Freeport-McMoRan Foundation announces 2024 Graham County Community Investment Fund Recipients

Photo By Freeport-McMoRan

Contributed Article/Courtesy Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc.

PHOENIX – Freeport-McMoRan is pleased to announce its Foundation has awarded $3 million to 66 projects across its 12 U.S. operating communities in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, New Mexico, and Texas through its Community and Social Investment Funds. 

“The success of our community investments depends on genuine partnerships with communities to identify opportunities, address potential risks to resilience and well-being, and collaboratively develop initiatives that strengthen communities for the long term,” said Tracy Bame, President, Freeport-McMoRan Foundation. “We deeply value our relationships with community partners, as these collaborations enable us to contribute effectively to projects and programs that deliver meaningful social benefits and build the Foundation for resilience in a post-mining future.

“In 2024, we maintained (an) ongoing dialogue with community stakeholders and partner organizations to drive progress toward greater resilience,” Bame said. “Partners continue to explore critical issues affecting their future, such as the energy transition, climate change, mine transitions, economic diversification, and the evolving nature of work.”

The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation works with various committed partners throughout the investment process. These include True Impact, which helps organizations consider and measure the impact of their projects, and Better City, an economic advisory firm that helps host communities create Resilience Action Plans. 

These plans involve a community-driven process to engage stakeholders in identifying and prioritizing risks, developing actionable strategies, and finding resources for both short — and long-term actions. They complement existing community plans and consider local resources and capacities. 

The goal is to boost the community’s resilience and ability to respond to risks and opportunities, supporting long-term prosperity. The Foundation aims to support projects that align with these plans through its Community and Social Investment Funds. 

Community Investment Fund Process

The Community Investment Fund process is led by seven to nine local leaders representing diverse organizations and two to three Freeport-McMoRan representatives who determine how funds are awarded. These community leaders are selected by members of the local Community Partnership Panel, a stakeholder engagement forum established by Freeport-McMoRan more than 19 years ago to foster 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 2012, more than $5.4 million has been invested through the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Community Investment Fund in Graham County. The funds have been awarded to programs and projects that help foster sustainability and reduce dependency on any industry. In 2024, $400,000 was awarded to the following grant recipients:

Fort Thomas Elementary School 

Playgrounds for Early Learners – $40,000 

Funding will be used to add playground equipment designed for Pre-K to 2nd-grade students. The new structures will increase physical activity, foster better social interactions, and boost cognitive development. 

Gila Watershed Partnership  

Equipment Fleet Repair and Update – $50,000  

These funds will be used to repair and update equipment essential for improving the overall health of the Upper Gila Watershed of Arizona. This project aligns with the climate strategy of the Graham County Resilience Action Plan.  

Graham County Search and Rescue 

ADA-Compliant Renovations – $100,000 

Funds will be used to upgrade the Graham County Search and Rescue Squad House, making it more accessible to volunteers who provide critical search and rescue operations in Graham County. 

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix  

Keeping Families Together – $10,000 

Funding will assist Graham County-area families in navigating the challenges of having children receive medical care outside the area. 

Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Rose of Lima Conference 

Shelter of Hope – $100,000  

The funds will be used to make repairs at Shelter of Hope, a community resource that helps individuals meet their basic needs, enabling them to provide for themselves and others and improve their quality of life. 

Town of Thatcher  

Type 6 Wildland Fire Truck – $100,000 

This funding will acquire a wildland fire truck, allowing firefighters to be trained to fight wildfires. This project aligns with the climate strategy of the Graham County Resilience Action Plan.