The deadline to apply for International Paper Riverdale Mill’s Foundation grants is fast approaching.

The deadline to apply online at www.ipgiving.com is Thursday, Sept. 15 at 5 p.m.

“We will again accept grant applications through our online grant application process, and only grants submitted through this process will be considered for funding,” said communications manager Arthur McLean.

Last January, the Riverdale Mill held its annual Foundation Awards Luncheon and gave out $60,000 in grants to 21 applicants.

McLean said those interested in applying for a grant this year could learn more about the process by visiting the Foundation’s website and clicking on “Apply for a Grant” on the left-hand column.

There are five categories that International Paper will consider for funding: environmental education, literacy education, critical community need and employee involvement.

Applicants will be led through an online eligibility quiz. After that, applicants will be asked to log in and register their organization. Registration is a one-time event that will help International Paper Foundation determine if an organization’s tax status meets its guidelines.

“We want to increase our impact in our focus areas of literacy and environmental education. We will continue to support organizations where our employees actively volunteer, but special consideration and funding will be given in our priority areas,” McLean said.

After the Sept. 15 deadline, all grant applications will be reviewed at the local level and recommendations given to the IP Foundation, which is headquartered in Memphis.

Starting Oct. 1, the IP Foundation will begin reviewing local recommendations and will make final decisions about which grants are funded, according to McLean.

The IP Foundation process typically takes 60 to 90 days. Applicants will be notified in December whether grants were approved and the funding amount.

Anyone with questions about the grant process can contact the IP Foundation at (800) 236-1996 or IPFoundation@ipaper.com.