Contributed article
PHOENIX — Freeport-McMoRan is pleased to announce its foundation awarded $3 million to 68 projects across its 12 U.S. operating communities in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, New Mexico and Texas through its Community and Social Investment Funds in 2025.
“The success of our community investments depends on strong partnerships with local communities,” said Tracy Bame, President of the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation. “By working together to identify opportunities and address potential risks to resilience and well-being, we can support projects and programs that deliver meaningful social impact. These collaborations are essential to building long-term community strength, especially in preparing for a post-mining future.”
The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation works with a range of committed partners throughout the investment process. These include True Impact, an impact measurement platform helping organizations analyze the impact of projects, and Better City, an economic advisory firm that helps host communities create Resilience Action Plans.
These plans are part of Freeport’s Resilience Initiative and are built through a community-led process. Local residents and stakeholders work together to identify key risks, set priorities and develop practical strategies for both near-term and long-term action. The plans build on existing community efforts and consider local strengths, resources and capacities.
The Foundation supports projects that align with these plans through its Community and Social Investment Funds, with the goal of strengthening local resilience and the ability to respond to challenges and opportunities over time.
Community Investment Fund Process
The Community Investment Fund application review and selection process is led by seven to nine local leaders representing diverse organizations and two to three Freeport representatives who determine how funds are awarded. The community leaders are selected by members of the local Community Partnership Panel, a stakeholder engagement forum established by Freeport more than 20 years ago to foster open and ongoing dialogue with the community. This collaborative process ensures funding decisions reflect local priorities and support meaningful, long-term solutions.
Since 2012, more than $5.8 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 single industry. In 2025, a total of $400,000 was awarded to the following grant recipients:
Gila Watershed Partnership of Arizona
Bryce Fire Seed Project and Restoration – $10,000
Funds will be used to restore acres burned by the Bryce Fire to support the ecological health of the region, as well as the availability of clean water. This project aligns with the water availability strategy of the Graham County Resilience Action Plan.
Gila Valley Samaritan Home, Inc.
Expanding Food Security: GVSH Office and Pantry Project – $17,000
Funding will be used to address food insecurity by expanding capacity to provide nutritious meals for vulnerable community members facing hunger. This project aligns with the housing and mental health strategies of the Graham County Resilience Action Plan.
Tooth B.U.D.D.S., Inc.
School-Based Mobile Oral Hygiene Program Van – $20,000
Funds will be used to help purchase a cargo van to expand existing services for the Mobile School-Based Oral Hygiene program in Graham County.
Fort Thomas Unified School District
Strengthening Community Through Sport: FTUSD Baseball and Softball Facilities Improvement – $25,000
Funding will be used to improve the safety and usability of the baseball and softball facilities.
Pima Unified District
Lower Elementary School Playground Shade – $25,000
Funds will be used to install a sunshade structure over the playground at the K-2 elementary school building.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix
Keeping Families Together – $25,000
Funding will assist Graham County-area families as they navigate the challenges of having children receiving medical care outside of the local area.
Town of Thatcher
GVC Courtroom Video and Audio Upgrade – $28,000
Funds will be used to support the installation of videoconferencing at the Gila Valley Municipal Court to enhance accessibility, efficiency and convenience for court participants.
Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services
Meals for Seniors – $35,000
These funds will help ensure that area residents receive the necessary support to remain in their homes and access proper nutrition to improve their health.
University Of Arizona Foundation F/B/O Graham County Cooperative Extension
The Garden Plots Community Educational Garden – $46,000
Funding will be used to create a community vegetable garden that willsupport long-term food security and environmental sustainability.
Boys & Girls Club of The Gila Valley
Enhancing STEAM Education Through Computer Upgrades – $48,000
Funding will be used to upgrade the computer lab,bridging the technology gap for young individuals in Graham County.
