Mars, Incorporated has announced the launch of the Mars Impact Fund, a new enterprise-level philanthropic initiative aimed at delivering long-term social and environmental impact across the communities in which the company operates.
The family-owned global food, pet care and snacking company said the Fund will contribute $85 million between 2025 and 2027. From 2028 onwards, Mars expects to distribute at least $50 million annually in additional philanthropic capital.
The new entity is designed to complement Mars’ existing sustainability programmes and foundation activities through strategic, long-term investments aligned with its business priorities and corporate values.
Andy Pharoah, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Mars, said the initiative builds on decades of community engagement. “The Mars Impact Fund strengthens and scales the work already underway. It complements our broader impact agenda to benefit people, pets and the planet, and enables us to deepen relationships with organisations working to create lasting change,” he said.
The Fund will focus on three core priorities: enhancing resilience in sourcing communities, particularly among farming families; expanding and diversifying the pipeline of scientists in fields such as food, agriculture and pet care; and improving access to veterinary care for companion animals in under-resourced communities.
In addition, the Fund will coordinate Mars’ response to large-scale disasters affecting its businesses, employees and local communities, enabling faster and more structured relief efforts.
Michelle Grogg, Executive Director of the Mars Impact Fund, said the initiative aims to work closely with local partners. “Through the Fund, we are partnering with organisations 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,” she said.
Among its first grant recipients are Save the Children and Humane World for Animals. The Fund has approved a three-year, $3 million grant to support Village Savings and Loan Associations and resilience programmes in cocoa-growing communities in Indonesia. A further $726,000 has been allocated to expand access to veterinary care and training in selected communities in India and Mexico, marking the start of a multi-year partnership.
Representatives of both organisations welcomed the support, highlighting its role in strengthening community resilience and improving animal welfare in underserved areas.
Mars said the initial grants reflect the Fund’s commitment to working alongside established partners to deliver measurable and lasting impact globally.
