Recognizing organizations with a vision for a sustainable future in the areas of education, economic development, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, citizen involvement and transportation, the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation announced the 2014 Climax Area Community Investment Fund grant recipients.
Eighteen area nonprofit organizations from four counties - Lake, Summit, Chaffee and Eagle - were awarded a total of $600,000. Recipients were recognized at a presentation held on Tuesday, April 29 at the Colorado Mountain College Timberline Campus.
"Over the past three years, the Community Investment Fund has provided the opportunity for the community members to be directly involved in the decision making process to award funds for projects that help shape the future of the region", said Tracy Bame, President of the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation.
The Climax Area Community Investment Fund was established in 2011 to focus on programs and projects that create a sustainable community benefit. It is administered by a committee comprised of community leaders selected by the Climax Area Community Partnership Panel. This Panel was established by Freeport-McMoRan in 2008 to foster open and ongoing dialogue with the community, allowing the company and the community to work together to develop thoughtful solutions that address community issues.
"We have been so pleased that the Investment Committee members have embraced the role of seeking, cultivating and supporting projects that will create lasting benefits that lead to sustainability. We thank them for their leadership, dedication and suggestions that have further strengthened the process. Our primary goal for the Investment Fund is to empower the community to determine the projects that yield the results of greatest value for the citizens in the region."
Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity - $60,000
The grant will provide additional financial resources needed to build affordable, quality homes to qualified families as they transition into sustainable, community built housing units, along with increasing their financial literacy and understanding of home ownership. Additionally, civic engagement will be increased by the involvement of community members, low-income families, interns and vocational participants as they volunteer in constructing homes to help address the issue of affordable housing in Chaffee County.
