The Caterpillar Foundation Announces $11 Million in Investments for Africa’s Future Through Water, Energy and Women

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The Caterpillar Foundation, supported by Caterpillar Inc.CAT -0.01% , continues working to alleviate poverty worldwide, including on the African continent, through a series of investments. Since 2010 alone, corporate social innovation has driven the Caterpillar Foundation to invest $30 million in African programs that address access to clean water, energy, empowering girls and women and microfinance, as well as food and shelter. The Foundation targets investments to organizations working in areas of policy that will enable sustainable growth and development across the continent.

“The Caterpillar Foundation is committed to finding ways to spur vibrant growth in Africa,” said Doug Oberhelman, Caterpillar Chairman & CEO. “Just as it has in other parts of the world, the Foundation is investing to help millions of Africans become economically self-sufficient. The investments announced today will provide essentials – water, energy and opportunity – to help families and communities build and grow.”

ONE Campaign – Advocacy and Public Policy The Caterpillar Foundation is making an initial investment of $5 million with the ONE Campaign to address advocacy and public policy needs and the lack of access to power, which is a key factor in making it more difficult for Africa to lift itself out of poverty. The Caterpillar Foundation plans to announce an additional grant with ONE later this year.

“ONE is incredibly grateful for the Caterpillar Foundation’s investment in our work to help bring reliable supplies of energy to the nearly 600 million people across Africa who presently lack it,” said Michael Elliot, ONE Campaign CEO. “We’re also excited about continuing our partnership with the Foundation to enhance global advocacy and campaigning around the world that inspires citizens to use their voices and take action to end extreme poverty by 2030.”

Source: Market Watch (link opens in a new window)

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