John Deere Honored as One of the Most Community-Minded Companies in the Nation
For the second consecutive year, John Deere has been recognized as one of the most community-minded companies in the United States. The Civic 50, an annual survey administered by Points of Light, has named John Deere as one of its honorees, celebrating the company’s commitment to corporate citizenship and social impact. Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, has been at the forefront of promoting and recognizing businesses that prioritize community engagement and social responsibility.
The Civic 50 serves as a national standard for corporate citizenship, highlighting companies that integrate social impact, civic engagement, and community at the core of their business practices. To be eligible for this recognition, companies must have annual U.S. revenues of at least $1 billion. The selection process focuses on four dimensions of corporate citizenship and social impact programs: investment of resources and volunteerism, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems, and impact measurement.
Nate Clark, John Deere’s Global Director of Corporate Responsibility and President of the John Deere Foundation, expressed admiration for Points of Light and its Civic 50 initiative. He emphasized the significance of purpose and service in the success of renowned businesses worldwide. Clark also highlighted the potential for collective action and collaboration for the greater good.
In 2022, John Deere announced remarkable community investments amounting to $55.5 million, marking a 30 percent increase from the previous year. These investments were directed towards combatting hunger, with over $3 million allocated to food banks and emergency hunger assistance. This contribution was equivalent to providing more than 13 million meals. Additionally, John Deere invested nearly $5 million to support 3.8 million farmers globally, assisting them in enhancing their food security, incomes, and resilience to conflict and climate change. Furthermore, the employees of John Deere demonstrated their commitment to community service by contributing 174,518 volunteer hours and personally donating $5 million.
Diane Quest, the interim President and CEO of Points of Light, acknowledged the essential role companies play in fostering thriving and participatory communities. She commended John Deere as a model for other businesses, showcasing the optimal utilization of employee talent, business assets, and integration to create meaningful social impact. The recognition of John Deere as an honoree of The Civic 50 2023 further underscores the company’s dedication to corporate citizenship.
For those interested in exploring the full report and discovering the complete list of The Civic 50 2023 honorees, the information is available at www.pointsoflight.org/the-civic-50.
About Deere & Company
Deere & Company, a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, turf, construction, and forestry equipment, is committed to helping customers push the boundaries of what’s possible in a more productive and sustainable manner. The company’s technologically advanced products, such as the John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe, contribute to meeting the world’s increasing demand for food, shelter, and infrastructure. In addition to its product offerings, Deere & Company provides financial services through John Deere Financial. To learn more about Deere & Company, visit www.deere.com/en/news/.
About the John Deere Foundation
The John Deere Foundation is dedicated to realizing John Deere’s higher purpose of propelling progress by investing in initiatives that empower individuals to overcome current challenges and create pathways to a more prosperous future. From 2021 to 2030, the Foundation has committed at least 200 million to unlock economic, social, and environmental value for smallholder and resource-constrained farmers, marginalized families and youth in John Deere’s home communities, as well as their workforce. The Foundation’s investments are aimed at making a global impact and fostering sustainable development.
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of individuals to create positive change in the world. With a vision of empowering every person to make a difference, Points of Light works in collaboration with 145 affiliates across 39 countries and partners with thousands of nonprofits and corporations. Together, they engage 3.7 million people in 16.7 million hours of service annually, harnessing the power of individuals to address pressing needs and build thriving, participatory societies. To learn more about Points of Light and their impactful initiatives, visit pointsoflight.org.
In receiving this prestigious recognition from The Civic 50 for the second year in a row, John Deere reaffirms its commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement. By investing resources, fostering volunteerism, integrating social impact into its core operations, and measuring the outcomes, John Deere sets an example for other companies to follow. As they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in their industry, they also demonstrate a deep sense of responsibility towards the communities they serve, making a positive difference in the lives of people around the world.