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Ford Announces $1 Million Capital Grants Program Backed by Ford Fund to Support Non-Profit Organizations in West Tennessee

  • The Ford Fund is investing $1 million in West Tennessee to help local non-profits and municipalities build capacity and infrastructure to better serve the community’s needs for generations to come
  • These capital grants are designed to support nonprofits and municipalities in communities around Ford’s BlueOval City, where Ford and its partner, SK On, will create approximately 6,000 new jobs and produce an all-new, revolutionary electric truck and advanced batteries to power future Ford and Lincoln electric vehicles
  • Applications for the $1 million in capital grants open today and are due by Feb. 3, 2023

STANTON, Tenn., Nov. 1, 2022 – The Ford Motor Company Fund, the company’s philanthropic arm, is announcing a new $1 million capital grants program to strengthen and improve local communities’ infrastructure in West Tennessee, home to BlueOval City, Ford’s new $5.6 billion electric vehicle and battery manufacturing campus.

Capital grants are tax-exempt charitable gifts designed to fund capital projects such as building renovations, land preservation, and other community-based construction projects. The $1 million in capital grants will be available for nonprofits and municipalities in West Tennessee, located in the following counties surrounding BlueOval City: Haywood, Fayette, Tipton, Lauderdale, Shelby and Madison.

“Community has always come first for Ford, and we are staying true to our legacy of giving back by investing in our new Tennessee neighbors,” said Mike Schmidt, director of Programs at Ford Motor Company Fund. “Our goal is to ensure that the communities where we build benefit from the investments we’re making and the jobs that Ford and SK On are creating.”

The grants are designed to enable capital improvements in the region, including physical infrastructure such as playgrounds and construction of new or renovated spaces like community centers. The awarded grants will range between $25,000 and $100,000.  

Ford’s BlueOval City manufacturing campus will enable Ford and SK On to create 6,000 new jobs and produce an all-new, revolutionary electric truck and advanced batteries to power future Ford and Lincoln electric vehicles.

Ford Fund’s capital grants program builds upon the philanthropic support the company has already invested in West Tennessee, including the Lorraine Civil Rights Museum and National Urban League in Memphis.

To apply for a capital grant, organizations should visit: https://fordfund.org/TNcapitalgrants

United Way of West Tennessee will serve as a fiscal sponsor for municipalities and organizations that are not tax-exempt. Those who do not have a 501c3 tax status should email Give@UnitedWay.TN.org and include “Ford Fund Capital Grant” in the subject line when sending an email about applying to the Capital Grant Program through United Way West Tennessee.

Applications are due Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, and applicants will be notified of the results by early April.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 175,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.