Philanthropy
Giving back has been a core part of the Company’s identity for over a century, deeply rooted in the values of our founder, R.T. Crane.
He believed that success comes with a responsibility to support both employees and the broader community – not just through financial contributions, but also through active engagement and volunteerism. His philosophy was clear: “A loyal employee gives something besides his labor and the employer should recognize that fact.” This conviction shaped the Company’s culture and long-standing commitment to corporate citizenship.
One of the most striking examples of this commitment came in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. While Crane’s facilities were spared, the fire devastated the city, leaving thousands homeless and without access to clean water. Recognizing the urgent need, R.T. Crane took action and deployed large steam pumps along the Chicago River to restore the city’s water supply. Running continuously until the waterworks were operational again, this effort reflected his deep sense of civic duty and gratitude to the city that has given him an opportunity in his early years.
Crane Company remains committed to upholding his legacy of generosity, reinforcing a culture of care that supports associates, strengthens communities, and drives meaningful change.
Volunteerism
Crane associates remain dedicated to giving back, actively supporting the communities where they live and work. Through our volunteer program, associates use paid time during the workday to step away from their daily responsibilities and engage in meaningful service. These efforts take many forms, from assisting at local food banks and visiting the orphans and the elderly to organizing community clean-up events. No matter the activity, our associates’ commitment to volunteerism reflects the Company’s long-standing values and reinforces our shared responsibility to make a positive impact.
2024 Volunteerism Statistics
20,800 Associate volunteer hours
990+ Global volunteer events
18 Countries participated in volunteer events
430+ Organizations served through volunteerism
Volunteerism Highlight – Spring Cleanup in Muta and Vuzenica
In March 2024, our dedicated team of 62 associates came together for a spring cleanup across various locations in two municipalities in Slovenia. Over the course of the event, the Crane team collectively donated an impressive 320 hours to picking up litter and beautifying the surroundings. The effort was not just about cleaning up; it was about fostering a sense of responsibility and team spirit among our associates.
Martin Domej, EHS Engineer, shared, “I participated in picking up litter because I firmly believe that safeguarding nature constitutes a fundamental societal duty.” This sentiment was echoed by many, highlighting the shared values that drive our community efforts.
Maja Spanžel, Inside Sales Manager, reflected on the personal and social benefits of the initiative: “I joined the volunteering initiative to enhance the living environment for all, and to enjoy some valuable time with my colleagues. The uplifting sensation at the conclusion was truly invaluable.” This quote captures the essence of our volunteering spirit – making a positive impact while building stronger bonds within our team.
Additionally, the event provided an excellent opportunity for new connections and social engagement. As Mario Krajnc, Senior Accountant, noted, “An excellent chance to connect with new colleagues, engage socially, and contribute positively to the natural environment where the company functions.” This aspect of the event underscored the importance of teamwork and community in our corporate culture.
We are proud of our associates’ dedication and look forward to more impactful initiatives in the future.
Monetary Support
The Company’s commitment to supporting its associates in times of need dates back to our founder, R.T. Crane, who set aside $1 million of his personal funds “for the purpose of taking care of my men.” He intended to assist associates who could no longer work due to age or disability. After his passing, his family honored this vision by establishing a dedicated fund to provide aid to associates facing hardship. Today, this fund, along with two other charitable entities administered by the Company, continues to reflect his values of compassion and responsibility.
2024 Statistics
1000+ Charitable organizations received donations from the three funds.
$24.4M+ Donated to charitable organizations and financially burdened former employees.The Crane Fund
Established in 1914 as a private charitable trust, The Crane Fund grants aid to former employees of Crane and their dependents who are unable to be self-supporting due to age or physical disability. The Crane Fund is administered by a Board of Trustees appointed by Crane Company’s Board of Directors.
For more information, please visit the website or contact The Crane Fund: e-mail: [email protected] / phone: +1(888) 855-1100.
