John Deere has a history of supporting charitable endeavors that spans decades. Giving to worthy causes occurs both in the many communities in which Deere operates and elsewhere around the world through its foundation.
Reportedly one of the earliest corporate foundations established for community support efforts, the John Deere Foundation started with an $18,000 commitment to the Moline Community Chest in the company’s hometown in western Illinois.
As it celebrates its 75th anniversary, the John Deere Foundation has grown in lockstep with its parent company, giving out more than $400 million since its founding in 1948.
"Whenever we give freely to nonprofit organizations and provide them with the resources they can use to better serve others, they have a greater impact. . . . (T)he Foundation strives to earn the trust of the nonprofits and communities we serve," said Nate Clark, Global Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and President of the John Deere Foundation. "This is our legacy and our future."
Two years ago, the foundation announced a commitment to award a minimum of $200 million during the next decade. In those two years, the foundation has exceeded $68 million in total giving, provided 42 million meals to those in need, supported 6,000 non-profit organizations and served 290,000 marginalized youth through its educational programs.
None of this work would be possible without the sweat and hard work of Deere’s employees, who in the past two years have contributed more than 550,000 volunteer hours (including 260,000 this year) and $10 million in personal donations.
"When John Deere employees volunteer for or give to causes that mean something to them, they create a ripple effect that has an immediate impact on individuals and families within our home communities," said John May, CEO of John Deere and Chairman of the John Deere Foundation. "The John Deere Foundation has been a powerful catalyst for change since 1948, and we will continue to invest generously in organizations that help relieve and uplift our neighbors. It's about treating people with honesty, integrity, and respect—plain and simple."