Freeport-McMoran Announces Community Investment Initiatives
Phoenix – Freeport-McMoran has revealed that its foundation is allocating $3 million across 66 projects in 12 operational communities throughout the U.S., particularly in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, New Mexico, and Texas.
“Our community investment thrives on authentic partnerships,” said a representative. “Identifying opportunities, addressing potential risks to community resilience and happiness, and collaborating on initiatives is vital for long-term improvement. We truly value our associations with local partners. These collaborations enable us to contribute effectively to projects and programs that foster social benefits, ultimately building a resilient future for mining.”
“In 2024, we’ve maintained an open dialogue with community stakeholders and partner organizations, allowing us to progress toward enhanced resilience,” Bame remarked. “We’re continuing to tackle important issues like energy transitions, climate change, mine transitions, economic diversification, and changes in the workforce.”
The Freeport-McMoran Foundation collaborates with various committed partners during the investment process, focusing on assessing and measuring the impact of these projects. They work with Better City, an economic advisory firm, to assist local communities in developing resilience plans.
These plans utilize community-driven approaches to pinpoint and prioritize risks, devise practical strategies, and identify resources for both immediate and future actions, all while complementing existing community frameworks and leveraging local capabilities.
The foundation’s aim is to boost community resilience by enabling it to effectively respond to risks and seize opportunities, thereby fostering long-term prosperity. Projects aligned with these objectives will be funded through community and social investment funds.
Community Investment Fund Process
The evaluation process for the Community Investment Funds is led by a group of local leaders, usually seven to nine, alongside two to three representatives from Freeport McMoran, who determine how the funds are allocated. These community leaders are nominated by members of the Local Community Partnership Panel, a forum established by Freeport-McMoran over 19 years ago, committed to fostering open communication with the community. This collaborative approach allows businesses and local communities to work together towards thoughtful solutions that cater to community needs.
Since its inception in 2012, over $5.4 million has been disbursed through the Freeport-McMoran Foundation Community Investment Fund in Graham County. This funding has been directed toward projects that encourage sustainability and less reliance on any single industry. For 2024, $400,000 has been designated for the next grant recipient.
Highlighted Projects
Fort Thomas Elementary School
Playground for Early Learners – $40,000
The funds will support the installation of playground equipment tailored for second graders transitioning from Pre-K. This new addition aims to encourage physical activity, foster social interactions, and enhance cognitive growth.
Gila Watershed Partnership
Equipment Fleet Repair and Update – $50,000
These funds will focus on repairing and updating essential equipment to improve the health of the Upper Gila basin in Arizona, aligning with the Climate Strategy outlined in the Graham County Resilience Action Plan.
Graham County Search and Rescue
ADA-compliant Renovations – $100,000
The allocated funds will facilitate upgrades to the Graham County Search and Rescue Corps facilities, enhancing accessibility for volunteers who play critical roles in search and rescue missions.
Ronald McDonald House Phoenix Charities
Keeping Families Together – $10,000
This funding aims to assist families in the Graham County area who face challenges in securing healthcare for their children outside the community.
St. Vincent DePaul Association, St. Rose of Lima Conference
Hope Refuge – $100,000
This funding will be utilized for repairs at the Shelter of Hope, a community resource aimed at helping individuals meet their basic needs, improving their overall quality of life.
The Town of Thatcher
Type 6 Wildland Fire Truck – $100,000
The funds will aid in procuring wildland fire trucks and providing training for firefighters to effectively combat wildfires, aligning with the Climate Strategy of the Graham County Resilience Action Plan.