2024 Statistics
1000+ Recipients supported
$19.5M Donated to former associatesThank You Quotes from Recipients
“I’ve been with the Crane Fund since 2001 and they’ve helped me with absolutely everything I’ve needed. The monthly allowance gives me the bits and pieces I need for my own assistance to keep going. I really really appreciate the help from Crane Fund…they’re absolutely marvelous.” – PAT
“Thank you very much for the extra Christmas funds for mama. She’s 89 years young and is still living at home – all due to your monthly stipend. The extra Christmas bonus comes in to help pay for the gifts she wants to give. Mom’s dementia has gotten worse – now we have caregivers supplement her care when we aren’t here. She remains a very happy person full of love. We thank the Crane Fund for affording her the ability to live at home and keep her dignity. Never in a million years did we think dad’s workplace, the Crane Company, would take care of him and mom for life. You folks are outstanding people.” – MARY
“I’ve been in Crane’s Fund for a few years and it’s helped me out so much. There’s a time I was in a dark place and I was very very stressed. Crane has helped me out so much…I do not know what I would have done without the Fund’s help. I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.” – LEROY
The Crane Fund for Widows and Children
The Crane Fund for Widows and Children (CFWC) supports nonprofit organizations that provide direct aid to underserved populations in the communities where Crane Company operates or where our associates have meaningful connections. Its contributions help address critical issues such as food insecurity, affordable housing, education, healthcare, environmental protection, and animal welfare, among many others. Each year, CFWC donates over $4.5 million, making a lasting impact on those in need.
The Crane Foundation
Established in 1951, the Crane Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting disaster relief efforts and education. It provides funding to qualified charities, and partners with groups such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, Americares, and World Central Kitchen. The Crane Foundation also supports company associates through a matching gifts program, offering a 1:1 match for donations made to accredited U.S. educational institutions.
Partnerships Honoring Our Founder
Though born in New Jersey, R.T. Crane moved to Chicago in 1854 while in his early twenties and remained there until his death in 1912. During Crane’s 58-year tenure, his company played a major role in transforming the Chicago landscape and workforce, acquiring and occupying eighteen different properties located throughout Chicago and its surrounding areas, as well as employing thousands of Chicago-area residents. The philanthropic spirit of the company and their equipment were instrumental in responding to the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. This same spirit extended through Crane’s support of education in Chicago’s public schools, helping to create new opportunities for students. We aim to honor that legacy of giving back to the Chicago community through our partnerships with local organizations.
R.T. Crane Medical Prep High School
“Our commitment to developing talent from underserved neighborhoods isn’t only about creating career opportunities—it’s about strengthening our ability to deliver culturally competent care while advancing health equity.”
– Jennie Cimino, Associate Director, Corporate Partnerships at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago,
Crane Company has a longstanding commitment to education and workforce development, a legacy that dates back to 1891 when R.T. Crane introduced manual training to Chicago’s grade schools. His dedication to practical education led to the establishment of multiple schools, including one that now bears his name – Richard T. Crane Medical Preparatory School (RTC). This Chicago-based magnet school provides a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with a specialized focus on the health sciences.
In 2021, Crane Company rediscovered its connection to the school and formed a partnership to support its students. As part of this initiative, the Company began sponsoring a summer program designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities and industry-recognized certifications. Over the past four years, Crane has provided $420,000 to sponsor 70 students participating in this summer program. Hosted in collaboration with Lurie Children’s Hospital and Rush University Medical Center, the program offers students training, mentorship, and direct exposure to careers in healthcare. Students engage in internships, workforce development sessions, clinical workshops, and a lecture series led by medical professionals. Additionally, students earn certifications in Revenue Cycle Management and Epic, positioning them for strong career prospects in the healthcare industry.
Project H.O.O.D.
The Crane Charitable Funds began supporting Chicago-based Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) located in Chicago’s O-block, a notoriously dangerous neighborhood on the South Side of the city, in 2022. This organization’s goal is to end the cycle of poverty, violence, and incarceration through programing focused on mentorship, training, and community.
They are currently working to build a “Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center” to serve as a central and safe gathering place for the community. In addition, the facility will house services including organized sports, educational classes, counseling, and programming in the evenings and on weekends. These programs work towards their pillars of community health and wellness, youth programming, and entrepreneurship and job readiness.
To date, the Crane Charitable Funds have contributed over $460,000 to Project H.O.O.D.’s $35 million goal to make this dream a reality. Through these donations, the Crane Charitable Funds have sponsored the Makers’ Space in their new facility.
You can find out more about this donation and Crane’s history in Chicago within this press release from March of 2022.