The International Paper (IP) Riverdale Mill recently announced that it is currently accepting applications for IP Foundation grants, which provide “tens of thousands of dollars in grant support to schools and charities in the Selma-Dallas County area,” according to IP Riverdale Mill Communications Manager Arthur McLean.

The deadline to complete an online application is Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. and, according to a press release, only applications submitted through the online process will be considered for funding.

In applying for a grant, applicants will be led through an online eligibility quiz and asked to login and register their organizations.

From there, the IP Foundation will determine if the organization meets the foundation’s tax status guidelines – organizations will need to provide their federal tax identification number or, if the organization is a public school, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) District and school identification information.

All applications must also include a current Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 990.

“International Paper continues to be a force for good in our communities,” the press release states. “We mobilize our people, products and resources to address critical needs in the communities where our employees live and work.”

The press release notes that funding priority will be given to programs related to the company’s signature causes, which include the following:

• Education – programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education, with priority given to literacy programs from birth to third grade;

• Hunger – programs dedicated to improving food security community-wide;

• Health and Wellness – programs that promote healthy living habits;

• Disaster Relief – programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

Additionally, funding will also be available to address environmental initiatives, employee engagement and other “critical community needs.”

Applications can be filled out online at www.ipgiving.com – applicants can visit the website and click on the “Apply for a Grant” link in the left-hand column to begin the process.