IP Foundation
International Paper Company conducts most of its U.S. philanthropic activities through its foundation, International Paper Foundation. From its inception in 1952 and continuing today, the Foundation supports non-profits organization within the communities where International Paper has operating facilities. The Foundation's primary focus areas are environmental education and literacy programs for young children. The company also provides support for organizations where its employees actively volunteer.
National Initiatives
Our sponsorship of the National Geographic Society's new publication National Geographic Explorer exhibits our interest in elevating literacy skills and sound environmental education through the Society's efforts to improve elementary school students' nonfiction literacy skills. The magazine provides high-quality science and social studies content that correlates with state and national curriculum standards. In addition to our gift to help underwrite distribution costs of this magazine, IP facilities annually pay for more than 70,000 subscriptions for students in our local schools.
Regional/Local Initiatives
Since the late 80's, International Paper has been a proud partner of the National Civil Rights Museum. The Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination, chronicles key episodes of the American civil rights movement and the legacy of this movement to inspire participation in civil and human rights efforts globally. International Paper sponsors the national recipient of the Museum's Annual Freedom Awards, which are bestowed upon worthy individuals who have forged paths to expand freedom and opportunities for all people. Past winners have included, Dr. Joseph Lowery, Oprah Winfrey and Congressman John Lewis.
Additionally, International Paper sponsors the kick-off event for the Freedom Awards, the Public Forum, which provides the opportunity for area residents and students to hear the inspirational stories of the Freedom Award winners. The highlight of the Public Forum is the presentation of the IP sponsored Keeper of the Dream Awards. These awards recognize youth in grades 6-12 who stand out by demonstrating extraordinary courage, compassion, leadership and/or service toward others. In 2008, the student winners were recognized on the same stage as the 2008 International and National Freedom Award honorees former Vice-President Al Gore, celebrated civil rights activist, and music legend B.B. King.
The IP Foundation looks for projects that can be implemented in communities where we operate. In addition to our national initiatives, we also support Earth's Birthday Project. This program provides elementary classrooms with caterpillar or ant kits, garden seeds and easy-care information tools on how to grow and release Painted Lady butterflies on or near Earth Day. We have more than 100 facilities that participate and sponsor more than 2,000 classrooms in our communities.
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