The Pebble Fund, a charitable fund created by the companies trying to develop the proposed mine, recently announced it is giving $600,000 to 18 groups this winter.

The Pebble Partnership says the funding demonstrates its commitment to providing benefits the region where it hopes to build the massive mine, but the foes of Pebble say the money is an attempt to buy people's support.

In the latest round of giving, the biggest dollar-amount recipient was the city of Nondalton, where some tribal leaders oppose Pebble (The city and tribal council co-signed an anti-Pebble resolution in 2005). The fund previously awarded $1 million to 33 groups last March. A third cycle of awards is expected in the spring. Here's the details:

Bristol Bay Borough School District Culinary Arts Program - $6000

Support for the high school and middle school culinary arts program including equipment, fresh produce and local ingredients and current texts. These classes teach nutrition for long-term health and also employment skills for those who are interested in culinary careers.

Bristol Bay Elders Action Group Community Food Bank, Phase 2 - $24,775

For Phase Two of a four phase program to build additional capacity. This grant will build additional dry goods storage along with a distribution center to provide nutritious and traditional foods to senior citizens in Naknek, King Salmon and South Naknek.

Chignik Lagoon Village Council Garbage Truck - $25,000

Purchase of a replacement garbage truck for proper transportation of solid waste materials from the Village into the landfill, ensuring public health standards are met and waste does not contaminate wells.

Dillingham City School District Band Instruments - $18,000

To purchase one new set of band instruments to allow more students to participate in school music programs. There are not enough instruments currently for all students who want to participate in band.

Dillingham City School District Elementary Reading Program - $24,621

Materials for the English Language Learners program to improve literacy and elevate the assessment scores of Dillingham elementary students. The program is a visually based learning program designed to help build vocabulary and master reading fluency.

Dillingham City Ice Rink Roof Project - $41,250

To build a roof on the community ice rink. The roof will allow the ice rink to be used for year round activities such as youth athletics, curling and ice hockey, a farmers market, and arts & culture performances.

Egegik City Dock Lighting - $25,000

This project will provide lighting for the staging area above the dock, the ramp as well as navigational lighting on the face of the dock. The dock currently has no lighting which presents a public safety hazard for the freight and fuel barges and fisherman who use it.

Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Church Construction - $25,000

To purchase supplies needed for the completion of the new church construction project. The construction work is to be done by volunteers.

Iliamna Village Council Laundromat Improvements Project - $25,000

For completion of the laundromat improvements project including purchase and install of one commercial chest freezer for community use as well as an additional commercial washer and dryer.

Kokhanok Village Burn Box - $33,000

Purchase of a burn box to be used for solid waste disposal in the community. The community burn box will reduce use of burn barrels which cause hazardous air pollution and extend the life of the landfill.

Lake and Peninsula Borough Waste Disposal Plan - $25,000

To provide an assessment of the severity of the problem of junked vehicles and hazardous waste in the Borough as well as an action plan for 2011 haul out currently scheduled to occur. This assessment will also include recommendations for future best practices.

Newhalen City Youth Athletic Club - $25,000

Funding for Newhalen Iliamna Youth Athletic Club for K-8 after-school including basketball, wresting and Native Youth Olympics. The grant will provide funding for travel, equipment and hosting a basketball tournament.

Nondalton City Water Improvements - $171,511

This grant is a top off to fill a funding shortfall for completion of Phase 1 of the Nondalton Water Improvements Project. The overall goals of the project are to improve access to safe drinking water, provide accessible fire protection, bring water system in to compliance with current regulations and eliminate public health hazards.

Nondalton City Fuel Containment Area Upgrades - $9700

To purchase materials for construction of a secondary containment area for bulk fuel storage. The City is providing labor and equipment for construction.

Outpouring Ministries, Inc. Summer School Enhancements - $25,000

To enhance the summer school program including construction of a portable classroom and toilets, play area excavation and purchase additional supplies for science based activities.

Pilot Point Tribal Council Dago Creek Dock Crane Project - $50,000

This is an economic development project to provide local fisherman with a bulkhead structure and attached dock crane that can lift up to 4000 pounds. The crane will help in the loading and off-loading of heavy equipment such as flake ice, fish products, propane tanks and fuel. It can also be used for off-loading other heavy freight for the community such as building materials.

Togiak City Water & Sewer Service Truck - $23,800

Purchase of a service truck for ongoing inspections, repairs and maintenance of city sewer lines.

Twin Hills Village Council Equipment Upgrades - $14,244

For upgrades to the First Responder’s Group Equipment including long-range cordless phones and two sleds for transporting patients.