March 30th, 2020- As the events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve rapidly, the Caterpillar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Caterpillar Inc. announced it is committing $8.5 million to support global communities, including underserved populations, who are affected by the virus. The Foundation’s investment will support nonprofit organizations who are working to help prevent, detect and respond to the pandemic; providing resources to hospitals, medical staff, and patients; addressing food insecurity; and enabling online STEM and coding education for youth impacted by school closures.
The 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; and
- Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund.
“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 is also expanding its existing U.S. Matching Gifts Program to provide a 2:1 match on employee and retiree donations made to eligible nonprofits beginning March 16 through May 1, 2020, per the program conditions that can be found at caterpillar.com/matching-gifts.
“The Caterpillar Foundation is focused on building more sustainable and resilient communities, helping them emerge stronger together during this unprecedented time,” said Asha Varghese, Caterpillar Foundation president. “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.”
