Impressive! Caterpillar Raises $15.2 Million for United Way
Caterpillar employees, retirees and the Caterpillar Foundation pledged more than $15.2 million to United Way chapters across the United States, Mexico, Canada and Panama during its 2025-2026 campaign. The total matches last year’s record. It also reinforces one of the longest running corporate charity partnerships in the equipment sector. The company’s workforce logged over 12,000 volunteer hours during August and September through the Caterpillar Foundation Volunteer Service Match Program. Those hours earned additional matching dollars for local nonprofits. From the press release:
“Giving back isn’t just what we do at Caterpillar — it’s who we are,” said Joe Creed, Caterpillar CEO. “For 100 years, we’ve supported the places where we live and work, knowing that stronger communities benefit us all. We are grateful to our employees and retirees for their generosity and commitment to making a positive impact around the world.”
A Long History of Support
Caterpillar has partnered with the United Way for more than 70 years, which is honestly pretty amazing. It remains the company’s only annual employee and retiree fundraising campaign. The Caterpillar Foundation continues to match all contributions dollar-for-dollar, doubling every gift. Since 2000, Caterpillar and the Foundation have raised more than $251 million for United Way agencies focused on improving local health, education and financial stability. That’s both crazy and amazing.
New Recognition From United Way
United Way recently named Caterpillar and the Caterpillar Foundation a 2025 Leading Corporate Partner. The designation goes to companies that raise more than $5 million per year across United Way’s global network. More than 1,100 United Way chapters operate worldwide. Caterpillar’s campaign supports 508 chapters in the communities where its employees live and work.
The Caterpillar Foundation also announced a two-year $250,000 grant to the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. The funding supports the Pathways to Work initiative, which focuses on vocational training and industry-aligned certifications. The grant backs programs at Dallas College that prepare young adults for roles in IT and skilled trades. These fields remain in high demand across the construction and industrial sectors. From the press release:
“The Foundation’s mission is to build thriving communities by investing in the skills people need to succeed in the workforce,” said Caterpillar Foundation President Asha Varghese. “Through our expanded collaboration with the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we are helping North Texas young adults access work-ready training and industry-recognized credentials that will open doors to meaningful careers. This investment reflects the Foundation’s belief that workforce development is key to creating stronger, more sustainable communities.”
Why Big Equipment Companies Step Up
Major compact equipment manufacturers play a visible role in the communities where they build machines, employ workers and support dealer networks. Their donations and volunteer commitments often reach local job seekers, students and families who rely on essential services. Efforts like Caterpillar’s United Way campaign help strengthen the workforce that powers construction, infrastructure and public works. Investments in training also support the industries that depend on skilled labor to operate machinery, build projects and maintain jobsite productivity. For companies in the compact equipment space, supporting nonprofits also builds trust with customers, dealers and local organizations. These partnerships reinforce long-term commitments to the trades and the communities that keep the industry moving. Please let us know when your company supports similar philanthropic initiatives, and we’ll cover it in both the print and web pages of Compact Equipment.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
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