At Usibelli Coal Mine, community isn’t separate from the work — it’s at the heart of it. As a company made up entirely of Alaskans, the people behind the mine live, work, and raise their families in the same communities we support. That connection shapes a deep, ongoing commitment to strengthening Interior Alaska and contributing to the well-being of the places they call home.
One of the ways this commitment comes to life is through the Usibelli Foundation. Established in 1991 with a $1 million endowment from Usibelli Coal Mine, the Foundation has grown alongside the company. Today, it expands the mine’s impact by supporting education, community programs and initiatives that help Alaska’s communities thrive for generations to come.
The Foundation has supported organizations across the state, with a focus on education, workforce development, health and human services, and community well-being. We prioritize programs that expand access to education, strengthen Alaska’s workforce, and preserve the unique character and heritage of our state. From scholarships and classroom support to community initiatives and nonprofit partnerships, our giving reflects a long-standing commitment to making a meaningful, lasting impact in the communities in which we operate.
Incorporated in 1991 with a $1 million endowment from Usibelli Coal Mine, the foundation has grown into a lasting source of support for communities across Alaska. Through continued contributions and investment growth, its assets reached approximately $4.4 million in 2025. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed over $3.5 million in charitable giving. In total, the original endowment has generated nearly $8 million in value over time, supporting initiatives in education, workforce development, health and human services, and community well-being.
The Foundation matches employee-directed donations to a range of nonprofit organizations across the state, including Alaska Resource Education, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and numerous Fairbanks and Healy area organizations. In 2025 alone, the Foundation matched $19,640 in employee contributions. These partnerships, along with scholarships, classroom support, and community initiatives, reflect a long-standing commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impact in the communities where we live and work.
Strengthening communities across Interior Alaska — that’s our commitment. Because we’re more than a coal mine.
The UAF Arctic Innovation Competition encourages creativity, entrepreneurship, and solutions designed for Alaska. Usibelli is proud to support this effort as the presenting sponsor.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks honored Joe Usibelli by naming its engineering building in his legacy, with support from the Usibelli family and Usibelli Coal Mine helping bring the project to life.
With a $300,000 contribution from Usibelli, new ski trails at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are now a reality — giving the UAF Nanooks cross-country ski team a true home course. Go ‘Nooks!
Through the Education Tax Credit program, Usibelli Coal Mine supports the University of Alaska, investing in research, modernized lab equipment, and the UAF Fire Department — strengthening innovation, education, and community safety across Alaska.
