A Landmark CSR Knowledge Resource for India
CSR impact insights made simple. This handbook gives you practical CSR guidelines, proven project design practices and real data to strengthen your social development initiatives.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Consultivo have released a comprehensive knowledge report titled Creating CSR Impact: The Change Maker’s Handbook.Â
This publication is designed for organisations seeking to strengthen their CSR approach by adopting proven CSR Guidelines, global learnings and CSR Best Practices.
Drawing insights from 130+ CSR projects across 20 states, the report presents an evidence-based view of how organisations design, implement and measure CSR project impact across social, environmental and economic themes in India. The report was launched during the ICC Social Impact Awards 2024, highlighting the importance of data-driven decisions and strategic thinking in today’s CSR landscape.
Key Insights and Enablers of High-Impact CSR
Strategic Alignment & Governance
Effective CSR begins with strong governance. The report explains how aligning CSR initiatives with organisational goals and national priorities strengthens outcomes. Transparent decisions and careful risk management help organisations stay aligned with CSR Guidelines and improve visibility in national and global benchmarking systems.
Stakeholder Engagement & Business Integration
Stakeholder participation remains central to high-quality CSR. The findings show that deeper engagement, supported by structured community need assessment and systematic business integration, creates stronger, long-term project value.
Creating CSR Impact – Research Findings
What the Data Reveals
Based on projects impacting 10+ million people, the report highlights:
- The leadership role of corporate CSR teams and foundations
- The vital contribution of NGOs and civil society in implementation
- The value of collaborative, multi-stakeholder partnerships
- The importance of following a strong CSR framework and CSR Best Practices
These insights demonstrate how organisations are achieving meaningful outcomes while improving CSR project design best practices.
Creating CSR Impact – Challenges & Opportunities
What Organisations Must Focus On
The report identifies key challenges faced in CSR, including scalability, sustainability and long-term continuity. It emphasises the importance of:
- Measuring and reporting CSR impact with transparency
- Conducting regular impact assessment of CSR projects
- Using SROI to quantify social value
- Building strategies aligned with global CSR standards and national CSR Guidelines
These steps help organisations enhance the effectiveness of their CSR investments and strengthen their contribution to national development.
Enablers at a Glance
- Strategy & Governance
- Credibility
- Alignment
- Performance
- Impact & Value Realisation
These pillars support high-quality CSR and guide organisations towards sustainable, impactful action.
Access the full report and explore proven approaches, strategic enablers and practical tools that improve CSR project impact and enhance your organisation’s capability in planning and execution.
A Must-Read CSR Handbook for India
This ICC–Consultivo knowledge report is an essential reference for companies, foundations and non-profits aiming to adopt a strategic, well-designed and evidence-based CSR approach.
It encourages the use of structured methodologies such as baseline assessment for CSR projects, impact assessment CSR, and industry-trusted CSR consulting services.
It also links strongly with business responsibility, sustainability and corporate social responsibility awards, reinforcing the value of credible, transparent project documentation.
By offering a practical blend of strategy, field insights and implementation learnings, the handbook strengthens India’s journey towards inclusive growth and positions the country as a global leader in responsible business and CSR excellence.
Download the Knowledge Report
About Indian Chamber of Commerce:
Founded in 1925, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is one of India’s most prestigious and forward-looking national chambers with a strong global presence. As it steps into its Centenary Year, ICC continues to influence India’s economic journey by nurturing entrepreneurship, driving policy dialogue and connecting industry with government. With 11 offices in India and 25 international representations, ICC remains a trusted institution shaping commerce, trade and regional cooperation.
ICC supports industry advancement by hosting ethically governed, independently evaluated recognition platforms that encourage excellence and responsible business practices.Â
Through programmes like the ICC Social Impact Awards, the Chamber promotes high-quality CSR, sustainability and social development initiatives. These industry-strengthening awards are designed to remain free from commercial bias. They enable corporates, foundations, NGOs and implementing agencies to gain credible national recognition for exemplary performance and sector leadership.
About Consultivo:
Consultivo is a leading ESG, Social and Sustainability independent advisory & research firm with over 15 years at the forefront of responsible business practices in India and across the globe. As an IFC (World Bank Group) approved independent consultant, we bring strong ethical foundations and independent third-party objectivity to every engagement. Our pro bono thought leadership and long association with industry bodies reflect the trust placed in our unbiased, knowledge-driven approach.
We hold deep competence in the Social, Community and CSR domain, backed by extensive field experience. Our portfolio includes research and evaluations across 22 states, 20+ languages, 400+ CSR projects, interactions with over 100,000 stakeholders and insights drawn from more than 5 million beneficiaries. With expertise spanning need assessments, baseline studies, impact assessments of CSR projects, SROI, monitoring and evaluation and strategic CSR planning, Consultivo continues to shape high-quality development outcomes with evidence, empathy and integrity.
