STANTON, Tenn., Sept. 18 – Ford Motor Company today announced the recipients of its inaugural Ford Good Neighbor Grants.
Vital public safety organizations and community centers near the BlueOval City campus in West Tennessee received checks totaling $201,445 to support their work. These grants are a part of Ford’s Good Neighbor Plan for West Tennessee, a $9 million commitment to community initiatives, workforce development and protecting the environment.
“The 13 organizations receiving these grants are on the front lines, providing critical services and creating spaces where residents of rural West Tennessee can connect and thrive,” said Gabby Bruno, Ford Community Relations Director. “Through group meetings and listening sessions, we heard that investing in public safety and community centers was a top priority here, and that’s why we made it a focus area for grants as part of Ford’s Good Neighbor Plan.”
A total of 35 groups applied for grants. The winning recipients are highly localized, often volunteer-run, organizations across Tipton, Fayette and Haywood counties. Ford’s goal with these grants is to empower grassroots initiatives that directly address the unique, immediate needs of their specific neighborhoods.
“From a used police vehicle for Mason to specialized fire equipment for rural areas, the grants are tailored to tangible, on-the-ground requirements,” Bruno said. “We are proud to support these organizations’ tireless efforts to make their neighborhoods safer and more vibrant, embodying the spirit of our Good Neighbor Plan.”
Equipping First Responders for Life-Saving Missions
The majority of Good Neighbor Grants directly support public safety, particularly local and volunteer fire departments. Ford’s emphasis is on providing modern, specialized equipment like battery-powered extrication tools, life-saving rescue gear and essential communication radios.
Public safety initiatives won a substantial portion of the grants, totaling $141,445, primarily providing volunteer fire departments and local police with essential equipment.
Three Star Volunteer Fire Department in Tipton County received $15,600 for state-of-the-art battery-operated extrication equipment, improving Three Star’s ability to respond to critical emergency situations.
“The grant is a tremendous benefit for our department and the community we serve,” said Jim Long, Three Star’s Fire Chief. “We are grateful for this award and look forward to a continuing partnership with Ford Motor company as we serve the people of Tipton County.”
Mason Police Department in Tipton County received $20,000 to acquire a much-needed used police vehicle.
Mason Fire Department in Tipton County received $5,000 for vital truck and garage door repairs.
Braden Volunteer Fire Department in Fayette County received $10,000 for new safety gear for firefighters.
City of Galloway Volunteer Fire Department and Somerville Fire Department in Fayette County won $15,600 each for battery-powered extrication tools, enhancing their rescue capabilities for residents.
Fayette County Fire Department and Fayette County Emergency Response each received $10,000 towards essential radio equipment, improving communication and coordination. The grant awarded to the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency will help the agency replace radios for emergency communication in addition to adding an online radio system.
“The system will allow us to connect with the Haywood County EMA and Fire for the mobile Command Post,” said Justin Lewis, Director, Fayette County Emergency Management Agency. “The Command Post is shared by several neighboring counties and this upgrade will have a significant impact on our ability to have a coordinated response.”
Stanton Fire Department in Haywood County received $19,645 for life-saving rescue equipment.
Haywood County Fire Department won a $20,000 grant for critical rope rescue equipment and rural grass fire equipment, vital for diverse emergency situations.
Maintaining and Enhancing Essential Community Hubs
Grants to community centers acknowledge the importance of physical spaces as hubs for connection and service. Addressing fundamental needs like roof repairs, general building maintenance and crucial accessibility upgrades ensures these centers can continue to function as safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for all residents.
Three community centers received a total of $60,000 to address critical infrastructure needs, ensuring these gathering places can continue to serve their residents.
Pilgrim Rest Community Center in Haywood County received $20,000 for essential building repairs.
West Haywood Community Center won a $20,000 grant for roof repairs, addressing a fundamental need for the facility.
“The West Haywood Community Center is an important gathering space for town hall meetings, neighborhood watches, community gardens and playgrounds,” said Willie Lee, president, West Haywood Community Center. “This financial support from Ford will inspire us to continue our efforts with renewed dedication and enthusiasm. Partnerships like these empower us to bring transformative change to the lives of those we serve.”
D-HCT Carver Alumni Association in Haywood County received $20,000 to make its bathrooms compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, improving accessibility for community members.
Ford’s Good Neighbor Grants reflect the company’s commitment to community engagement and corporate social responsibility, aiming to make a meaningful difference in the areas where Ford operates and its employees reside.
“We are pleased to work together with these municipalities and organizations to make a positive difference now, and we look forward to continuing to invest in these types of important projects in the future,” Bruno said.
