Photo By Freeport-McMoRan
Contributed Article/Courtesy FMI
PHOENIX – Freeport-McMoRan is pleased to announce the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation has awarded nearly $2.8 million to 39 projects in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico through our Community Investment Fund process.
Recipient organizations will receive their monetary awards and be recognized by members of the Community Investment Committee during grant presentations this fall.
“The COVID pandemic and other disruptive events over the past 18 months have affected how we all view and achieve well-being, as well as the need to think more purposefully about how we help to create individual, family, and community resiliency,” said Tracy Bame, President, Freeport-McMoRan Foundation. “An important part of this effort is the ability to work with our program partners to understand the impact of each project so we can collaborate with a broad range of community stakeholders to address gaps in services, resources, and assets needed to support the well-being and resilience of people and communities over time.”
The most effective investments stem from collaboration. The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation works with a range of committed partners throughout the investment process. The Foundation’s new partnership with True Impact provides a highly supportive application process that allows organizations to think through the impact of their project in the community.
Where there is a Community Investment Fund, local leaders representing diverse organizations and two to three Freeport-McMoRan representatives decide how funds are awarded. These community leaders are selected by members of the local Community Partnership Panel, a stakeholder engagement process established by Freeport-McMoRan more than 15 years ago to foster an open and ongoing dialogue with the community. The process allows the company and the community to work together to develop thoughtful solutions that address community needs.
Since 2011, nearly $4.3 million has been invested through the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Community Investment Fund in Graham County. The funds have gone to programs and projects that help foster sustainability and reduce dependency on any single industry by supporting initiatives that build community resilience and capacity. In 2021, $400,000 was awarded to the following grant recipients:
Aravaipa Watershed Conservation Alliance
Watershed Conservation Plan – $30,000
Funding will allow the Alliance to develop the first Cooperative Watershed Management Plan for the Upper Aravaipa watershed.
Boys and Girls Club of the Gila Valley
Grow Smarter 2021 – $25,000
The Boys and Girls Club continues to be a critical resource for students to receive tutoring and homework help as well as safe and quality care during out-of-school time, while allowing caregivers to stay in the workforce.
City of Safford
El Paso Park Reimagined – $210,000
The addition of a splash pad and other key features will further develop El Paso Park into a safe and accessible community asset.
Graham County Interfaith Care Alliance
Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry Satellite Expansion Planning Project – $50,000
The plan will allow Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry to thoughtfully expand their food production and education offerings while continuing to meet the local food security needs of existing clients.
Graham County Rehabilitation Center
Vocational Training Curriculum – $40,000
The installation of a Practical Assessment Exploration System Lab will give Rehabilitation Center clients the opportunity to explore career fields and find those best suited to them. It also will help support their transition into the workforce.
Southeastern Arizona Clean and Beautiful
Water Bottle Filling Stations – $45,000
Enhancing infrastructure along desert trails to include water bottle filling stations will encourage additional usage and reduce the number of one-time-use water bottles.
