Ford’s ‘Good Neighbor Plan’ will help address resident needs

As construction of BlueOval City progresses, inching closer to the roll-out of Ford’s all-electric truck line known as T-3, Ford’s leadership team is working with stakeholders to help grow communities in Haywood County and those surrounding it. 

Ford formed the Equitable Growth Advisory Council in 2023, bringing together community leaders from across West Tennessee to share their insights. The council studies barriers that might prevent residents and local businesses from participating in upcoming economic growth, based in part on research and surveys led by the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Members of the Council include state representatives, Tennessee Department leaders, philanthropic representatives and local mayors. 

“We are honored to join West Tennessee residents in shaping the future of their community,” said Gabby Bruno, Ford’s director, community relations. “The Equitable Growth Advisory Council continues to develop a comprehensive Good Neighbor Plan with investment priorities driven by resident feedback, and we look forward to sharing details in the coming weeks.”

State Rep. Johnny Shaw (D-80) of Bolivar is a member of the Equitable Growth Council.

“Ford’s BlueOval City stands as a beacon of opportunity in West Tennessee where innovation meets dedication, empowering citizens with not just jobs, but a sense of pride in shaping the future of our region, driving prosperity for generations to come,” Shaw shared.

Ford and Ford Philanthropy, the company’s global philanthropic arm formerly called Ford Fund, spent more than 1,000 hours listening to community input and learning about local priorities. 

Since the announcement of the BlueOval City project, the single-largest investment by a company in the state, the company has already given significant financial contributions to organizations throughout the region.

Donations from Ford and Ford Philanthropy total $21 million thus far in West Tennessee, including $1.2 million in capital grants. 

United Way CEO and President Matt Marshall is also a sitting member of the Equitable Growth Council.

“The partnership between United Way and Ford has been a highlight of my career. Because we are working together, we can create a hub of resources that will serve so many people with so many diverse needs. Community input has been the most-important piece in putting a community plan together. I look forward to implementing the plans alongside residents and Ford,” Marshall noted.

Funding supports youth programs such as the Brownsville and Jackson Boys and Girls Club, Project Ready in Partnership with the National Urban League and Junior Achievement; essential service providers like United Way, Mid-South Food Bank and Fayette Cares; first responders such as the Stanton Volunteer Fire Department and Mason Fire Department; and more.  

“Through the first quarter of 2024, we distributed more than 10,000 pounds of food that assisted close to 400 families each month, thanks in part to the grant we received from Ford Philanthropy,” said Alexandra Porto, CEO, Fayette Cares, which provides homelessness and domestic violence prevention and intervention services. “The installation of the security gate openers and the resurfacing of the parking lot has made it safer for the dozens of families who stayed at our emergency shelter last year.”

Ford Philanthropy plans to offer additional local grants in 2024. The philanthropic arm will also make a significant announcement in June about how it will support the Stanton community with other resources. 

Since 1949, Ford and Ford Philanthropy have made $2.3 billion in philanthropic contributions, with $73.7 million donated in 2023 directly benefiting 3.5 million people across the globe.