With nearly $2.5 million in grant monies distributed in Southwest Alaska throughout the past two years, The Pebble Fund continues its commitment to supporting sustainable development programs awarding eight projects funding for the fall 2010 distribution cycle.
Monetary commitments ranged from $7,500 to $25,000 per program, including the final stage of a four-phase grant to the Bristol Bay Elders Action Group (BBEAG), located in Naknek. The BBEAG project involves development and construction of a Food Bank receiving/distribution center, which will provide donated food to elders age 60-years and older living in the communities of Naknek, South Naknek and King Salmon. The project is designed to provide much-needed relief to elders who are no longer able to provide for themselves due to illness, limited income and the high cost of living.
The fall 2010 Pebble Fund grant cycle totaled $149,760. A complete list of Pebble Fund grant projects is available at www.alaskacf.org. Other projects recognized in the fall 2010 distribution cycle include:
- Togiak Public Library and Cultural Center, $25,000, facility build and refurbishments.
- Dillingham City Schools, $25,000, shop facility upgrades to OSHA standards
- Bristol Bay Borough, $25,000, community rec room addition
- Chignik Lagoon Village Council, $10,560, LED street lighting
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska, Dillingham, $7,500, club facility and safety
- Lake and Peninsula School District, King Salmon, $23,700, self-study academics
- Dillingham High School, $8,000, Music Festival
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 73 projects throughout Southwest Alaska via grants. In addition, Pebble Fund grants have helped to leverage more than $12 million in matching funds from other organizations. Grant criteria and grant awards are determined by an independent advisory board comprised of representatives form Bristol Bay. Administered by the Alaska Community Foundation, applications are assesses twice annually. Applications for the next grant review cycle are available at www.alaskacf.org.
The Pebble deposit 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 a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anglo American plc and a wholly-owned affiliate of Northern Dynasty Minerals, Ltd.