In November, Kinross Alaska was pleased to announce the launch of the Manh Choh Community Fund (MCCF), with a US$1 million legacy gift. The MCCF is a charitable fund focused on enhancing community-led priorities in the region to provide long-term, stable financial support to organizations in eight communities surrounding the Manh Choh operation.

“The Manh Choh Community Fund represents Kinross Alaska’s long-term commitment to the region. Our goal is to ensure the benefits of the Manh Choh Mine extend well beyond the life of the operation itself,” said Terence Watungwa, Senior Vice-President, USA Operations. “Our legacy gift is intended to support community priorities for generations to come and we look forward to seeing the positive impacts they will have across the region.”

Organizations seeking funding are evaluated by the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) comprised of a group of representatives from diverse backgrounds and disciplines in the region. The CAC provides guidance to ensure funds are distributed accurately to reflect community needs.

The inaugural grant cycle drew significant participation with over 46 applications submitted, and seven local organizations being selected to receive funding for a wide-range of initiatives. These included youth programs, cultural events, library improvements, community gathering spaces, as well as food security and emergency response programs.

“The amount of interest we saw in our inaugural grant cycle represents the incredible work happening across our communities,” said Meadow Riedel, External Affairs Manager, Kinross Alaska. “The projects selected by the CAC reflect locally identified priorities by a group of individuals who have invested time working through the structure, purpose and process of this fund. We believe in their leadership to maintain the transparency and community-centered focus of the MCCF.”

For more information on the Manh Choh Community Fund (MCCF), watch this video.

Representatives from Kinross Alaska and community members celebrate the establishment of the Manh Choh Community Fund (MCCF) with a symbolic US$1 million cheque.