The Caterpillar Foundation is committing $8.5 million USD to support global communities affected by the coronavirus.
The philanthropic arm of Caterpillar Inc. announced its investment will support nonprofit organizations who are working to help prevent, detect and respond to the pandemic. The donation will provide resources to hospitals, medical staff and patients; address food insecurity; and enable online STEM and coding education for youth impacted by school closures.
“These investments are an important expression of our company’s values,” said Jim Umpleby, Caterpillar chairman and chief executive officer.
“As we all work together to fight the pandemic, the foundation’s resources will provide essential support in communities around the world.”
The Caterpillar Foundation’s $8.5 million investment is being distributed among a number of organizations and COVID-19 funds around the world, including:
- United Nations Foundation/World Health Organization Solidarity Response Fund
- King Baudouin Foundation Fund for Italy
- Global Foodbanking Network Global Fund
- Feeding America Response Fund
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- Illinois COVID-19 Response FundÂ
Alongside the donation, the Caterpillar Foundation is expanding its existing United States Matching Gifts Program to provide a two-to-one match on employee and retiree donations that are made to eligible nonprofits from March 16 to May 1, per the program conditions that can be found at: caterpillar.com/matching-gifts. Â
“The Caterpillar Foundation is focused on building more sustainable and resilient communities, helping them emerge stronger together during this unprecedented time,” said Asha Varghese, president of the Caterpillar Foundation.
“Our employees and retirees give so generously, and we are proud to amplify their gifts and support our many nonprofit partners working tirelessly to keep our communities safe and prosperous.”
Earlier this year, the foundation also made a $250,000 donation to the China Women’s Development Foundation to provide healthcare facilities with critical medical protective materials in China’s Hubei province, where the outbreak began. In addition to these organizations, the Foundation is collaborating with its global facilities to support local nonprofits contributing to the COVID-19 response efforts.
The Caterpillar Foundation is also a member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). This program provides a funding base that allows the Red Cross to respond immediately to the needs of individuals and families impacted by disasters in the United States and around the world.
