A partnership firm founded in September 2010 at Ahmedabad with a mission to move from charity driven giving to focused CSR by creating effective partnerships among development entities through research, advocacy and consultancy. The vision is for socially responsible and responsive corporate houses leading to sustainable and inclusive development. The firm focuses on advocacy, research and consultancy of Corporate Social Responsibility and has undertaken projects with several organizations working on human development issues.

1. A partnership firm founded in September 2010 at Ahmedabad
Mission
To move from charity driven giving,
to focused CSR by creating effective
partnerships among development entities-
through research, advocacy and consultancy
Vision
Socially 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 the
entrepreneurs 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?

2. 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 clout
o Political clout
o Skills and infrastructure
o Quick decision-making ability
o Talented and intelligent workforce
o 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 activities
o Stakeholder needs based and participatory CSR
o tax incentives
o Strengthened brand reputation
o Resource, skill and capacity building for NGOs
o Successful and purposeful evaluations and monitoring
o Effective collaborations
o Increased markets
o Awareness with regard to CSR and ethical functioning
o Information and training in CSR implementation
o Motivated and socially sensitive employees through CSR engagement and participation
o Exemplary research and documentation projects on social, economic and political development