At CSR South 2025, held on March 16, 2025, at Shilpakala Vedika, Hyderabad, corporate leaders and changemakers gathered to redefine the role of CSR in social impact. A key highlight was the session by Sunitha Cheruku, a leader at SVP India, who delivered an insightful discussion on shifting CSR from traditional philanthropy to engaged philanthropy, fostering long-term, sustainable social change.
Transforming CSR Through Venture Philanthropy
As a strong advocate for strategic giving, Sunitha Cheruku emphasized the need for corporations to move beyond one-time donations and invest in self-sustaining social enterprises. Her session explored how engaged philanthropy bridges the gap between financial support and capacity building for NGOs.
“Philanthropy should not be about charity—it should be about creating self-sustaining ecosystems that drive lasting social change,” she stated, stressing the importance of scalable impact over short-term relief.
Key Takeaways from Sunitha Cheruku’s Session
✔ Beyond Donations: Corporations must transition from one-time charitable contributions to long-term investments that build sustainable social enterprises.
✔ Empowering NGOs: Providing seed funding, mentorship, and operational support enables NGOs to scale their impact effectively.
✔ Real-World Success: Programs like Jeevan Jyothi have launched over 560 small businesses, helping marginalized communities achieve financial independence.
Scaling Impact Through Venture Philanthropy
Under her leadership, SVP India’s venture philanthropy model has driven a sixfold increase in NGO capacity, mobilizing ₹83 crores and contributing 50,000+ hours of mentorship. Her session urged corporates to integrate engaged philanthropy into their CSR strategies, ensuring high-impact, scalable solutions for underserved communities.