The Pebble Fund’s spring 2010 cycle of grants recognized 17 projects supporting sustainable communities in Southwest Alaska. Grants totaling $842,947 have been awarded to a wide-range of projects exhibiting vision and promoting growth of vital initiatives in the region.
“It is rewarding to see the progress the Pebble Fund is achieving by advancing important projects that positively impact regional residents and communities,” says John Shively, CEO of the Pebble Partnership. “Our goal remains to support programs with a focus toward workforce development, community health and long-term economic diversity in this part of our state.”
Grants include large and small allotments, as well as expansion grants for existing and/or ongoing programs such as:
- Lake & Peninsula School District, School to Life Expansion ($150,000)
- Southwest Alaska Vocational & Education Center: Capacity Building ($150,000)
- Iliamna Village Council: Burn Box ($109,000)
- University of Alaska, Bristol Bay Campus, science building purchase ($80,000)
A full list of the spring 2010 grant recipients, as well as the full history of grants awarded from the Pebble Fund is available a www.Alaskacf.org.
Established in 2008 as part of a five year, $5 million sustainable community development plan for the region, to date the Pebble Fund has supported 65 projects throughout Southwest Alaska via grants totaling more than $2.4 million. In addition, Pebble Fund Grants have helped to leverage nearly $12 million in matching funds from other organizations. Grant criteria and grant awards are determined by an independent advisory board comprised of representatives from Bristol Bay. Administered by the Alaska Community Foundation, applications are assessed twice annually.
The Pebble Project is located in Southwest Alaska on state land designated for mineral exploration and development. It is situated approximately 1,000 feet above sea-level and 65 miles from tidewater on Cook Inlet. The Pebble Partnership was established in July 2007 as a 50:50 partnership between Anglo American plc and Northern Dynasty Minerals.