Kentucky-headquartered coal miner Ramaco Resources is focusing on philanthropy for the support of coal communities with its new charitable organization, the Ramaco Foundation.
The group, which will invest in the regions where its employees work in West Virginia, Virginia and Wyoming through grant-making and partnerships with nonprofits in the respective areas, will be headed by Evan Jenkins, president of the Ramaco Foundation and a member of its board of directors; Randall Atkins, chairman and CEO of Ramaco and chairman of the foundation’s board; Patrick Graney III, founder and president of PCG in West Virginia; and Debra Wendtland, a prominent Sheridan, Wyo.-based attorney.
As part of its launch, the foundation has awarded grants worth $100,000 to organizations fighting childhood hunger in Wyoming, and supporting education and workforce development in West Virginia.
“The regions where our staff and their families live are the backbone of this country, and deserve far, far more investment and attention than they receive,” said Atkins.
The foundation’s activities will be focused on southern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and Sheridan County, Wyo. Its first major donations are $50,000 grants to The Food Group Wyoming and Jobs for West Virginia’s Graduates. Both organizations received $25,000 in 2022 and another $25,000 will be coming in 2023 for operating funds, program development and other identified needs.
“The Ramaco Foundation is dedicated to building meaningful philanthropic relationships in these regions, and strengthening the local social and economic fabric,” said Jenkins. “The organizations receiving these grants are results-driven and have proven records of success, and we look forward to partnering with them and expanding their very valuable work.”
Source: Ramaco Resources