Prior to the establishment of the Bosch Community Fund in 2011, Bosch in North America maintained a corporate contributions program to support the communities where we have a presence. The Bosch Community Fund was created to expand upon these existing investments and activities to develop a unique, comprehensive approach to grantmaking and community engagement.

Today, the Bosch Community Fund has moved beyond a prescriptive and transactional model when it comes to grantmaking and relationships with grant recipients to engage an inclusive group of stakeholders that drive dialogue, discussion, and best practices to inform grant investments. We’ve established groups called Community Advisory Committees (CACs) in 45 Bosch in North America sites.

This unique approach to grantmaking was inspired by conversations with colleagues in the automotive industry. These discussions highlighted the broad idea of a different, yet inclusive, approach to grant giving that gives communities a voice regarding how funds are utilized in their areas. This concept ignited discussions within the company that ultimately led to formally create the CAC model, which was executed in line with the ethos of Bosch and its culture of inclusivity.

At the Bosch Community Fund, we focus our grantmaking on issues relating to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), as well as environmental conservation and education. CAC meetings focus on the opportunity to listen and learn from stakeholders about the most pressing issues within a community as they relate to these priority areas. This forms the basis for highly informed and targeted grantmaking for the Fund’s staff.

Steps to Establishing and Facilitating a Successful Community Advisory Committee

  • Appoint a Key Contact in the Community.
  • Gather a Diverse Group of Community Leaders.
  • Meet Community Members Where They Are — Literally.
  • Lean into Your Role as Conveners.
  • Inclusive and Ongoing Communications
  • Maintaining an Active and Productive Group

Read the full article about an inclusive approach to giving by Kathleen Owsley at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy.