Usibelli Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This corporate funder supports communities of Healy and Fairbanks, Alaska, in the areas of education, health and social services, youth, the arts, and civic activities. It reviews grant applications four times per year.
IP TAKE: This coal mining-based foundation supports education in a big way. Pitch an idea that gets Alaska youth into STEM careers.
PROFILE: The Usibelli Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Usibelli Coal Mine, a fourth-generation family-owned coal mine. It seeks to “facilitate learning by supporting education,” “preserve Alaska’s uniqueness by supporting its heritage,” and strengthen the local community. The foundation was established in 1991 and provides grants to over 100 organizations each year. The company is headquartered in Healy, Alaska, and most of the foundation’s grantmaking stays in this area.
Interests include education, health and social services, youth, the arts, and civic activities. The foundation prioritizes work that drives widespread community benefit, demonstrates operating credibility, and has volunteer support from company employees and their families. It supports organizations that add value to the Alaskan communities of Healy and Fairbanks. Usibelli tends to support the same nonprofits year after year.
Their allocation committee meets quarterly. To be considered at the next board meeting, grant seekers need to apply between December 1 and February 28 for early March review, between March 1 and May 31 for early June review, between June 1 and August 31 for early September review, and between September 1 and November 30 for early December review. Funding decisions are sent out about a month after the review period.
The president of the corporation is Joe Usibelli Jr. The company has about 115 employees and operates year-round. This is the only operational coal mine in Alaska currently, producing between 1.2 and 2 million tons of coal every year.
Usibelli also engages in community corporate grantmaking, and the company has been recognized by local magazines as one of the state’s top business givers. Company financial contributions and donations to local organizations are common. The company has a long relationship with the University of Alaska in Fairbanks: the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching, Research, and Service Awards gives $10,000 to three recipients each year. The company also awards a few scholarships to local students. The University of Alaska’s Museum of the North receives substantial support.
Direct questions to the executive director by phone at 907-452-2625 or by mail to 100 Cushman Street, Suite 210, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701. The main corporate office is in Healy, but a Fairbanks office serves as the foundation headquarters. General emails may also be sent to info@usibelli.com.
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