Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
Episode: How Best to Approach Corporate Donors
Host: Dr. Rob Harter
Guest: Asha Varghese, President, Caterpillar Foundation
Date: December 7, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter engages Asha Varghese, President of the Caterpillar Foundation, in an in-depth discussion on strategies to best approach corporate donors, the evolving landscape for nonprofit funding, and Caterpillar Foundation’s commitment to building resilient communities. The conversation highlights lessons from seven decades of corporate philanthropy, insight into disaster preparedness, and actionable advice for social impact organizations seeking corporate and foundation support.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The $1 Billion Milestone—A Launchpad, Not a Finish Line
- Caterpillar Foundation’s Impact:
- Since 1952, the Foundation has invested over $1 billion in communities globally.
- Emphasis on this as a beginning, not an end:
“This milestone is not the finish line for us. It’s really a launchpad.”
—Asha Varghese (04:47)
Strategic Framework for Community Investment
-
Threefold Approach:
- Economic Empowerment: Equipping individuals with skills for today’s and tomorrow’s workforce.
- Natural & Built Infrastructure: Strengthening community capacities to withstand and recover from disaster.
- Employee Engagement: Leveraging the passion and hands-on support of Caterpillar employees and partners.
-
Local Leadership Matters:
“We never go into a community thinking that we have the answers. What we’re really there for is to listen and to understand.”
—Asha Varghese (08:48)
Disaster Preparedness & Response Philosophy
- Long-Term Systemic Approach:
- Investing in both infrastructure and human capacity before, during, and after crises.
- Case Example – Flood Resilient Communities:
- Partnership with the American Flood Coalition, supporting under-resourced communities in the Carolinas to lead their own flood resilience efforts. (11:40)
- Collaborative Rapid Response:
- Pre-funding partners like the Red Cross ensures readiness.
- Mobilizing equipment and skilled volunteers through Caterpillar’s dealer network.
“Once a disaster strikes, it’s a little too late...preparing for the materials that they need so they can do what they need to do right away.”
—Asha Varghese (15:35)
Workforce Development—Preparing for the Jobs of Tomorrow
- Innovative STEM Initiatives:
- Support for Learning Undefeated’s mobile “Breakout Box” classroom, exposing students to hands-on manufacturing and technology careers. (19:15)
- Investment in Fab Foundation—a mobile “fab lab” with digital fabrication for K-12 students.
- Supporting apprenticeships and dual-enrollment programs with Jobs for the Future.
- Holistic Skill-Building:
“It’s not just important that you’re providing training from a skill standpoint...you’re essentially building an ecosystem.”
—Asha Varghese (27:53)
Navigating Federal Funding Cuts and the New Fundraising Landscape
- Rising Pressure on Foundations:
- Nonprofits seeking alternative funding sources as federal support recedes.
- Foundation Response:
- While noting increased demand, Asha stresses Caterpillar Foundation’s stable commitment and evolving creative strategies.
“This has really allowed us to lean in and really collaborate...so that the impact and the outcome really remains strong.”
—Asha Varghese (24:11)
Practical Advice for Social Impact Organizations & Fundraisers
On Creating Sustainable, Systemic Impact
- Start with Clear Purpose:
“Know why that matters and why us being a partner on the ground can make a change…It all goes back to starting with that clear purpose.”
—Asha Varghese (27:53) - Think Systemically & Collaboratively:
- Address root causes, not just symptoms.
- Engage cross-sector partners—nonprofit, corporate, government, and grassroots (28:30)
- Measure and communicate impact for broader learning and inspiration.
On Approaching Foundations for Funding
-
Strategic Alignment is Critical:
- Study the foundation’s focus areas and ensure program alignment.
- Demonstrate measurable, sustainable impact.
- Build authentic, trust-based relationships; collaboration is key.
“When you’re crafting a proposal, make sure it’s rooted in that purpose...and driven by community voices.”
—Asha Varghese (30:25) -
Design for Longevity:
“Even after we’re long gone from that community, we want those programs to continue to stay and be fruitful.”
—Asha Varghese (30:35)
On Innovation and the Next Billion
- Continual Evolution:
“We’re going to stay focused on our strategy and looking at workforce, future of work, sustainable infrastructure...and continue to evolve and work together to make that lasting impact.”
—Asha Varghese (32:59)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Milestones:
“It’s not the finish line, it’s a launchpad.”
—Asha Varghese (04:47) -
On Community Engagement:
“The best solutions come from that local level. Make sure it’s measurable and impactful.”
—Asha Varghese (31:30) -
On Collaboration:
“It’s a beautiful recipe of long-term impact.”
—Asha Varghese (17:40)
Important Timestamps
- $1 Billion Milestone & Philosophy: 04:47
- Caterpillar Foundation’s Strategic Approach: 07:21
- Disaster Response & Local Partnerships: 11:08–18:11
- Workforce Development Programs: 19:05–23:12
- Impact of Federal Funding Cuts: 24:11
- Advice for Fundraisers & Nonprofits: 27:07–31:56
- Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Corporate Philanthropy: 32:59
Resources
- Caterpillar Foundation: Website & LinkedIn (referenced at 32:06)
- Past podcast episodes and resources: nonprofitleadershippodcast.org
Closing Thought
Dr. Rob Harter encapsulates the episode’s core theme:
“Whatever goal you have right now with your organization...What is your launching pad? Not what’s your finish line?” (02:20)
This episode offers actionable wisdom for nonprofit leaders, providing both strategic frameworks and practical steps for successful corporate partnership—especially relevant amid an era of shifting funding priorities and growing community needs.