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By Andrea Justice
Nugget
Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold is a proud supporter of the communities in which they operate. In a recent report to the community, Freeport detailed their 2013 Community Investment Fund. The company announced the 2013 grant awards with a total of $222,000 to be distributed throughout Globe and Miami. These grants support programs and projects that provide sustainable solutions and benefits to address the community’s priority needs. All grant awards are funded by the Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Foundation.
This year grants have been awarded to nonprofit and educational programs with the intent of helping the local communities obtain sustainable futures.
Seven grants have been announced. According to the report, Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum received a grant for infrastructure enhancements. This grant will provide for the electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning in the museum. Bullion Plaza is looking to attract new business and better improve the care of exhibits and collections.
The Cobre Valley Center for the Arts also received a grant to help complete the addition of an elevator in the historic building. The CVCA will be able better serve the community with the addition of a much needed elevator. The center will be able to pursue new revenue opportunities and realize a fuller potential as a venue for meetings and conferences.
The Gila County Historical Society is another grant recipient. This grant will help the historical society preserve the historical building that houses the society’s exhibits. It will help the society continue to draw tourism revenue and contribute to the economic development of the area.
The Globe-Miami Habitat for Humanity will be able to continue aiding the community. The Freeport grant will help accelerate the timeline to build two homes for working families in need. The grant will also help assist the nonprofit group with required permitting and lot development costs for each project.
In support of the Town of Miami, Freeport awarded a grant to renovate the gym at Bullion Plaza. This renovation will create additional available space for local sporting events. It will also create opportunities for new income sources. According to the report these funds will provide leverage for the town to raise additional private grant monies.
The Miami Unified School District received a grant for new, quality educational programs. These programs will be dedicated to increasing students’ learning potential by expanding their access to technology in school.
The final grant went to Gila Community College to establish a medical billing and coding workforce training program at the Globe Campus.
For more information on Freeport’s community funds see www.freeportinmycommunity.com.
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