Domtar has awarded $16,000 to local nonprofits through its 2K Your Way program, after company leaders made the rare decision to approve every employee application submitted this year.
Typically, 20-30 grants are approved. In 2025, all 108 applications were accepted company-wide — including eight from Hawesville employees directing funds to causes in Hancock and surrounding counties.
“2025 had been a difficult year for the forest industry in North America, and we knew we wouldn’t be able to do as much as we wanted,” said Jennifer Johnson, chair of the community investment committee and Vice President of Global Corporate Communications. “So we asked ourselves, where do we want to make the most impact? And the answer was in the communities our employees call home.”
Hawesville General Manager Murray Hewitt said the effort reflects Domtar’s commitment to local impact.
“The 2K Your Way program reflects who we are — people who care deeply about the communities where we live and work,” Hewitt said. “I’m proud of our team for stepping up to make a real difference here at home.”
Local recipients of the $2,000 grants include:
- Hancock County School District
- Owensboro YMCA
- Carl H. Oliver Scuba Foundation
- Hancock County Dive Team
- Hancock County Chamber of Commerce
- Hawesville Food Pantry
- Owensboro Dance Theatre
- Honey Hill Foundation
Launched in 2020, the 2K Your Way program allows Domtar employees to apply for grants supporting organizations they personally care about. The initiative is part of the company’s culture of community investment.
Domtar, a leading North American manufacturer of forest products, employs nearly 14,000 people at more than 60 locations.
