Community Initiatives in India
HCLFoundation drives the CSR agenda of HCLTech in India. It seeks to drive equity, sustainability and inclusive growth in communities across the country through well-planned and executed programs aligned with UN SDGs.
With a cumulative investment of ₹1,680 crores, we have impacted 7.5+ million lives till FY25 — empowering women, nurturing grassroots leaders and bridging the digital divide through our programs. Girls and para-athletes are winning laurels, farmers are adopting sustainable practices and biodiversity is thriving as a result of these interventions.
Flagship Programs
Supporting environmental action
Active in nine states, Harit is restoring ecosystems, fostering sustainability and creating a greener, more resilient future.
Impact
- Saplings planted, including mangrove and shelterbelt: 1,896,799
- Water body rejuvenated: 3,087 acres
- Ghost nets and marine debris retrieved: 174,271 kg
- Animal lives impacted: 116,250
- Human lives impacted (environment education and awareness): 52,254
All data points are cumulative
Case Study
Wags of Change: Cen-UPHAR’s mission for compassionate coexistence
A pioneering effort in humane animal welfare, Cen-UPHAR (Center for Upholding Human Animal Relationship), was operationalized by HCLFoundation on October 28, 2024, in partnership with the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority. This initiative promotes compassionate coexistence through community street dog sterilization and awareness programs for schools, colleges and resident welfare associations.
With a dedicated team, Cen-UPHAR has performed 150+ sterilizations and engaged 50+ HCLTech volunteers in meaningful activities. A WhatsApp-based chatbot streamlines service requests, while an advanced data system ensures efficiency. An Activity Hut fosters education and climate-controlled shelters safeguard animal well-being, creating a model for sustainable, community-driven animal welfare.
Rejuvenated waterbody at Khandera Girirajpur village, UP
A graffiti wall outside the newly operationalized facility in Greater Noida, UP
Sterilization program for street dogs
Transforming rural communities
Samuday drives sustainable rural transformation through an integrated approach across agriculture, education, environment, health, livelihoods and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene). Since 2015, it has impacted 3 million people across 2,200 villages in Hardoi (Uttar Pradesh) and Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu).
Impact
- Agriculture and Livelihoods: In FY25, supported 10,658 new farmers with scientific agricultural practices (104,138 cumulative); linked 2,739 farmers with the dairy ecosystem (39,835 cumulative); established 1,135 enterprises, with entrepreneurs earning over ₹3,000/month.
- Healthcare and Nutrition: Delivered 179,725 consultations via Mobile Health Clinics and Telemedicine Centers; screened 41,048 adolescents for anaemia; facilitated immunization 10,766 children; managed 4,464 children with severe acute malnutrition through home-based nutrition camps.
- Education and Literacy: Provided 122,912 students with essential resources and an improved learning environment; enabled 16,770 adults to achieve literacy (160,116 cumulative).
- Renewable Energy: Installed 417.4 KW of renewable energy infrastructure, bringing the total capacity to 1.99 MW.
Strategic Partnerships (MoUs signed)
- With Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission for strengthening livelihood models, handicraft development and market access
- With Department of Basic Education, Uttar Pradesh to support digital literacy, coding and AI education in upper primary schools
- With Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency to provide technical support for solar mini-grid operations
- With Department of Animal Husbandry, Uttar Pradesh for upgrading veterinary services with a refurbished hospital, advanced labs and AI-based healthcare tools
Case Study
Beating Tuberculosis with community support
Anita, a young girl from Chaupal Tola, in Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh, faced a harrowing battle with Tuberculosis (TB) amid financial hardships. Still coming to terms with her sister’s death due to TB, Anita was terrified when she developed similar symptoms. A Samuday-led Active Case Finding initiative confirmed her worst fears. Heartbroken, she lost all hope. Ram Sewak, a dedicated TB Champion, lent her unconditional support, ensuring she received timely treatment and emotional guidance. Initially frail, Anita gradually regained strength, and with Ram Sewak by her side, she finally won the battle against TB. Her journey from despair to recovery inspired her community to seek timely care, proving that awareness, support and perseverance save lives.
