While it recently announced a major pivot that revolves largely around focusing more on hybrids and extended range electric vehicles (EREVs), Ford remains committed to building lithium iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries for future low-cost electric vehicles at its under-construction BlueOval Battery Park Michigan site starting in 2026. Even though it hasn’t built anything yet, that plant is already contributing to the local economy, and now, it’s also benefitting the local community in other ways.
According to Second Wave Media, Ford Motor Company Community Relations has made a sizable $1.3 million dollar donation that will be split among three Calhoun County community foundations – the Albion Community Foundation, the Battle Creek Community Foundation (BCCF), and the Marshall Community Foundation. BlueOval Battery Park Michigan will be located in Calhoun County, near the town of Marshall.
At the moment, $612,000 of those funds is available for immediate distribution, while $700,000 will go toward the creation of a Ford BlueOval Community Engagement Fund at all three community foundations to provide future grants for projects. Albion and Battle Creek Community Foundations each received $100,000, and Marshall Community Foundation received $500,000 to launch the Community Engagement Fund.
Additionally, BCCF received $167,000, with the Albion Community Foundation receiving $95,000 and Marshall’s Community Foundation getting $350,000, all for immediate investment in various projects, such as STEM classes and support for lower-income families.
“Together, we explored ways to collaboratively provide meaningful lift across our communities and followed up with a proposal to Ford,” said Mary Muliett, CEO of BCCF. “That proposal included supporting individual projects in each community while also establishing a fund with each Foundation,” she says. “This approach demonstrates both an immediate commitment through initial projects and a lasting commitment through a donor-advised fund, allowing Ford to continue making grants in each community over time.”…