Mars launches Mars Impact Fund and approves $3 million grant to Save the Children
Grant expands the 14-year partnership with Save the Children to support the expansion of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and community resilience projects in cocoa-growing communities in Indonesia
Makassar, Indonesia (February 26, 2026) – Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in snacking, pet care, and food, today announced the launch of the Mars Impact Fund, a new enterprise-level philanthropic entity designed to accelerate meaningful and lasting impact in the communities where Mars operates. The Fund has selected Save the Children as one of its initial grant recipients and approved a three-year, $3 million grant to help expand Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and strengthen community resilience programs in cocoa-growing areas of Indonesia.
“Delivering impact starts with listening to communities and working with partners that understand local needs,” said Michelle Grogg, Executive Director, Mars Impact Fund. “We are pleased to work with Save the Children to advance financial inclusion, income diversification and climate-smart practices – all critical for improving livelihoods and strengthening resilience.”
This work will complement the Mars Village Cluster projects led by the Cocoa business which are currently focused on productivity and agroforestry. The grant will help scale VSLAs, which serve as a key vehicle for change in local communities. Importantly, the initiative will also build the capacity of local civil society organizations and community champions, enabling them to lead and replicate these approaches independently, ensuring sustainability and scale beyond the life of the project.
"The partnership program with Save the Children emphasizes Mars' commitment in Indonesia to supporting community empowerment and social resilience in cocoa-producing regions," said Marlyn Sumbung, President Director of PT Mars Symbioscience Indonesia. "Through the development of the VSLAs and other community resilience initiatives, we believe that women's economic empowerment and climate-friendly agricultural practices will open up new opportunities for farmers and their families. Mars in Indonesia is committed to continuing to create sustainable positive impacts, strengthening community resilience, and supporting the well-being of future generations in Indonesia."
Through this grant, the Mars Impact Fund will support:
- Economic Empowerment: 85 VSLAs mobilizing savings and investments for income-generating activities, benefiting 17,250 farmers (60% women).
- Social Resilience: Women and youth actively participating in decision-making, supported by functional multi-stakeholder forums and Community Action Plans.
- Child Well-being: Integrated child protection groups addressing child labor, school attendance, and positive parenting in 115 villages.
- Climate Adaptation: Communities equipped with disaster preparedness plans and climate-smart agricultural practices.
Globally, Mars has partnered with Save the Children for more than 14 years to advance child well-being, women’s economic empowerment, and resilient supply chains. Since 2011, Mars, and the Mars Snacking Foundation, have invested approximately $24 million across four strategic pillars: oral health and child well-being, protection from hazardous labor, emergency response, and employee engagement.
“The long-standing collaboration between Save the Children and Mars reflects our shared dedication to improving children’s well-being, expanding opportunities for women and girls, and strengthening resilient supply chains. For over a decade, we've translated global commitments into tangible action at the community level," said Dessy Kurwiany Ukar, CEO of Save the Children Indonesia. “In Indonesia, we've delivered locally led solutions that empower women, engage youth, and reinforce child protection systems in cocoa-farming communities—helping them overcome socio-economic challenges. Together with Mars, we are creating pathways toward economic resilience, meaningful participation in community development, and improved outcomes for children."
These first grants reflect the Fund’s commitment to working alongside trusted partners to deliver tangible impact in communities around the world. Holistically, the Mars Impact Fund will focus on three priorities aligned with the company’s business and values:
- Boost Sourcing Community Resiliency: Supporting farm families and communities to improve livelihoods, wellbeing, and resilience.
- Grow and Diversify the Pipeline of Scientists: Expanding opportunities for scientists, especially in food, agriculture, and pet care.
- Improve Companion Animal Wellbeing: Increasing access to veterinary care and support for pets in under-resourced homes and communities.
As a family-owned, principle-driven company, Mars has long believed that business should be a force for good. Building on this legacy, the Mars Impact Fund is designed to complement existing sustainability efforts and foundation activities with strategic, long-term investments. The Mars Impact Fund will contribute $85 million between 2025 and 2027. From 2028 onward, the company expects to distribute $50 million annually in philanthropic capital.
For more information about the Mars Impact Fund, please visit www.mars.com/mars-impact-fund.
