Mentasta Eligible To Apply For Mine Company's "Community Fund"

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

Mentasta is best known as the home of the late Katie John.
(Archive photo, Country Journal) 

Mentasta Village Can Apply 

A program from the Manh Choh Community Fund, a new charitable fund established through a $1 million "legacy" gift from Kinross Alaska, will include Mentasta as a possible recipient. 

“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.”

Seven organizations were selected in the first round of grants, including Delta Community Library, Delta Lions, Helping Hands Food Bank, the Tok Chamber, the Tok Library, the Tok Volunteer Fire Department, and Tanacross' spring dog races. 

Meadow Riedel of Kinross told the Journal on January 22nd, 2026:

"Mentasta is one of the Upper Tanana region communities that are eligible to apply to the Manh Choh Community Fund, just like the other communities located near the mine (and thus impacted). 

"That means Mentasta organizations can apply for funding to support local priorities such as education, health and wellness, cultural programs, youth activities, and community infrastructure. The fund is designed to be community-driven, so decisions about what projects to pursue start locally and are guided by community needs."