Mars launches $85M Impact Fund to support communities, pets and sustainability efforts
Mars Inc. announced the launch of the Mars Impact Fund, a new enterprise-level philanthropic initiative aimed at driving long-term change for people, pets and the planet in the communities where the company operates.
The family-owned global food, pet care and snacking company said the fund will distribute $85 million between 2025 and 2027. Beginning in 2028, Mars expects to provide at least $50 million annually in additional philanthropic funding.
Company officials said the Mars Impact Fund is designed to complement existing sustainability programs and foundation activities through strategic, long-term investments.
“The Mars Impact Fund builds on decades of partnership and investment in the communities where we operate, strengthening and scaling the work already underway. It is designed to complement our broader impact agenda to benefit people, pets and the planet and help us deepen relationships with organizations working to create lasting impact,” said Andy Pharoah, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability.
The fund will focus on three key priorities aligned with the company’s business and values: boosting sourcing community resiliency by supporting farm families and improving livelihoods; growing and diversifying the pipeline of scientists, particularly in food, agriculture and pet care; and improving companion animal well-being by expanding access to veterinary care in underserved communities.
The fund will also coordinate Mars’ response to large-scale disasters affecting its businesses, employees and communities.
“Change starts with listening, learning and working alongside the communities we serve. Through the Mars Impact Fund, we’re partnering with organizations that bring deep expertise and local insight so that, together, we can expand opportunity, strengthen resilience, and improve lives for people and pets around the world,” said Michelle Grogg, Executive Director, Mars Impact Fund.
Among the initial grant recipients are Save the Children and Humane World for Animals. The fund approved a three-year, $3 million grant to Save the Children to expand Village Savings and Loan Associations and strengthen community resilience programs in cocoa-growing areas of Indonesia. It also approved a $726,000 grant to Humane World for Animals to expand equitable access to veterinary care and training in select communities in India and Mexico.
“We’re grateful for our long-standing partnership with Mars, grounded in our shared commitment to children and communities,” said Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children US. “As we enter this next phase of our collaboration in Indonesia, the Mars Impact Fund will help us reach 115 villages over the next three years. Together, we’re supporting families to build financial stability, strengthen child protection systems, and advance community-led resilience across cocoa growing areas—delivering lasting change for women, children, and families.”
“What excites me about our partnership with Mars is that together we’re removing one of the biggest barriers to better health and welfare outcomes for companion animals: access to quality veterinary care,” said Kitty Block, President and CEO of Humane World for Animals. “Our programs reaching street dogs and pets in underserved communities are doing more than just improving the lives of animals, too. They’re creating lasting solutions for healthier and safer communities around the world.”
Mars said the grants mark the beginning of multi-year partnerships and reflect the company’s commitment to working with established organizations to create measurable impact globally.
