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Freeport-McMoRan Foundation

Annual Giving
$20.3M
Grant Range
$0K - $0.5M
Decision Time
6mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $20.3 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 5 months (June to November)
  • Grant Range: $100 - $500,000+
  • Geographic Focus: AZ, CO, NM, TX, IA communities near operations

Contact Details

Website: https://www.freeportinmycommunity.com
Phone: 602-366-8116
Email: foundation@fmi.com
Address: 333 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Overview

The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, established as the charitable arm of Freeport-McMoRan Inc., distributed $20.3 million in grants in 2023 with assets of approximately $2.4 million. The foundation's mission focuses on "Transforming Tomorrow Together" by investing in communities where Freeport-McMoRan has operations. In January 2025, the foundation announced it had awarded $3 million to 66 projects across 12 U.S. operating communities through its Community and Social Investment Funds. The foundation prioritizes sustainable community development through strategic partnerships rather than traditional grant-making.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Community Investment Fund: >$20,000 per grant (applications through CyberGrants system)
  • Mini-Grants for Education: $100 - $500 (K-12 teachers, up to 4 per school annually)
  • STEM Innovation Grants: Up to $5,000 (K-12 teachers for STEM projects)
  • Social Investment Fund: Varies by community ($300,000 - $450,000 total per region)
  • Native American Programs: Targeted support for Indigenous communities
  • Women's Development Initiatives: Supporting women and girls in operational communities

Priority Areas

  • Education and Workforce Development (particularly STEM)
  • Economic Opportunity
  • Capacity and Leadership Development
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Health and Wellness
  • Public Safety

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations serving solely Maricopa County (new applications not accepted)
  • Requests under $20,000 through the main foundation (refer to site operations)
  • Indirect costs exceeding 6% of direct project costs
  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) status or government designation
  • Projects outside their operational communities

Governance and Leadership

Tracy Bame - President, Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and Director of Community Development. Bame emphasizes: "The success of our community investments depends on genuine partnerships with communities to identify opportunities, address potential risks to resilience and well-being."

Richard C. Adkerson - Chairman of the Board (served as CEO 2003-2024). Adkerson has stated: "We face a 'perfect storm' with the STEM workforce. The current educational system is not producing a sufficient number of qualified individuals to replace retirees, fuel growth, and meet the requirements of a workplace that requires strong science and math skills."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the CyberGrants system at https://www.cybergrants.com/fcx/application. First-time users whose organization already has an account should email cgsupport@cybergrants.com for login credentials. All applicants must watch the mandatory Application Training Video before submitting.

Decision Timeline

2025 Timeline:

  • May 14: Applications open
  • June 27: Applications close at 5pm Arizona time
  • August-October: Community Investment Committees review and interview
  • November 28: Approvals and declines sent

Mini-Grants Timeline (2025):

  • July 2: Applications open
  • September 5: Applications close at 5pm Arizona time
  • October 17: Awards announced

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, in 2024, 66 projects were funded from the total applicant pool across 12 communities.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply in subsequent funding cycles. Schools are limited to 4 mini-grants per application period, with each teacher/classroom eligible for one award per school year.

Application Success Factors

The foundation requires applicants to demonstrate alignment with Priority Social Impacts through their provided framework. Successful applications must:

  • Use the foundation's mandatory project budget template - no other formats accepted
  • Include evidence and research connecting program activities to measurable impact
  • Show program sustainability beyond the grant period
  • Leverage supplemental matching funds (highly encouraged)
  • Reference specific Priority Social Impacts in the Impact Statement question
  • Demonstrate an ACTIVE presence benefiting the entire local community

Recent funded projects that exemplify success include Future Forge's vocational training center ($25,000), the Frontier Food Hub for food security ($25,000), and mobile event spaces for economic development ($300,000).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Watch the mandatory Application Training Video - it contains "tips and tricks on how to make your grant application competitive"
  • Requests must exceed $20,000 for the main Community Investment Fund
  • Focus heavily on STEM education and workforce development initiatives
  • Demonstrate clear measurement practices linking activities to community impact
  • Build sustainability and matching funds into your proposal
  • Applications limited to communities where Freeport-McMoRan has operational presence
  • Maximum 6% indirect costs allowed - budget accordingly

References

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