International Paper Riverdale Mill accepting grant applications for schools, nonprofits

The International Paper Riverdale Mill is accepting applications for 2026 International Paper Foundation grants, providing funding opportunities for schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

Applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9, through the International Paper Foundation's grant portal at www.ipgiving.com.

Organizations interested in applying can visit the website and select "Apply for a Donation" to begin the application process.

Applicants will first complete an online eligibility quiz before registering their organization. Registration is a one-time process used to verify an organization's tax status. Applicants should have their federal tax identification number available. Public schools will need their National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) District ID and School ID.

International Paper officials noted that applicants do not need an invitation code to apply. If prompted for one, they should simply leave that field blank and continue with the application.

To be eligible, all applicants must submit either a current IRS Form 990 or a certified audited financial statement. Tax postcards, unaudited budget statements and similar documents will not be accepted.

Organizations that are not registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, such as public schools or municipal fire departments, must apply through a fiscal conduit. Those applicants will need to provide a current signed fiscal conduit letter on official letterhead. For example, a school system may serve as the fiscal conduit for an individual school, classroom or library.

Each application also must include a detailed, itemized project budget. General descriptions such as "books" or "supplies" without additional detail will not meet application requirements.

Organizations that received an International Paper Foundation grant during the previous funding cycle must complete an impact report before becoming eligible to apply again. Applicants should use the same login credentials from their previous application to access and submit the report.

The International Paper Foundation gives priority to programs aligned with its four Signature Causes:

• Education: Programs that help children succeed through a comprehensive approach to education, with emphasis on literacy from birth through third grade.
• Hunger: Programs that improve food security in local communities.
• Health & Wellness: Initiatives that encourage healthy living.
• Disaster Relief: Efforts that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

Funding also may be available for environmental initiatives, employee engagement projects and other critical community needs.

For additional information about the grant process, applicants may contact Arthur McLean at arthur.mclean@ipaper.com or 334-418-5935.