FORD ISSUES NEW MOBILITY CHALLENGE TO UNLOCK INNOVATION, BOOST COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO NATURAL DISASTERS

• Ford Motor Company launches Disaster Relief Mobility Challenge to inspire creative new ideas for making the best use of Ford Disaster Relief Vehicles
• The winning entries will be awarded grants of up to $70,000 each to purchase a Ford Transit van with modifications to best serve the needs of the community
• The Ford Disaster Relief Mobility Challenge is another way Ford is using innovative mobility solutions to build stronger communities and make people’s lives better

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 15, 2016 – When disaster strikes, three nonprofits in the United States will be able to beef up their response capability to help people faster and more effectively through a new program called the Ford Disaster Relief Mobility Challenge.

In conjunction with September’s National Disaster Preparedness Month, Ford Motor Company will award three grants of up to $70,000 each for U.S.-based nonprofit organizations to purchase and modify a Ford Transit van for use in disaster relief work.

Ford is asking nonprofits to describe how the versatile Ford Transit van, which is offered with multiple roof heights, body lengths, wheelbases and engine options, can serve their disaster response needs. Winners who meet the challenge will be selected based on proposed vehicle use and community need. Additional ground rules include:

• Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2016
• Applicants must be a certified U.S. 501(c) 3 non-profit organization
• Government organizations and municipalities are not eligible
• Winners will be notified in November 2016

To share an idea, please visit fordbetterworld.org. Click to hear Jim Vella discuss the challenge.

“We’re asking for help from the experts on the ground on how to best utilize Ford vehicles following an earthquake, hurricane or other devastating natural event,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Ford’s strength as a mobility company combined with the know-how of dedicated disaster responders can take our efforts to a higher level and help more people.”

Ford has a long history of supporting disaster relief efforts in the United States and overseas, working with the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other nonprofit groups. As a member of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, Ford pledges support in advance of major disasters, ensuring that the Red Cross is prepared to respond immediately to emergencies. Over the past several years, Ford has provided 15 disaster response vehicles to organizations in communities across the U.S., from New Jersey to Oregon and California.