Caterpillar Foundation’s seven-decade milestone

The Caterpillar Foundation, the philanthropic organization of Caterpillar Inc., is celebrating seven decades of helping build resilient communities.

“We are proud to continue to build on our rich history of supporting communities around the world,” said Asha Varghese, president of the Caterpillar Foundation. “The spirit of giving has been part of Caterpillar’s DNA since the very beginning. Caterpillar employees, retirees and dealers give back generously to the communities in which they live and work.”

Throughout the year, the Foundation is highlighting its global work in workforce readiness, STEM education, sustainable natural infrastructure, access to basic services, disaster relief, employee volunteerism and matching gifts, which have helped communities around the world achieve sustainable progress, said the firm.

“At the Caterpillar Foundation, we believe that no one organization, group or person can achieve sustainable progress alone – and we are honored to work hand-in-hand with some of the world’s most impactful organizations to build a better, more sustainable world for the future generations,” said Varghese.

Caterpillar said it has a long history of sustainability, including being one of the company’s core values and an area of strategic focus.

Foundation giving began in 1952 with a gift to the local East Peoria, Illinois, firehouse, and has grown to investments in 110 countries across six continents to help build resilient and sustainable communities.

Since its founding, the Caterpillar Foundation has invested $851 million to help improve the lives of people around the world.

“The Caterpillar Foundation strategy is consistent with the core values of the company and Caterpillar’s desire to be good stewards. As the Foundation looks forward to the next 70 years, it will continue to prioritize investments in innovation and scalable, unique solutions to address some of the world’s challenges,” said the company.

The recent United Nations General Assembly/Climate Week in New York is one of the many global platforms the Caterpillar Foundation is engaging in, “alongside our partners to commemorate this milestone anniversary.”

During its anniversary year, the Caterpillar Foundation said it will continue to focus on impacting communities with key partners, while highlighting future priorities and goals of the organization.