BY JENNY RAILEY
IP COMMUNICATIONS MAMAGER

FRANKLIN
International Paper’s Franklin Mill is pleased to announce that the International Paper Foundation is now accepting grant requests from local schools, municipalities, and non-profit organizations. Now through Sept. 23, organizations throughout the City of Franklin and Isle of Wight, Southampton and Gates counties are invited to visit www.ipgiving.com to complete the online application and submit funding requests. For consideration, the organization’s grant request must be aligned with the primary focus areas of the Foundation.

“International Paper embraces opportunities that allow us to mobilize our people, products, and resources to address critical needs in the communities where we live and work,” said Jenny Railey, mill communications manager.” “We are proud to support local programs that target literacy improvement, environmental education, employee involvement and critical community need,” she added.

Examples of grant requests within our focus areas are as follows:

Literacy

International Paper has a strong belief in the value of education and literacy improvement.

• Programs that enhance the availability of reading materials at school and community libraries

• Workshops that teach parents and students communication skills that prepare them for positive parent/teacher and student/teacher relationships

• Technology upgrades that encourage students to develop a love for reading at an early age

Environmental

Education

We support programs that help people of all generations understand a sustainable approach to balancing environmental, social and economic needs.

• Science-based programs tied to forestry, air or water

• Outdoor classrooms at schools or in communities

• Education-based programs that promote recycling, tree planting and composting initiatives

Employee Involvement

International Paper employees make an impact through the dedicated hours spent in the community volunteering — individually or as part of a local volunteer team. IP employees who volunteer with a non-profit organization at least six months out of the year qualify your organization to apply for a grant.

Critical Community Needs

The International Paper Foundation provides support for short-term critical community initiatives that support the community at large.

• Heart defibrillator for local EMS services

• Neighborhood watch

• Food pantry

• Disaster relief

“Giving back to our community is an important part of International Paper’s culture — and a meaningful way of sharing our appreciation to our community that has been so supportive of us,” added Railey.

For funding consideration, grants must be submitted online at www.ipgiving.com by Friday, Sept. 23. Contact Jenny Railey at the Franklin Mill at jenifer.railey@ipaper.com or 569-4709 for more information.