Kinross Alaska Launches Manh Choh Community Fund with $1M Legacy Gift
Kinross Alaska staff and community representatives celebrate the establishment of the Manh Choh Community Fund with a symbolic $1 million check.
Photo Credit: Kinross Alaska
Upper Tanana region community members gathered recently to celebrate the launch of the Manh Choh Community Fund, 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 gold mine: Delta Junction, Dot Lake, Healy Lake, Mentasta Lake, Northway, Tok, Tetlin, and Tanacross.
From Angel Trees to Eggs
“This fund represents our long-term commitment to the region,” says Terence Watungwa, who oversaw Manh Choh development as Kinross Alaska vice president and general manager before his promotion this month to the company’s senior vice president of USA operations. “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.”
The inaugural grant cycle drew significant participation, with forty-four applications requesting more than $300,000 in total funding. Seven organizations were selected for the first round of community fund grants, representing a wide range of local initiatives.
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January 2026
Among the winners were Delta Community Library Association, which received funding for an operational library improvement; Delta Lions Club, which received funding for its Project Christmas and Angel Tree; Helping Hands Food Bank, which received funding for eggs for distribution; Tok Chamber of Commerce, which received funding for its Community Gathering projects; Tok Community Library, which received funding for its summer reading program; Tok Volunteer Fire Department, which received funding for new gear and breathing apparatus; and the Native Village of Tanacross, which received funding for spring dog races.
“Awarded projects reflect locally identified priorities,” says Kinross Alaska External Affairs Manager Meadow Riedel. “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.”
While not all applications could be approved this round, Riedel encourages organizations to apply again in future cycles. “The amount of interest we saw reflects the incredible work happening across our communities,” Riedel says. “If you applied and weren’t selected this time, we truly hope you’ll apply again.”
A key part of the fund’s design is its Community Advisory Committee, made up of representatives from 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 says. “Their leadership ensures the fund remains transparent and community-centered.”
Riedel has led the development of the community fund over the past year, calling it a meaningful undertaking. “It has been a privilege to help build something that stays right here in the communities,” Riedel says. “As someone who grew up in the region, seeing this fund come to life has been incredibly rewarding.”
With its first grant cycle complete, the Manh Choh Community Fund is positioned for long-term regional impact.
“This is only the beginning,” Watungwa says. “The fund will continue to grow over time, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have across the region.”
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