Dogwood Health Trust has generously donated $150,000 to the Forward Fund, which has been established to provide aid to nonprofits and municipalities affected by the closure of the Pactiv Evergreen mill. Managed by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, the Forward Fund aims to offer proactive grants that will empower nonprofits and municipalities to strategically plan, collaborate, and enhance their capacities for initiatives focused on economic recovery.
Earlier this month, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina also pledged a substantial $500,000 contribution to the Forward Fund. Additionally, in May, the Community Foundation extended a grant of $150,000 to the town of Canton. This grant was designated to fund a full-time recovery officer responsible for facilitating tasks related to the closure and subsequent economic rejuvenation.
In addition to the $150,000 allocation to the Forward Fund, Dogwood Health Trust further demonstrated their commitment by awarding a substantial $1 million grant to the United Way of Haywood County. This grant will support the Canton Mill Closure Emergency Response Project, which aims to provide vital financial assistance to individuals directly impacted by the mill closure.
