Guests were all smiles as they collected grant checks from a global leader in the paper and packaging industry.

The International Paper Riverdale Mill held its annual Foundation Awards Luncheon at the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County.

Twenty-one grants, totaling approximately $60,000, were awarded to area schools and nonprofit agencies during the luncheon.

“We’re pleased to award these grants today to our local schools and nonprofit groups, and we know these organizations and schools will use the funds to impact our community in a positive way,” Riverdale Mill manager Jim Bruce said.

National Geographic Explorer magazines subscriptions were given to public elementary schools with the Selma City and Dallas County school systems, totaling $8,480.

Since its inception in 1952, the IP Foundation has given $10 million globally in grants to support community-based educational, civic and cultural programs that share a similar mission to “do the right things in the right way for the right reason,” communications manager Laura Gipson Clark said.

The grants’ primary focus areas are environmental education and literacy.

A committee with IP reviewed the 38 applications submitted in September to decide which entities would come away with grant money.

“While we wish we could always have the ability to approve every application, there were a number of applications that either did not meet the criteria or that fell under the restrictions of the giving program,” Clark said. “Once we eliminated these applications, we were left with a very robust lists of applicants.”

After lunch was served, Clark announced the recipients as Bruce handed out the grant checks to individuals representing their group or school.

Wannabe Rescued, Inc., which helps find permanent homes for shelter dogs, received a $3,750 employee involvement grant to purchase materials, supplies, food, bedding and kennels.

The news brought tears of joy to Wannabe Rescued President Debbie Clark, who said people aren’t often aware of how much the stray animal population is need.

“We helped 350 dogs find homes last year, and most of them were strays that came off the streets so they are in need of vetting, spaying and neutering,” Clark said.

“This grant money means everything to us, because one of our biggest challenges is fundraising for Selma.”

The full lists of 2015 grant recipients include: Bruce K. Craig, Christ the King, Clark Elementary, Dallas County Department of Human Resources, Dallas County Family Resource, Dallas County High School, Easter Seals West Central Alabama Rehab Center, Keith High School, Leadership Selma-Dallas County, Orrville Volunteer Fire Department, Prattville Christian Academy, Salem Elementary, Selma High School, Sophia P. Kingston Elementary, Southside High School, Tipton-Duran Middle School, Valley Grande Elementary, Wannabe Rescued and William R. Martin Middle School.

Selma City and Dallas County school systems each received a $2,500 supplemental grant for general operation costs.

For information about applying for International Paper Foundation grants, visit www.ipgiving.com.