German luxury carmaker BMW India has announced that it has registered a non-profit company christened ‘BMW India Foundation’ to plan, implement and oversee all corporate citizenship projects of BMW India, BMW India Financial Services and BMW India Leasing. The luxury carmaker says the foundation will go beyond the current programs to generate greater awareness and promote the causes through various partnerships and associations.

Vikram Pawah, president, BMW Group India said, “Responsibility towards the society and sustainable development are important pillars of BMW Group’s corporate philosophy. This agenda is now being strengthened in India by the BMW India Foundation. Corporate citizenship forms an integral part of our vision as a responsible business enterprise and is regarded as an investment in the future. The BMW India Foundation will dedicatedly work on several priority areas which are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Programs successfully initiated by the foundation have already benefited thousands of people from underprivileged communities. Committed towards creating a positive and measurable impact, BMW India Foundation will keep on increasing its outreach steadily.”

The foundation is formed with a vision to create a world where everyone believes they have the power to progress. It aims to act as a catalyst for enabling, empowering and enriching individuals to reimagine a better future. The foundation is working ardently towards its objective to support, inspire and lead engagements positively impacting individuals and society.

In terms of focus areas, the foundation will work in the areas including skill development, community development, road safety and health and hygiene. It will carry forward the ongoing engagements and constructively engage with diverse stakeholders to scale up impact and achieve the intended social objectives.

Kathrin Frauscher, MD and CEO, BMW India Financial Services said, “True change can be brought by people themselves. This is why, BMW India Foundation’s programs are based on the principle of ‘helping people help themselves’. The underlying spirit behind the Foundation’s actions is to promote the core principles of respect, knowledge and power of human determination. Particular attention is given to scalability and long-term impact of each program. BMW India Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of people in India through innovative and sustainable solutions to pressing social issues, thus, creating a better future.”

The not-for-profit has formed a ‘Make a Difference’ team with employees of BMW Group India and BMW India Financial Services. This team facilitates employee engagement in CSR activities and manages local initiatives like tree plantation drives and blood donation camps.

Thomas Dose, MD, BMW Group Plant Chennai added, “BMW India Foundation has made a big difference in community development around BMW Group Plant Chennai. The unique way in which the Foundation operates is to closely work with the communities in need analysis and robust implementation. The community engagement is instrumental for the initial project execution and ensures its long-term sustainability. Through BMW India Foundation, we remain committed to Make India in addition to Make in India!”