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ASU Lodestar Center continues partnership with Freeport-McMoRan Foundation to support rural nonprofits
Phoenix, Ariz. (April 5, 2016) – The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation extends its continuing partnership with the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation through the latest grant of $91,000 for new programming that will span through 2017. Since 2009, the ASU Lodestar Center has partnered with Freeport-McMoRan involving more than $700,000 in grant funding to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations in mining communities. This strategic partnership has allowed the Center to reach small- to mid-level nonprofits in rural mining areas and provide much-needed support, knowledge and tools to help them achieve their missions.
The next phase of the partnership is a cohort-based program model that will leverage the knowledge and passion of local leaders to determine the most critical challenges and identify powerful opportunities for change in their communities. Each community cohort will conduct research and develop a plan to address a key outcome related to an identified community priority. Additionally, web-based leadership development programming will be provided by the ASU Lodestar Center on topics such as Asset-Based Community Development, strategy and work plan development, resource development and group facilitation.
Communities selected by Freeport-McMoRan to be the recipients of this grant’s programming initiatives include:
- Ajo, AZ
- Bisbee, AZ
- Globe-Miami, AZ
- Graham County, AZ
- Greenlee County, AZ
- Green Valley/Sahuarita, AZ
- Climax, CO
- Clear Creek County, CO
- Grand County, CO
- Grant County, NM
“Our ongoing efforts to serve nonprofits in the rural Southwest region is a tribute to the philanthropic dedication of Freeport-McMoRan,” states Robert F. Ashcraft, Ph.D., professor and executive director of the ASU Lodestar Center. “Great communities have a vibrant nonprofit sector and it is a privilege to partner with Freeport-McMoRan in building the social infrastructure of cities and towns in Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado in which the company operates. We are confident that our ongoing nonprofit capacity building strategies will improve the quality of life in these communities,” Ashcraft added.
Angie Harmon, Social Investment Manager at Freeport-McMoRan has been instrumental in bringing these professional and organizational development opportunities to the rural mining communities in which Freeport-McMoRan operates. She observes, “We are glad to have a partner in the ASU Lodestar Center. Their ability to come alongside and support organizations that are working hard to meet local needs in our operating communities is invaluable. We are excited to see the positive change that will occur during this next phase of our partnership.”
As the ASU Lodestar Center continues to reach out through these kinds of direct training opportunities and an ever-increasing catalog of online workshops, courses and webinars to assist nonprofit efforts throughout the greater Southwest and beyond, we are continually inspired and motivated by the great work being done in these communities. Nonprofit organizations provide crucial services and assistance to the people of their communities, and the ASU Lodestar Center is firmly committed to helping these organizations achieve their noble missions through increased effectiveness, further-reaching impact, and a greater depth of community embeddedness and public support.
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ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation
The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation is recognized as a national leader in undergraduate and graduate nonprofit education, research and technical assistance. The ASU Lodestar Center exists to enhance the quality of life in communities through the advancement of nonprofit leadership practices and provides knowledge and tools to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations, professionals, board members, donors and volunteers by offering a selection of capacity building workshops, conferences, classes, and programs. For more information, please visit: lodestar.asu.edu.
ABOUT FREEPORT-McMoRan Copper & Gold
Freeport-McMoRan is a premier U.S.-based natural resource company with an industry leading global portfolio of mineral assets, significant oil and gas resources and a growing production profile. To learn more about the natural resources we produce which help to move societies toward a cleaner, healthier and productive future, visit www.fcx.com.