(January 26, 2015)     DEARBORN,Mich. — Ford and Lincoln dealers gave nearly $100 million to local causes and nonprofits in communities across the United States in 2014, according to Ford Motor Company’s annual Survey on Dealer Giving.

The survey was administered by Ford to coincide with the 15th annual Salute to Dealers awards at the 2015 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention in San Francisco.

Ford and Lincoln dealers participating in the survey donated approximately $97 million. This generosity reflects Ford’s global brand promise to Go Further in delivering great products, a strong business and a better world.

Ford’s Salute to Dealers awards recognize dealers who go above and beyond when it comes to giving back to the communities in which they live and work. Six dealers were selected from among more than 8,500 Ford Motor Company dealers worldwide. They are being recognized for exhibiting unparalleled giving, dedication and leadership to their communities. As part of the award, the Ford Motor Company Fund is providing $60,000 — $100,000 for each recipient to a charity the dealers support that is also aligned with Ford goals.

In the survey, 82 percent of participating dealers said they give money to local causes, 95 percent volunteer time to local causes, while 85 percent want to make a difference in their communities and 57 percent support local causes as a dealership tradition.

Edsel B. Ford II recognizes Ford dealer Ronald F. Kody during the 2015 Salute to Dealers event

Ford and Lincoln dealer employees volunteer a combined total of 809,160 hours annually, the survey shows. This donation of time and support is a boon for local charities, with many reporting budget and staff shortages.

“These amazing results exemplify the pattern of caring and compassion we have come to recognize among Ford dealers across the globe,” said Edsel B. Ford II, who chairs the Salute to Dealers awards program and is a member of the Ford board of directors. “We know that regardless of the challenges our dealers face, contributing at this level is done not just out of a sense of duty, but out of a passion they share with their employees and customers.”

Dealers give to causes that address a broad range of community needs – from children’s charities to the environment, from education and healthcare to parks, municipal services and disaster relief.

Children’s causes top the list, with 80 percent of dealers donating, followed by education and scholarships, with 59 percent of dealers contributing. Religious-driven charities attract 46 percent of Ford and Lincoln dealer contributions, veterans’ causes account for 44 percent and hunger relief makes up 41 percent.

The Salute to Dealers awards were launched in 2001 to demonstrate Ford’s commitment to its thousands of dealer owners who step beyond their showroom doors to make a difference.

This year, Edsel B. Ford II and three other judges selected winners from a total global field of 80 nominees located in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, Africa and the Middle East regions.

A painted portrait of each honoree features a montage of philanthropic and volunteer activities that led to the award. Duplicates of the portraits will join a Salute to Dealers display in the lobby of Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.