HCLFoundation supports TB patients by providing monthly nutrition baskets. Additionally, TB Champions, who are peers of the patients, offer continuous counselling to help them. Each TB Champion receives ₹8,000 per month to assist TB patients and to raise awareness about the disease.
Industry awareness program for rural artisans in Lakhimpur, UP
Handicraft workshop for rural artisans in Hardoi, UP
10 years of nation-building
In its 10th year, HCLTech Grant saw unprecedented participation in FY25, with 13,925 NGOs registering for the Grant and 1,615 submitting applications — an impressive 40% increase from the previous year. Over 2,200 NGO representatives participated in the eight symposiums the Grant held across India, strengthening sector collaboration.
Since its inception, the HCLTech India Grant has committed ₹152.8 crores (~$18.40 million) to 59 high-impact projects, reaching 2.2+ million lives across 131 districts in 22 states and 2 union territories. With 22 active projects spanning 78 districts, the grant continues its mission to drive transformative, scalable change.
Case Study
Clearing the Water: Fisherfolk’s fight against invasive weeds
For the 800 inland fishing families of Vembanad Lake at Ernakulam, Kerala, invasive water hyacinth threatens their livelihood, clogging waters, damaging nets and entangling boat propellers. Project Vembanad’s Macro Fight (VMF), funded by HCLTech India Grant, empowers fisherfolk to reclaim their waters. Through regular weed removal at Njanodaya Fish Landing Center, the community actively clears the infestation, ensuring uninterrupted fishing. More than just an environmental effort, this initiative safeguards their livelihood, sustenance and way of life, turning the tide against an ecological threat.
Fisherfolk removing hyacinth from the Vembanad Lake, Kerala
ASHA workers facilitating Maternal Mental Health Awareness
A pasture undergoing restoration in Kutch, Gujarat
Revived Anganwadi in Mysuru, Karnataka
Breaking the cycle of urban poverty
Uday is breaking the cycle of urban poverty through equitable and sustainable development for the most vulnerable. An urban CSR initiative, Uday delivers integrated solutions targeting entire families.
Uday’s Health and WASH programs have enhanced essential and preventive healthcare and improved water and sanitation access. Institutional births increased from 67% to 97% in 17 urban slum communities. Our Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program mobilized 7,000 parents, including 700 men. We connected 8,000 women to livelihoods and placed 51,900 youth in 70+ industry trades through Yuvakendras. Uday has positively impacted 1.2 million people across 11 cities where HCLTech operates.
Impact
- In FY25, 1,319 Anganwadi workers trained in innovative teaching methods to enhance child development
- Supporting 295 government schools and 59 Gurukul centers, impacting 80,000+ students and teachers
- Eight Nanhe Parinde Vans, being run with GB Nagar Police Commissionerate and Lucknow Police, serve 2,600+ children in urban slums
- 30 STEM and Digital Labs were set up, empowering 37,000 students (70% girls)
- 63,000+ youth trained in 50+ industry-relevant trades; 82% employed, earning ₹21K–₹24K/month
- 8,000+ SHG women generating ₹8K–₹8.8K/month through livelihoods (cumulative)
- 110,000+ program participants connected to government social security schemes (cumulative)
- Partnered with Stanley Black & Decker to establish Unnati Labs in Chennai and Pune, training 500 ITI students
- Facilitated ₹1.75 cr in government funding for improved Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) facilities and social security schemes
- 1.57M liters water harvested through 32 RWH structures
- 3,766 mothers and children supported through Matra Shishu Swasthya Sangini in Noida
- Enhanced mental health literacy for 4,000+ community members in 57 Bengaluru slums with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)
- 13,582 program participants reached through Comprehensive Primary Healthcare in Bengaluru
Educating young girls about menstrual health through gamified sessions in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
ITI strengthening project in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Fostering cleanliness, seeding sustainability
HCLFoundation’s My Clean City initiative drives a waste and litter-free future by strengthening solid waste management in urban spaces in Noida and Greater Noida.
Cleaning drive in Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP
Impact
- 1,924 tons of waste efficiently managed (20,224.5 tons)
- 47,979 citizens sensitized on sustainable practices (755,666)
- 23,142 stakeholders trained in waste management (65,093)
- 43 shops made single-use plastic-free (532)
- 111,500 sq. ft. of public spaces beautified with messages of cleanliness and sustainability (436,272 sq. ft.)
