhian principle of trusteeship expresses the inherent duties of business enterprises to its consumers, workers, community, and the mutual responsibilities of these to one another. It is no longer a question of “why” corporates and businesses should engage in alleviating social ills, but is a question of “how” and to “what extent” they should. Businesses have gained immense clout in the prevailing form of capitalism. The power that businesses have achieved should be coupled with the embracement of responsibility and accountability. The role of businesses in facilitating development has long been debated. We have progressed to a society where businesses are no longer based on the sole motive of profit maximization. There has been an acceptance of the role they can play in making the effects of globalization and business operations positive and in reducing the ill effects by conscious efforts. These efforts in a broad sense are termed as CSR. In a country such as India, it is not uncommon to see huge skyscrapers inhabited by the affluent sections of society, at the foot of which exists slums that house the poor (their exact numbers are an eternal economic and political debate). However, India is also an emerging economic power with rapidly growing industrial and service sectors. In such a scenario, it is important for Business India to accept social responsibility. We believe that the business sector is a key player in facilitating development because of:o Economic clouto Political clouto Skills and infrastructureo Quick decision-making abilityo Talented and intelligent workforceo Ability to influence and affect large sections of population

 Making 21st century capitalism and globalization work in favour of the poor is the call of the hour and CSR is an important aspect in this issue. It may be a challenge for the business sector to play a role in aiding development, but this does not negate the fact that the business sector has a key role to play. CSR should be regulated and guided by the state, civil society organizations and international organizations for direction, incentives and suggestions. We have much much more to say, but for more discussion, debate and dialogue, get in touch – csr@the4thwheel.com The value addition we bring - o Strong and effective CSR activitieso Stakeholder needs based and participatory CSRo tax incentiveso Strengthened brand reputationo Resource, skill and capacity building for NGOso Successful and purposeful evaluations and monitoringo Effective collaborationso Increased marketso Awareness with regard to CSR and ethical functioningo Information and training in CSR implementationo Motivated and socially sensitive employees through CSR engagement and participationo Exemplary research and documentation projects on social, economic and political development