The Caterpillar Foundation Supporting Those Affected by Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene made landfall in the United States on September 26, impacting areas across an 800-mile span. The states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have faced storm surges, flooding, high winds, and widespread power and communication outages.
While it will take weeks or months to fully assess the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, it is clear that many individuals and communities are in urgent need of support.
How the Caterpillar Foundation is Responding
The Caterpillar Foundation is committed to disaster relief through a three-phase approach:
1. Preparedness
As a member of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP), the Caterpillar Foundation provides a $1 million annual global investment. This funding ensures the Red Cross can preposition supplies, train staff, and develop innovative technology ahead of disasters. Currently, more than 850 Red Cross responders are assisting with feeding, emergency response, and sheltering in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
2. Response
The Caterpillar Foundation collaborates with local stakeholders, including the Cat® Dealer global network, to support on-the-ground disaster response. Several Cat® Dealers are already engaged in relief efforts. Additionally, donations from Caterpillar employees, retirees, and dealer employees to the American Red Cross are matched by the Caterpillar Foundation to amplify their impact.
3. Recovery
To aid long-term rebuilding efforts, the Caterpillar Foundation is donating $350,000 to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. These funds will support local charities through the Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund, helping families and communities recover and rebuild along Hurricane Helene’s path.
About the Caterpillar Foundation
Established in 1952, the Caterpillar Foundation has contributed over $935 million globally to foster sustainable progress by building resilient and thriving communities.
To learn more about the Caterpillar Foundation’s global impact, visit caterpillar.com/foundation.
