Kinross Alaska Announces $1 Million Legacy Gift and Launches Manh Choh Community Fund

TOK, Alaska — Community members from across the Upper Tanana region gathered recently to celebrate the launch of the Manh Choh Community Fund (MCCF), a new charitable fund established through a $1 million legacy gift from Kinross Alaska.

Managed in perpetuity by the Alaska Community Foundation, the fund is designed to support community-led priorities in the region and provide long-term, stable financial support to eight communities near the Manh Choh Mine: Delta Junction, Dot Lake, Healy Lake, Mentasta, Northway, Tok, Tetlin, and Tanacross.

“This fund represents our long-term commitment to the region,” said Terence Watungwa, Vice President and General Manager for Kinross Alaska. “We want to ensure that the benefits of the Manh Choh Mine extend well beyond the life of the operation itself. This legacy gift is intended to support community priorities for generations.”

Meadow Riedel of Kinross Alaska, who has led the development of the MCCF over the past year, said the effort has been a meaningful undertaking. “It has been a privilege to help build something that stays right here in the communities,” Riedel said. “As someone who grew up in the region, seeing this fund come to life has been incredibly rewarding.”

The inaugural grant cycle drew significant participation, with 44 applications requesting more than $300,000 in total funding. While not all applications could be approved this round, Riedel encouraged organizations to apply again in future cycles.

“The amount of interest we saw reflects the incredible work happening across our communities,” she said. “If you applied and weren’t selected this time, we truly hope you’ll apply again.”

Seven organizations were selected for the first round of MCCF grants, representing a wide range of local initiatives:

• Delta Community Library Association – Operational Library Improvement
• Delta Lions Club – Project Christmas and the Delta Lions Angel Tree
• Helping Hands Food Bank – Eggs for Distribution
• Tok Chamber of Commerce – Community Gathering Projects
• Tok Community Library – Summer Reading Program
• Tok Volunteer Fire Department – New Gear and SCBA Devices
• Native Village of Tanacross – Spring Dog Races

“Awarded projects reflect locally identified priorities,” Riedel said. “They include a combination of youth programs, cultural events, library improvements, community gathering spaces, food security, and emergency response activities, focus areas and efforts that strengthen communities.”

A key part of the fund’s design is its Community Advisory Committee (CAC), made up of representatives from across the region who provide insight and guidance to ensure the fund reflects community needs.

“These individuals have invested time working through the structure, purpose, and process of this fund,” Riedel said. “Their leadership ensures the fund remains transparent and community-centered.”

With its first grant cycle complete, the Manh Choh Community Fund is positioned for long-term regional impact.

“This is only the beginning,” Watungwa said. “The fund will continue to grow over time, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have across the region.”

For more information on the Manh Choh Community Fund or upcoming grant cycles, please contact Meadow Riedel, meadow.riedel@kinross.com.