The John Deere Foundation board of directors last week approved a $1 million grant to assist the American Red Cross in relief efforts for victims of flooding in the U.S. Midwest. The money was donated to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.

“The flooding in the Midwest has devastated many communities and thousands of families,” said Amy Nimmer, president of the John Deere Foundation. “We want to help during these difficult times and believe the American Red Cross is well positioned in this situation to ensure that our financial support is used wisely to assist families and communities.”

Flooding in the Midwest has seriously affected communities in five states, including Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Iowa has been the most severely impacted with more than 80 of its 99 counties declared disaster areas.

“John Deere customers, employees, dealers and suppliers across the Midwest have all been impacted by this natural disaster,” Nimmer said. “We believe our donation and the donations of many others will assist all families in the region to recover and find hope in the future.”

Moline, Ill.-based John Deere Foundation is the philanthropic organization established by Deere & Company in 1948 to help improve communities and society through charitable grants for education, human services, community development, arts and culture, and world hunger.