On May 2, in the Indian state of Jharkhand, the Community Grant Programme was launched, an initiative led by the Adhesives segment, in partnership with the Bovelander Foundation, an expert in development through hockey, and the local NGO CInI (Collective for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives), a key player in on-the-ground implementation. Together, the partners share a common goal: to create sustainable opportunities for young people by leveraging local dynamics.
Empowering local communities through sport
The programme is built on a clear ambition: to empower local hockey coaches to design and lead projects that address the specific needs of their communities. By placing local ownership at its core, the initiative supports solutions that are both relevant and sustainable.
Sport – and hockey in particular – plays a central role in this approach. It acts as a powerful catalyst to bring people together, build confidence, and create inclusive environments where young people can develop and thrive.
Sports, and hockey in particular, play a vital role in our approach. Far more than just a pastime, it is a powerful catalyst for change. It brings communities together, builds confidence in young people, and creates inclusive spaces where everyone can express themselves and grow. Building on this momentum, we use sports as a catalyst to generate a broader impact, particularly in the areas of education, inclusion, and access to new opportunities.
First community-led initiatives delivering impact
During the launch event, 26 coaches from three districts presented their project ideas, demonstrating strong engagement and commitment to their communities.
Several initiatives have already been implemented, illustrating the programme’s concrete impact. A community water pump restoration now benefits around 80 families, while a grassroots girls’ hockey festival brought together 90 participants from six villages.
Other projects, including sports ground improvements and awareness modules for young people, are currently being developed, contributing to education, inclusion, and access to opportunities at the local level.
A strong partnership for long-term impact
The Community Grant Programme reflects a close collaboration between Bostik, the Bovelander Foundation, and CInI, combining global expertise with strong local implementation.
The presence of Suresh, Country Head India, during the launch event reinforced engagement with local communities and highlighted the importance of supporting locally driven initiatives.
“At Bostik, we believe our role goes beyond business. Through this programme, we support locally driven initiatives that create meaningful, long-term opportunities for young people,” Suresh RAMACHANDRAN - Country Head India
Building sustainable change
By investing in local leadership and supporting community-led initiatives, the programme is designed to generate long-term, sustainable impact. Previous projects have already demonstrated tangible results, including increased school attendance among girls following improvements in school infrastructure.
With the launch of the Community Grant Programme, Bostik strengthens its commitment to supporting initiatives that create lasting value for communities, driven by local actors and built to endure over time.