FRANKFORT, Ky. -

Ford Motor Company announced this week that the company, along with its employees and dealers, will donate more than $1 million this year to Kentucky nonprofits.

More than $1.2 million in donations will go to nonprofits in the Louisville, Ky., and Lexington, Ky., areas this year, as part of Ford’s new Operation Goodwill partnership with area Ford and Lincoln dealers.

Also participating are Ford employees at its Kentucky Truck and Louisville Assembly plants.

The philanthropic efforts are focused on areas of greatest concern to residents of these regions, including children's welfare and education, veterans, health, hunger relief and tornado disaster relief, Ford said.

“Louisville is known both for producing great Ford products, and for being a city of compassion,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “Ford has always been a generous partner to Louisville, and we’re delighted that it’s expanding its philanthropic role in both Louisville and Lexington.”

Lexington Mayor Jim Gray added, “In working with Ford on the BEAM initiative, we’ve gotten to see firsthand the company’s commitment to Kentucky’s future and Kentucky families. Ford is world-class. Whether it is manufacturing cars or building communities, the company knows how to bring resources together to make Kentucky a better place.”

Ford-related donations to Louisville and Lexington area nonprofits since 2000 top $10 million, the company reported.

Community donations from Ford, its employees and dealers this year include more than $500,000 to United Way; $76,000 to Louisville Zoo; $75,000 to American Red Cross for local tornado relief; $28,500 to Dare to Care Food Bank; and $50,000 total to Lexington nonprofits including Hope Center and Habitat for Humanity.

“Ford is committed to making a difference within our communities,” said Jay Morgan, Ford governmental affairs manager. “We listen to our customers and neighbors, and we know they’re concerned about keeping people safe and healthy.”

The company said that through its two Louisville manufacturing operations and employees, and through the Operation Goodwill partnership between Ford Motor Co. Fund and area Ford and Lincoln dealerships, it expects to contribute approximately $2.5 million to organizations in the greater Louisville and Lexington areas during 2011 and 2012 combined.