(The numbers in bracket are cumulative data since the inception of the program)
Flagship Programs
Enabling our people to give back to society
Through HCLTech’s Power of One volunteering program, 5,700+ HCLTechies dedicated 27,550 hours in FY25, positively impacting 64,612 lives. To date, 92,833 employees have collectively contributed an impressive 734,549 volunteering hours, driving meaningful change in communities.
HCLTechies delivering flood relief in Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP
Transforming outcomes through play
Sports for Change is shaping the next generation of athletes and leaders and reached out to 22,245 participants in FY25. A Special Sports Shiksha workshop trained 144 coaches, role models and program teams in biomechanics and injury management. Athletes showcased their skills in 2,300 tournament participations across all levels.
Paralympian Preeti Pal, who was previously supported by HCLFoundation, received the Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sporting honor, from the President of India, for her achievements in the Paralympic Games in Paris, France and the World Championship in Kobe, Japan.
Preeti Pal receiving the Arjuna Award from the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu
6th Edition of the Sports for Change North Zone Championship, Greater Noida
Sports for Change Nationals, Chennai
Crafting quality, providing livelihoods
Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has empowered over 5,500 artisans by promoting their handmade products through online platforms and national exhibitions. In FY25, the second My E-Haat Conclave at the National Crafts Museum, Delhi brought together over 350 industry leaders, NGOs and academicians to advance artisan livelihoods.
A proud milestone was the recognition of Chikankari artisans in the Livelihood Case Study Compendium by Access Development Services, shortlisted from over 500 entries across India.
A pottery artisan from Khurja cluster
Case Study
Stitching her way to success
Seema, a skilled Chikankari artisan from Lucknow, struggled to turn her craft into a stable livelihood. A chance meeting with the HCLFoundation team in 2020 transformed her life. She joined HCLFoundation-supported Artisans Self-Help Group (SHG), where she received valuable training and mentorship that set her on a path to financial independence. She soon opened a bank account and invested in insurance. She expanded her market reach, encouraging more women to join the SHG. Seema managed her embroidery work through her smartphone, ensuring consistent work for the women in her group. Events like Hunar Haat boosted her confidence and helped her advocate for women’s economic empowerment. Today, Seema is a role model, shaping her family’s future and redefining her societal role with newfound confidence and financial security.
Seema sharing her tailoring skills within her community
Sustainability-focused learning platform
A global platform for collaborative learning, Academy empowers professionals to conceptualize and implement high-impact development initiatives. It emphasizes flexibility, interdisciplinary learning and real-world relevance. Development professionals are equipped to drive measurable, transformative change aligned with the UNSDGs.
Impact
- 1,400+ learners enrolled across programs
- Over 694 certificates issued, reflecting skill enhancement
- Programs impacted 23,624 program participants in education, health and sustainability
Community Initiatives beyond India
Americas
HCLTech employees across the Americas actively engaged in various community service initiatives in FY25. In the US, over 200 HCLTech employees across Cary, Seattle, New Jersey and the Bay Area dedicated 500 hours of service through 20+ events, distributing more than 90,000 pounds of food. In Canada, HCLTech reinforced its commitment to social responsibility by organizing quarterly blood donation drives in partnership with Canadian Blood Services, contributing over 50 units of blood. Additionally, employees collaborated with ‘A Greener Future’ for a shoreline cleanup at Jack Darling Memorial Park in Mississauga, removing over 3,200 pieces of litter.
Across the broader Americas region, HCLTech employees in Brazil, Mexico and Guatemala participated in fundraising initiatives supporting local charities, hospitals and educational programs. In Brazil, HCLTech supported the Eu-Cidadão Project that seeks to fill gaps in access to information and promote technological inclusion training. In Mexico, HCLTech employees participated in a donation campaign to provide foster homes with supplies to care for local children in need. In Guatemala, HCLTech donated 280 pounds of food to Casa del Alfarero, furthering its commitment to combating food insecurity.
