Bangalore, February , 2020: Toyota Kirloskar Motor, in its sustained outreach to create a better ecosystem in the area of CSR, today announced the launch of the first-of-its-kind ‘Social Academy of Learning (SALT) by Toyota. With this program Toyota aims to further build the capacity of NPOs, ensure quality management, work excellence following the Toyota Way. The first ever five-day residential cohort of the Social Academy of Learning by Toyota will be organized from 2nd -7th February,2020 at the Toyota plant in Bidadi with the support of KPMG India and Common Purpose in India.

SALT, conceived to develop NPO leaders to become more entrepreneurial, strategic and high-performing in order to create large-scale social change saw an overwhelming response from NPOs working for diverse cause. The pilot program aims to be an opportune platform for senior leaders of NPOs to express their challenges, explore best practices and develop capabilities by leveraging the strengths of sector experts and peers from within the group. The sessions will explore a number of areas such as project planning, tax and regulations, branding and communication, sustainability and monitoring and evaluation which ultimately results in an effective delivery of a project. 

Participating NPOs were selected on parameters such as specialization, number of years in service, fund flow and funding pattern, complete documentation for incorporation.  At the end of the training, NPOs will benefit from a result and process oriented session along with a thorough assessment report that allows them to evaluate themselves and their organization, thereby helping them position themselves in the market.

Commenting on the launch of this distinctive learning program, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Corporate Social Responsibility & Public Relations, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, "At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, social contribution activities are vital part of our business DNA. Since 2000, we have been focusing on the holistic development of the community partnering with various NGO partners to ensure large scale impact at grassroot level.  NPO’s have played a vital role in educating community and making the community responsible for maintenance of facilities in our CSR interventions.   It gives us a pleasure in introducing this learning and training program for NPO’s who have participated from across India. “Social Academy of Learning by Toyota” is a

unique approach aimed at arming NPOs with requisite professional skills to effectively develop and manage their organisation, which in turn will result in better delivery of the intended benefits to the society. This is our attempt to reach out to relevant organization who make a significant impact. Rather than focusing on a single project that may have minimal impact, we aim to improve the quality of delivery of a large number of NPOs which we hope will make a difference to a wider group.” 

Pre and post assessment of the organization will also be conducted. The gap analysis report would be submitted to these organizations to improve the processes at their end. The respective organization will submit the implementation report which will be evaluated and recognized as per their performance

India’s rapid progress and emergence of manufacturing sector has turned tables and caused focus to shift to compliance of CSR regulations and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030, thereby encouraging patterns of social sector funding. Sensing this shift, Toyota conceptualized SALT to develop conscious and effective leaders to deliver largescale social change.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has had an illustrious journey of two decades in India and throughout this journey, it has taken various CSR initiatives to bring in a positive change in the society, supporting and enriching them through sustainable solutions. The company constantly working towards harmonious, scalable and sustainable development of society emphasizing on Education, Health & Hygiene, Road Safety, Environment and Skill Developments through various CSR initiatives. The effectiveness of such CSR should reflect to bring in a big difference in one’s life, nurturing the well-being.

CSR has been the integral part of Toyota since its inception, from 2001 onwards. TKM was recently awarded 10th position in CSR & Sustainability. According to the report ‘Responsible Business Rankings’ this recognition commemorates Toyota’s commendable efforts under Corporate Social Responsibility in creating a socially responsible and sustainable society through its Sanitation projects.

Further, TKM remains committed to responsibly drive its business & social commitments with an aim to live in harmony with nature and enrich many more lives, bringing joy to the community with diverse needs, in a sustainable manner.