In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes Asha Varghese, President of the Caterpillar Foundation. Asha shares insights into the foundation’s expansive philanthropic efforts, having invested over $1 billion into global communities since its inception in 1952. She emphasizes that this achievement is not a finish line, but a launch pad for even greater impact.

Asha discusses the foundation’s strategic focus on building resilient communities through workforce development, disaster preparedness, and sustainable infrastructure. She outlines how nonprofits can successfully align with corporate donors like Caterpillar by focusing on measurable impact, local empowerment, and long-term sustainability. This conversation is packed with practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to navigate today’s challenging fundraising landscape and create lasting social change.

Key Topics Include:

• How the Caterpillar Foundation has invested over $1 billion since 1952 to support global communities
• A three-pronged strategy: economic empowerment, infrastructure resilience, and employee engagement
• The foundation’s long-term approach to disaster response and recovery, including partnerships with the Red Cross and CDP
• Innovative workforce development initiatives such as mobile STEM labs and digital fabrication tech for students
• The impact of federal funding cuts on nonprofits and how foundations are stepping in
• Advice for nonprofit leaders on how to align with corporate foundations and submit strong funding proposals
• The importance of systemic thinking, community-driven solutions, and data-driven impact measurement

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Caterpillar Foundation: https://www.caterpillar.com/en/company/caterpillar-foundation.html
• Learning Undefeated: https://www.learningundefeated.org/
• FAB Foundation: https://www.fabfoundation.org/
• American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/
• American Flood Coalition: https://floodcoalition.org/
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP): https://disasterphilanthropy.org/
• Jobs for the Future: https://www.jff.org/

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox: https://donorbox.org
  

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at [email protected]
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

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