Best Community Development Grants in Alaska

Alaskan municipal governments (except Anchorage) seeking support for community development, planning, or special economic development projects in Alaska can apply for Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development’s Community Development Block Grant, with awards up to US $850,000 per community. Nonprofits may participate as co-applicants for these HUD-funded pass-through grants benefiting primarily low- and moderate-income residents.

Municipalities, named recipients, and unincorporated communities in Alaska can seek funding for capital community development projects such as construction, building improvements, feasibility studies, land acquisition, and equipment. With a mission to manage these legislative appropriations, Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development provides grants once projects are funded through the state’s Capital Bill process.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local governments, Tribal governments, and some faith-based organizations can seek large grants for capital projects and major community initiatives. Rasmuson Foundation provides Alaska community development and revitalization groups with more than US $250,000 for construction, renovation, equipment, vehicles, historic preservation, and innovative programs of community or statewide importance.

Focused on community and economic development, nonprofits in Alaska can apply for Northrim Bank support for projects that build stronger, healthier communities. Eligible organizations work on community development, low-income family support, health and wellness, or higher education initiatives and should submit proposals during the bank’s annual budgeting process for best consideration.

Nonprofit charitable organizations working on community development, education, workforce, or basic human needs can apply for KeyBank Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 in Alaska and other eligible states. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen affordable housing, small business growth, financial literacy, and career and college preparation initiatives.

Melton Foundation

The Melton Foundation is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the USA, and a leading proponent of Global Citizenship education and practice worldwide. Established nearly thirty years ago with the credence that collaborations across boundaries can forge sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, today, our programs reach millions of young leaders, having crystallized into a network of over 750 life-long Melton Fellows spread across 40+ countries. Our primary operations are in Chile, China, Germany, Ghana, India, and the United States of America, with legal subsidiaries in Bangalore, India; Jena, Germany; Temuco, Chile; and Accra, Ghana. 

Through our fellowship and collaborative programs we promote and enable global citizenship as a way for individuals and organizations to work together across boundaries of place and identity to solve challenges in an interconnected world.

Melton Foundation Action Grants

The Melton Foundation offers grants year-round to support Melton Fellows in developing skills, perspective and wider networks to further their capacity as global citizens and contribute towards building an equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.

In almost 10 years of granting, more than 100 Fellows’ initiatives have been awarded with a Melton Foundation grant to

• Build awareness and/or further awareness raising around global issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
• Develop individual and collective responsibility for sustained, collaborative action,
• Grow capacity to collaboratively drive and sustain social impact at the local and/or global level,
• Further the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative actions that embody the spirit of global citizenship practice and further social impact, or
• Support coordinated social-impact efforts in a particular or across (emerging) Melton Foundation Hub regions to promote global citizenship practice (s) and the organization’s mission.

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025 support revitalization efforts in severely distressed public housing and surrounding neighborhoods. This program encourages collaboration among local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to create comprehensive plans aimed at improving housing quality, promoting upward mobility for residents, and attracting long-term investment for neighborhood development. Successful applicants will implement their Transformation Plans, which were developed through prior Planning Grants to enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

Community development and revitalization nonprofits in Alaska can access funding through the Crawford Taylor Foundation for projects that strengthen communities and improve quality of life. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations may also be considered for related priorities such as child welfare, supportive housing, parks, or disaster relief, with a preference for impactful, program-based requests.

Eligible public and nonprofit entities in Alaska recovering from 2023–2024 natural disasters can access funding to plan, build, or transform community and regional economies. The US Department of Commerce: Economic Development Administration provides up to US $50,000,000 for readiness, implementation, and industry transformation projects that strengthen long-term community development and resilience.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits and state or local government entities can seek funding for community development, food security, education, and agriculture projects or general operations. Greenpoint Foundation supports initiatives that enhance communities where its stakeholders live and work; eligible organizations may submit multiple applications annually but must provide timely impact reports.

Alaska community development organizations working on education, health, arts, entrepreneurship, youth, or civic leadership can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects and special initiatives. Eligible U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least one year of outcomes may apply for up to US $10,000, with rolling quarterly reviews.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, education access, humanitarian aid, or related initiatives in places like Alaska can seek Strategic Impact Grants to support measurable, well-planned projects. Bertin Family Foundation prioritizes strong governance, financial transparency, and alignment with its values, with applications submitted via its Foundant portal annually in Q3.

Nonprofit organizations working on community development, housing, youth, veterans, or human services can access funding through St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation, with awards of US $500 - US $5,000. While the foundation primarily serves New Hampshire communities, Alaska groups with similar financial independence and community support programs may be eligible based on the funder’s stated service areas.

Nonprofit organizations providing youth services, housing, social services, or community development programs in Alaska may be eligible for St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation’s community support grants, awarding US $500 - US $5,000. Funding can assist initiatives that help individuals and families of modest means, including civic and community support efforts.

U.S. nonprofit staff leading community development or revitalization projects can receive micro grants to launch new efforts or add meaningful components to existing work. Focused on uplifting unseen leaders, Enhearten Unseen Leaders offers US $500 - US $1,000 per project, which may benefit Alaska organizations serving their local communities.

Community development and revitalization nonprofits in Alaska can apply for the Ferguson Cares Grant to support affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, skilled trades, and clean water and sanitation projects. Grants from Ferguson help organizations within its Alaska service footprint strengthen local economies and improve quality of life in the communities they serve.

Nonprofit organizations, TDHEs, and federally recognized tribes working on rural affordable housing or community development in Alaska can receive direct technical assistance to build capacity and strengthen programs. With a mission to support rural housing and development, Housing Assistance Council provides customized one-on-one guidance, training, and resources to improve operations and expand impact in eligible non-urbanized areas.

Eligible Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations with programs in Alaska can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding to support community development and revitalization, financial literacy, and related initiatives. This opportunity may benefit Alaska groups advancing economic mobility, stronger communities, and sustainable futures through local programming in Canada or the U.S.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects can receive funding for financial literacy, technology education, and vibrant community initiatives, including housing insecurity and neighborhood revitalization. Affirm Cares provides Alaska community development groups with support for scalable, measurable programs; submissions are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed within three months.

Nonprofit organizations hosting events or needing general operating support for community development in Alaska can apply for KeyBank Foundation’s Community Sponsorships, which typically range from $500 to $5,000. With a mission to prepare individuals for thriving futures, KeyBank provides funding for efforts that strengthen neighbors, education, and workforce in its service areas.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.