The Caterpillar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Caterpillar, donated $500,000 to the Equal Justice Initiative and $500,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment, challenging racial and economic injustice, and protecting fundamental human rights for the most vulnerable in society.

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equity for all Americans.

“Caterpillar supports the fight against racism and injustice,” Jim Umpleby, chairman and CEO of Caterpillar, said. “Caterpillar and the Caterpillar Foundation look forward to working with the Equal Justice Initiative and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund to help build a better world.”

The foundation will continue investing in community programs that address the destructive effects of racism and the fight for equal justice. The Caterpillar Foundation is also matching employee and retiree donations to eligible organizations in the fight against racism and social injustice.