Donor of the Month – Caterpillar Foundation
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. For more than 85 years, Caterpillar has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. The Caterpillar Foundation’s philanthropic focus on sustainable humanity, sustainable environment and sustainable education can be seen though their investment in economic education.
In 2007, they were the first company recognized by Econ Illinois for 35 years of consecutive giving to the Council. “This is true commitment to helping prepare young people to be better prepared for full participation in our economy,” said Econ Illinois President Joanne Dempsey. “Caterpillar’s record of consistent and significant giving to the Council has helped us maintain our programs for schools, even when the economy has been tight. Consistent, dependable giving is a true gift for any not-for-profit; and when that giving grows over the years, it helps build a solid foundation for our work.”
Caterpillar support has gone beyond financial contributions through the involvement of employees on Econ Illinois Boards and involvement with the affiliated Center for Economic Education at Bradley University. Caterpillar's continued dedication to Econ Illinois stands as a model to all companies and individuals. As the Caterpillar Foundation mission states, “community enhancement is the right thing to do. Our communities rely on our help.” Econ Illinois is honored to be able to rely on Caterpillar for their support of economic education in Illinois.