John Deere Foundation Grants $1 Million for Red Cross Relief Efforts in Japan

The John Deere Foundation, the main philanthropic organization of Deere & Co., is lending a hand to support relief efforts in Japan. The Foundation has recently approved a grant of $1 million to the Red Cross organization following the earthquake and tsunami that devastated portions of the country. In addition, the John Deere Foundation will match Deere employee contributions to the Japan relief effort up to an additional $500,000.
 
“The tragic events in Japan have profoundly affected people around the world,” said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer, Deere & Co. “We are deeply saddened when a disaster of this magnitude causes so much destruction and loss of life. The support of the John Deere Foundation will assist the Red Cross as it helps the Japanese people during this difficult recovery.”
 
The John Deere Foundation support announced on March 22 is in addition to annual contributions of $250,000 each that the Foundation makes to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund and the International Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
 
The John Deere Foundation is Deere & Co.’s main philanthropic organization, providing grants to a variety of non-profit organizations that are active in the following areas: solutions for world hunger, community betterment, higher education and disaster relief. The Foundation approved grants in excess of $12 million in 2010.