Community service initiative at Sunnyvale, CA
In April 2024, we announced the winners of the first edition of the Climate Action Grant in the Americas. Through this program, HCLTech has committed $5 million in grants over five years to support not-for-profit organizations with innovative projects focused on combating climate change, restoring ecosystems and biodiversity across the Americas. Brazil-based Argilando, Canada-based No. 9 Contemporary Art and the Environment and US-based The Longleaf Alliance were the recipients of the first edition of the HCLTech Grant Americas. For the second edition of the Grant, we received more than 160 applications, an increase of 72%, highlighting the growing popularity of the program.
Europe and Africa
France
Since 2020, HCLTech has partnered with Apprentis d’Auteuil to bring coding education to middle school students through the ‘Coders of Tomorrow’ project. Our employees participated in the end-of-class challenge, offering a mentoring workshop to inspire future career opportunities in technology.
Germany
We sponsor FC Mühlhausen 1927 e.V. football club to support its training programs and social initiatives, including inclusivity programs for people with disabilities.
Poland
Krakow Food Bank Partnership: This initiative significantly alleviates community hunger by providing essential food supplies to those in need.
Poland Business Run: This event raises funds and increases awareness about mobility impairments, fostering a more inclusive society.
Sarigato Foundation Partnership: By donating refurbished computers and equipment, we enable students to continue their education remotely, bridging the digital divide and promoting equal opportunities for all.
Krakow Food Bank partnership, Poland
Romania
We have multiple strategic partnerships with NGOs across Romania covering four main activity pillars: education, environment, health and livelihood. HCLTech collaborated with Salvati Copiii (Save the Children Iasi) on numerous initiatives to help children requiring support.
Some of our initiatives include:
- The gala ‘Zambet in Dar’ brought together generous individuals to change vulnerable children’s lives during the winter holidays
- ShoeBox Santa, through which we collected and distributed Christmas gifts to children
- Galantom fundraising event, through which we supported 270 vulnerable children from Asociatia Salvati Copiii Iasi
- Participated in a semi-marathon to raise funds for the education of vulnerable children
- Fundația pentru Copii Ronald McDonald: Through this partnership, HCLTech actively supports families who need a safe place close to the hospital bed of children under treatment. Since last year, we have proudly supported their mission by adopting a room and participating in activities for families in need
Semi marathon in Romania
South Africa
We have a long-standing partnership with Safe-Hub, a non-profit of South African origin that supports initiatives to break the cycle of poverty, inequality and unemployment.
We collaborated with Northwestern University and the University of Johannesburg to make higher education more inclusive for students living with disabilities.
We also funded an IT lab for SA Guide-Dogs, supporting visually and physically impaired individuals, including children with Autism, to live independently through enhanced mobility and essential skills.
Sweden
Renewed partnership with the Gota Traneberg club, supporting youth ice hockey in Stockholm.
UK
HCLTech has supported the King’s Trust for over a decade, empowering young adults through the Get Started programs. In 2024, we funded four Get Started with Technology programs, benefiting over 45 young adults with essential technical skills. Many of our employees in the UK also participated in fundraising initiatives like Walk the Talk.
Asia Pacific
Australia
For the sixth consecutive year, we partnered with the McGrath Foundation for its flagship fundraising event, The Jane McGrath High Tea, demonstrating our commitment to supporting cancer patients with expert care.
New Zealand
For the second year in a row, HCLTech sponsored a She Sharp event in Hamilton, New Zealand. This year’s topic was ‘The Role of Technology in Sustainable Development.’ She Sharp is a New Zealand not-for-profit that works towards gender parity in technology by:
- Influencing Wahine decisions to understand their future role in technology
- Providing access to education, female technology leaders and their networks
- Supporting women into employment, helping them to build capability and contribute to New Zealand’s economic growth.
Singapore
Our participation in Singapore University of Technology and Design’s FACT (Freshmore Asian Cross-curricular Trips) program involved the installation of solar panels in under- privileged communities.
We helped create a dashboard with SUTD to track and gather data for the University to support future implementation, maintenance and management of water usage. Employees from HCLTech Singapore participated in this effort, visiting Kampong Terban village in Indonesia with SUTD and their partner University Gaja Mada in Indonesia to install solar panels and support with project-based learning.
Jane McGrath High Tea, Australia
She Sharp event in New Zealand