In contrast to conventional solid materials used as precursors for carbon materials, which are typically organic polymers and macromolecules, a solid of relatively small organic molecules mixed with metal salts was directly used to form a functional carbon material. Heat treatment of a mixture of 1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-9,10-anthraquinone, Fe gluconate, and Mg acetate produced a highly porous carbon material functioning as a noble-metal-free fuel cell cathode catalyst with Fe coordinated by N atoms embedded in the pore surface as the active sites. Its function was confirmed by electricity generation in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell formed using it in the cathode. The high durability of the fuel cell was demonstrated by its continuous operation. This study showed the possibility of forming a wide variety of finely designed functional carbon materials by the proper selection of small organic molecules and metals.