FUEL Wins CSR Times 2026 Award

FUEL, a Pune-based organisation, has been conferred the prestigious CSR Times 2026 Award at the 13th National CSR and ESG Summit. The award was presented by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

The summit, held at the Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi, recognised FUEL's unique educational model of 'Corporate Giving and Naming Schools'. This model allows corporate companies and philanthropists to adopt entire academic schools within the FUEL SkillTech and Entrepreneurship University and name them after themselves.

FUEL was founded in 2007 as a small career guidance organisation and has now evolved into a university. The university is being established primarily through CSR funding, making it a rare example in the Indian higher education sector. FUEL's 'Education Giving and Adoption Model' converts CSR funds into permanent educational infrastructure, enabling first-generation learners and economically weaker sections to access quality education.

The organisation has mobilised over Rs 248 crore in CSR funding with the support of over 90 corporate partners. Through its initiatives, FUEL has reached over 12.52 lakh young people, provided career guidance to over nine lakh students, and imparted skill training to over 2.93 lakh youth. Scholarships have also been awarded to over 2,907 students from families in need.

FUEL's model has demonstrated that CSR funding can be utilised to build permanent and sustainable institutions. The award has provided significant impetus to FUEL's model, according to Dr Ketan Deshpande, Founder and Chairman of FUEL.

The 13th National CSR and ESG Summit was held on the theme 'Role of Responsible Businesses for an Inclusive India' and witnessed the participation of over 500 delegates in person and over 2,500 participants online. Prominent dignitaries, policymakers, and industry leaders were present at the event.

FUEL's award is a recognition of its innovative initiatives in education and effective utilisation of CSR funds. The organisation's model has the potential to make a significant impact on the education sector and provide opportunities to economically weaker sections.

The award has highlighted the importance of CSR funding in building sustainable institutions. FUEL's model can be replicated by other organisations, making a positive impact on the education sector.

In conclusion, FUEL's CSR Times 2026 Award is a significant recognition of its innovative initiatives in education. The organisation's model has the potential to make a lasting impact on the education sector and provide opportunities to those who need it most.

The award is also a testament to the power of CSR funding in building sustainable institutions. As India continues to grow and develop, the importance of CSR funding will only continue to increase. Organisations like FUEL are leading the way in demonstrating the impact that CSR funding can have on the education sector.

Overall, FUEL's CSR Times 2026 Award is a well-deserved recognition of its innovative initiatives in education. The organisation's model has the potential to make a significant impact on the education sector and provide opportunities to economically weaker sections.

The impact of this award will be felt for years to come, as FUEL continues to make a positive impact on the education sector. With its innovative model and effective utilisation of CSR funds, FUEL is an example of how organisations can make a real difference in the lives of people.

In the end, FUEL's CSR Times 2026 Award is a reminder that CSR funding can be used to build sustainable institutions and make a lasting impact on the education sector. As India continues to grow and develop, the importance of CSR funding will only continue to increase, and organisations like FUEL will be at the forefront of this movement.