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.

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.

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.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Community Development Grant

Raised in rural Texas, Adam saw firsthand the challenges small towns face related to demographic changes, workforce development, capital access, infrastructure, health, land use and environment and community preservation. As he got older, he often felt compelled to help - even in small ways - when he saw a neighbor struggling. Inspired by his generosity and leaning into innovation, we built a Community Grant & Loan Program to be the catalyst for investable initiatives while working to leverage additional public and private capital.

We are getting further, faster thanks to partnering with leaders in the Program Related Investment (PRI) arena. PRIs are powerful and versatile tools in the philanthropic toolkit, making capital available to any kind of organization advancing any charitable purpose via various financial structures. Financial returns can be repurposed for new charitable objectives, multiplying the impact. The focus through this program revolves around the types of communities Adam called home with a focus on specific economic barriers.

This grant is focused on semi-permanent or permanent community assets including infrastructure, public works, green space, revitalization, and other real assets essential for businesses to thrive in a community. Generally, these funds will not be used exclusively for beautification.

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 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska can seek funding for community development, education, arts, housing, and social service projects through Horizon Bank’s Horizon Cares Community Grant Program. Grants of More than US $5,000 may support one-time or one-year initiatives, including building projects and efforts benefiting low- to moderate-income families.

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.

Nonprofit housing and homelessness service providers in Alaska can seek funding for permanent and transitional housing programs through the Anchorage Continuum of Care Program, with awards up to US $2,600,000. Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness also supports coordination efforts that strengthen community-wide work on homelessness and broader community development and revitalization.

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.

The Town Fair Tire Foundation Grant supports local organizations in New England, focusing on social, health, and educational services. Established in 2000, the foundation emphasizes 'paying it forward' by encouraging grant recipients to assist others in need. TFTF aims to promote self-reliance and community advancement, funding initiatives that create positive change in the lives of individuals and families affected by poverty. Although primarily focused in New England, grants may be considered for aligned programs elsewhere.

The Alaska Community Development Block Grant Program provides vital funding for public facilities and planning activities to enhance the health and safety of local communities. With approximately $2.5 million available for competitive grants, the program supports community development, planning, and special economic development activities aimed at job creation for low and moderate-income residents. Non-profits can apply with Alaskan municipal governments, except Anchorage, for grants up to $850,000.

The .ORG Impact Awards, organized by the Public Interest Registry, honor individuals and organizations connected to .ORG domains for their impactful contributions in areas such as health, education, diversity, and environmental stewardship. Participants can receive up to $50,000 for their chosen non-profit and gain visibility through various promotional platforms. This initiative not only recognizes excellence but also fosters community support and encourages innovative solutions to pressing societal issues.

About Us

Harbor Freight is America’s #1 Tool Store with more than 1600 locations nationwide. Founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt, the company began as a small mail-order tool business in North Hollywood, California. Over 75 million customers have come to Harbor Freight for our unmatched assortment of quality tools at an unbeatable value, including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools, and much more.

Harbor Freight Tools Gift Card Donation Requests

If you are a Harbor Freight Associate and have been affected by an unexpected, unavoidable crisis and are in financial need, please apply to our Employee Emergency Relief Fund (EERF). To apply, go to www.myHFT.com to review our FAQs, guidelines, eligibility requirements and application form.

For all other donation requests, please note that we have recently updated our criteria. You can find the current eligibility requirements below.

All donations are given in the form of Harbor Freight Store gift cards. We do not provide cash donations, event sponsorships or support for individuals.

Harbor Freight Tools proudly supports the following:

Skilled Trades Education

• Skilled trades classes that emphasize the expert use of tools and materials to build, repair and maintain products and structures. Fields include Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Advanced Manufacturing, Plumbing, Transportation Mechanics and Repair, and Welding
• Donation requests must be submitted by a K-12 public-school teacher for their own school/classroom. Harbor Freight store gift cards are given directly to the school/teacher requesting one. We do not provide donations to outside organizations, clubs or third parties.

National Main Street Center Inc.

Main Street America (MSA) leads an inclusive, impact-driven movement dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through place-based economic development and community preservation. We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Main Street America was founded in 1980 as the National Main Street Center®, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Over the past 40 years the MSA network has helped to generate over $115.27 billion in local reinvestment, rehab 345,801 buildings, create 815,894 new jobs, and start 181,647 new businesses in over 2,000 communities. 

Great American Main Street Awards

Main Street America celebrates communities whose successes serve as a model for comprehensive, preservation-based revitalization efforts in their historic downtowns and commercial corridor districts with the Great American Main Street Awards (GAMSA).

Winners represent the diversity of communities in the Main Street America network — small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts from every region in the country — and demonstrate the power of the Main Street Approach™. Since the inception of the Great American Main Street Awards in 1995, 118 Main Street programs have been honored.

Selection Criteria: Semifinalists and winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Criteria for winning GAMSA include: strength of the Main Street program in spurring community transformation, commitment to historic preservation, innovative programming, implementation of cross-sector partnerships, community outreach and stakeholder engagement, and ensuring their downtown districts are for everyone. 

Accolades & Ceremony: Semifinalists are promoted through Main Street America’s digital channels and receive media relations support. Winners also receive a short documentary film, a plaque, communications and media relations support, prominent placement on the Main Street America website for two years, and recognition at the 2027 Main Street Now Conference in Detroit, Michigan.