Today, Ford Motor Company, the Ford Fund and Team Rubicon announce Team Rubicon Powered by Ford, a new disaster relief initiative that will serve the growing number of communities across the United States that are impacted by hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and wildfires.
According to studies, 90% of U.S. counties experienced a federal climate disaster between 2011-2021.1 Ford’s investment – which includes a fleet of vehicles, a $2.5 million philanthropic donation, and a commitment to deploying employee volunteers – greatly expands Team Rubicon’s ability to provide no-cost services to vulnerable communities in the wake of these disasters and crises.
“At the heart of Ford is our commitment to help out our communities in times of need and make it possible for our employees to volunteer their time and talent to help others," said Bill Ford, executive chair. "The reality is weather-related disasters in the U.S. are becoming more frequent and more severe. That is why we are significantly expanding our relationship with Team Rubicon, donating a fleet of vehicles and deploying volunteers where they are needed most.”
Team Rubicon Powered by Fordbuilds on nearly 25 years of disaster relief efforts by Ford. The company has invested in disaster relief efforts since 1999, when a catastrophic earthquake struck Turkey, and Ford mobilized vehicles, volunteers and other lifesaving aid in the region.
Since then, Ford has consistently supported disaster relief efforts in communities across the country and around the world. From Hurricane Harvey (2017) to the Texas ice storms (2021) to deadly storms in eastern Kentucky (2022), Ford has shown up for communities in need by deploying vehicles to provide emergency transportation and power, delivering essential goods, and funding direct service providers.
“The reality is weather-related disasters in the U.S. are becoming more frequent and more severe”Bill Ford, Executive Chair
Over the last few years, the Ford Fund has donated $7 million to disaster relief efforts globally, including $1.5 million in previous investments to Team Rubicon.
Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises.
Founded following the Haiti earthquake in 2010, the organization has grown to more than 160,000 volunteers across the United States and has launched over 1,100 operations domestically and internationally. By pairing the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders, medical professionals, and technology solutions, Team Rubicon aims to provide the greatest service and impact possible.
“It starts with shared values – Team Rubicon and Ford both embrace the ethos of service, a vision of creating and strengthening communities – we’re committed to service," said Art delaCruz, Team Rubicon CEO and retired U.S. Naval officer. "This Ford fleet and its innovative technology, in addition to the Ford Fund investment, exponentially increases our ability to reach those who have been impacted by disasters and crises. We are thankful for the longtime support and generous investment from the Ford Motor Company and the Ford Fund - and look forward to showcasing the possibilities that can happen when purpose-driven companies team up with humanitarian organizations.”
Key Components of Initiative and Investment
Vehicle and service donation:Ford Motor Company will donate a fleet of vehicles to increase Team Rubicon’s capability to power, tow and haul tools, equipment and machinery. Ford will provide:
- 10 Ford F-150® XL PowerBoost® Hybrid trucks equipped with 7.2 kW Pro Power Onboard, enabling Team Rubicon to provide essential services to communities without electricity
- Three Ford F-150® Lightning® Pro trucks equipped with 9.6 kW Pro Power Onboard
- Two Ford Super Duty® F-350® XL trucks equipped with available 2.0 kW Pro Power Onboard
- Two Ford Bronco® 4-door SUVs equipped with Sasquatch® off-road package
- Five years of Ford Pro™ Fleet Management software and scheduled service maintenance and extended warranty coverage
The fleet of donated vehicles features a unique, co-branded wrap design inspired by the quick maneuverability and responsiveness of an aircraft with a nod to aviation tail art. Each model has a unique rear pattern, and the wraps include reflective elements for improved visibility in dark locations.
This investment is provided by funds from Project Apollo, Ford’s initiative to produce and distribute personal protective equipment and healthcare equipment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philanthropic Investment: The Ford Fund is investing $2.5 million to support Team Rubicon’s Ready Reserve Fund, a fund that allows Team Rubicon to provide no-cost services for vulnerable communities as soon as disaster strikes. It also funds mitigation, preparedness and recovery efforts, ensuring equitable aid reaches those most in need throughout the disaster cycle.
Volunteerism: Ford employees are invited to join forces with Team Rubicon’s “Greyshirt” volunteers in disaster mitigation, preparedness, and rebuilding efforts as part of the Ford Volunteer Corps, a program that offers employees paid time off to give back to their communities.
Earlier this year, Ford and Team Rubicon mobilized employees and “Greyshirts” to work on homes in Detroit that were devastated by flooding due to storms in 2021. As part of the launch, Ford employees will join Team Rubicon for missions in Detroit and Houston.
Visit www.teamrubiconusa.org to volunteer, donate, and find more information.
1Rebuild by Design “Atlas of Disaster” www.rebuildbydesign.org/atlas-of-disaster
