The deadline to apply for International Paper’s Riverdale Mill grants is nearing.

This year, the mill is planning to give out around $60,000 to applicants.

“We’re always very excited that we have the opportunity to provide these grants that help support our signature causes in the communities where our employees live and work,” said Arthur McLean, mill communications manager.

For 2017, the International Paper Foundation plans to focus grants on education, hunger and health and wellness. Last year, a majority of the grants were received by teachers and educators. A number of grants will be awarded to causes dealing with local environmental activities and other critical community needs.

“Most years, most of our grants have gone toward things like literature, education,” McLean said. “We’re looking forward to seeing lots of grants again from our local schools.”

Once the grant applications have been submitted, they go through a committee at the mill that will decide on which ones to approve and how much money should be allotted per grant.

“We have a committee here at the mill that reviews all of the grants and those are really good discussions where the folks who serve on our committee are very passionate about being able to provide some assistance,” McLean said.

McLean said there is no certain number of grants that the mill gives out, it’s all based on that the committee feels deserves money and how much.

Those interested in applying for a grant can find more information at www.ipgiving.com. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. Winners are typically announced in December.