Dow is donating $500,000 from its Dow Company Foundation to support the work of community foundations and economic development corporations in Michigan's Midland, Bay, Isabella and Saginaw counties, according to a press release.
The funds are earmarked to support the rapid deployment of resources to help address critical regional needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic including support for frontline workers, providing food and care for children, supporting the continued operations of small businesses and other emergency needs.
The donation is in addition to the previously announced $3 million commitment from the Dow Company Foundation to help fund COVID-19 relief efforts globally. It is also in addition to the production of hand sanitizer at Dow’s Auburn Operations which will be donated to the State of Michigan and THRIVE (Transforming Health Regionally in a Vibrant Economy), a co-led initiative between the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance and the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, for distribution to area hospitals and first responders in the region.
“The Great Lakes Bay Region is the birthplace of our company and home to our Michigan operations and global corporate headquarters. We are committed to helping protect the health and safety of our employees and communities, while deploying our business solutions where they are needed most,” says Mary Beth Heydrick, vice president of operations for Dow. “It is our hope that by providing this additional local funding, as well as adjusting our manufacturing processes to provide critical product to our frontline healthcare professionals, we are helping to address some of the most critical needs in our region.”