Background

The International Paper Riegelwood, N.C., mill supports civic and non-profit groups within a 50-mile radius of the mill. We recognize the importance of building strong communities where our employees live, and seek to support charitable causes and organizations where our employees volunteer. We also recognize the importance of efforts and programs that help our communities grow. The economic vitality of the communities surrounding the mill is important to us. Local giving complements the efforts of the IP Foundation and is made in accordance with International Paper's Financial Policy. Local donation requests are more restrictive due to limited funding and the desire to support specific program versus one-time events or capital expenses.
 
    
Guidelines for consideration for local funds:

Requests must be submitted in writing (no phone requests) at least 45 days prior to date funding/materials are needed and should include:

• Description of the organization requesting funding
• Description of how the money/donation will be used (rationale for amount requested)
• Approved 501c 3 nonprofit number. Schools must be accredited. Tax exemption does not apply to government agencies.
• Description of how the program will benefit the community
• Requests must benefit citizens and communities within within a 50-mile area of the mill.
• If the program or economic development activity is on-going, an explanation of how future operations will be funded should be included.
• Arts and cultural events must have broad community appeal. Arts and cultural events include theatre, plays, festivals, museums, ballets, etc

 
Restrictions:

Funding for the following are prohibited:

• Requests for an individual, including requests for travel, advertising and sponsorships
• Programs promoting a religious doctrine and political, fraternal or labor organizations
• School and sports travel sponsorships as well as yearbook and program ads are prohibited. School sponsorships should be for materials or programs that focus on math, science, environment, literacy or the pulp and paper industry. Recreational sports teams must be requested through an employee/have employee involvement.
• Multi-year commitments (such as building funds, etc.)
• Funding to primarily benefit employees or families of International Paper, or pay for services, subscriptions, tuition, memberships, travel or family reunions
• National sponsorships or sponsorships and organizations outside the 50-mile radius of the mill
• Requests for general operating expenses/purposes (administrative costs, salaries, maintenance, etc.)
• Requests for capital expenses such as building funds
• Requests for donations to be used as unrestricted funding
• We do not fund donation requests from paid solicitors
• Organizations that discriminate on basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin
• Requests for funding/in-kind donations to assist a service organization raise funds for profit purposes
• Funding for organizations/programs that are considered controversial in nature

 
Award Process

• A written request meeting the guidelines must be submitted to the communications manager at least 45 days before funds/materials are needed. Address: 865 John L. Riegel Road, Riegelwood, NC 28456.
• Funding requests are reviewed and processed once a month.
• After review for consideration, a recommendation for funding will be made to the appropriate mill contacts.
• Upon acceptance, a check request will be submitted. Please note that requests require two weeks (minimum) for processing.

 
Publicity

IP will publish information about organizations who receive support in its internal communications and local press releases may also be issued with the approval of the mentioned organization. International Paper appreciates any organization recognizing its support.