Henkel is involved in many different social activities that go beyond our business interests.  As a global company, we face a wide variety of social challenges and local priorities in the various regions and market segments in which we do business. On the basis of worldwide standards, Henkel therefore seeks to give consideration to the values, needs and expectations of people in different countries, so that we can contribute to sustainable development.

Henkel provides concrete support for social, ecological and scientific initiatives. One example is the MIT (Make an Impact on Tomorrow) program, which Henkel established in 1998. This program supports the volunteer efforts of our employees and retirees by providing financial support to the non-profit organizations for which they volunteer, as well as paid time off from work to complete volunteer projects. More than 2,000 volunteer projects have been supported to date.

In 2004 Henkel Central Eastern Europe initiated the children's charity project "Henkel Smile". The aim of it is to provide quick and direct assistance to needy people as well as to raise awareness in the general public of the issues impacting children and young people who urgently require assistance.
Currently there are 15 Henkel-Smile charity projects running in the CEE-region.

Today Henkel's worldwide commitment is channeled under the umbrella of  "Henkel Smile" through four independent modules for implementing project ideas and initiatives:

1. MIT Initiative
2. Social Partnerships
3. Corporate Donations
4. Henkel Friendship Initiative