Best Financial Assistance Grants in Alaska

Alaska nonprofits, tribal entities, schools, and government units can receive support to cover travel and freight for touring arts presentations and exhibitions across Alaska. Alaska State Council on the Arts funds theater, dance, music, visual arts, media arts, folk and traditional arts, and literary events that reach underserved or multi-community audiences and are marketed to the public.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program support through Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions. Grants prioritize evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes, strong community collaboration, and a broad base of financial support in communities where Costco does business, with applications typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Alaska educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives through State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants. Projects may include auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–12 or higher education programs.

Mat-Su Health Foundation

Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) provides funding to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su Borough. With attention to health equity, MSHF seeks to ensure that all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life.

MSHF supports organizations, collaboratives, and initiatives that empower people; employ creative responses to problems; address root causes; build upon community strengths and partnerships; demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness to reduce health disparities; and offer measurable improvements in health and wellness. 

Healthy Impact Grants

Healthy Impact grants are for projects over $25,000 dedicated to improving the health and wellness of people living in the Mat-Su Borough.

What We Fund

• Program and service costs that improve health and social drivers of health
• Nonprofit financial sustainability and operating support
• Capacity building and technical assistance to support nonprofit capacity and leadership development
• Capital projects, improvements, and equipment
• Consideration can be given to capital projects outside of the Mat-Su Borough, but only for FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) when there is a demonstrable health and wellness benefit to Mat-Su residents
• Policy change

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and culture programs, capital projects, or limited general support, including in Alaska. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, artist development, museums, and performing arts institutions serving large or underserved populations.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Mat-Su Health Foundation

Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) provides funding to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su Borough. With attention to health equity, MSHF seeks to ensure that all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life.

MSHF supports organizations, collaboratives, and initiatives that empower people; employ creative responses to problems; address root causes; build upon community strengths and partnerships; demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness to reduce health disparities; and offer measurable improvements in health and wellness. 

Technical Assistance Grants

Access the expertise you need to be most effective.

Technical Assistance (TA) grants help nonprofits access specialized skills and services to operate effectively and sustainably. TA grant funding can support a range of organizational needs, such as board development and financial management; fundraising and communications; and retreat facilitation and strategic planning; among others. 

Grantees can identify their own consultants they would like to hire, or they can select from Mat-Su Health Foundation’s network of consultants. Grantees can use awarded funding to contract with consultants at an agreed-upon rate. 

What We Fund

• Program and service costs that improve health and social drivers of health
• Nonprofit financial sustainability and operating support
• Capacity building and technical assistance to support nonprofit capacity and leadership development
• Capital projects, improvements, and equipment
• Consideration can be given to capital projects outside of the Mat-Su Borough, but only for FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) when there is a demonstrable health and wellness benefit to Mat-Su residents
• Policy change

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations serving Alaska can apply for the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust’s national funding; awards support programs carried out within the U.S. Funds may assist well-managed nonprofits whose services have broad impact and materially improve general welfare, offering potential financial assistance for eligible Alaska-focused work.

Mat-Su Health Foundation

Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) provides funding to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su Borough. With attention to health equity, MSHF seeks to ensure that all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life.

MSHF supports organizations, collaboratives, and initiatives that empower people; employ creative responses to problems; address root causes; build upon community strengths and partnerships; demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness to reduce health disparities; and offer measurable improvements in health and wellness. 

Target Wellness Grants

Target Wellness grants provide up to $25,000 for projects dedicated to improving the health and wellness of people living in the Mat-Su Borough.

What We Fund

• Program and service costs that improve health and social drivers of health
• Nonprofit financial sustainability and operating support
• Capacity building and technical assistance to support nonprofit capacity and leadership development
• Capital projects, improvements, and equipment
• Consideration can be given to capital projects outside of the Mat-Su Borough, but only for FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) when there is a demonstrable health and wellness benefit to Mat-Su residents
• Policy change

Alaska-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Tribes, and local or state government entities seeking small capital or one-time investments can apply for Tier 1 grants up to US $35,000. Grants from Rasmuson Foundation help Alaska organizations fund construction, equipment, technology upgrades, vehicles, and similar purchases, with applications reviewed year-round on a rolling basis.

Researchers, students, educators, and independent mycologists in Alaska and the broader Pacific Northwest can apply for Daniel E. Stuntz Memorial Foundation’s Stuntz Mycology Fund, with awards of more than US $1,000 for mycological research and education. Funding may cover equipment, supplies, lab analyses, travel for fieldwork or conferences, educational materials, and fungal herbaria expenses, especially on mushroom-forming fungi.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Alaska planning historic preservation projects or education initiatives can apply for National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Trust Preservation Funds, awarding US $2,500 - US $5,000. Funding supports planning, professional consultants, staff time, and outreach to advance local preservation efforts; a one-to-one match is required.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations active for more than three years can seek Robinson Foundation support for humanitarian, education, health, animal welfare, and poverty relief programs. Focused on relieving financial and personal hardships, this family foundation offers single-year project funding, which may benefit nonprofits providing financial assistance or related services in Alaska’s southern-eligible neighboring regions.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Alaska can receive unrestricted support for community services or environmental programs, including general operating or project costs. The Lawrence Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants, with no geographic restrictions, for environmental conservation, human services, disaster relief, and related initiatives worldwide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal entities, and select government institutions in Alaska can seek more than US $50,000 to expand programs and add staff through strategic project grants. Grants from M J Murdock Charitable Trust help build capacity for arts and culture, education, community services, health, environmental stewardship, and scientific research initiatives in the Pacific Northwest region.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Anchorage residents and visitors can seek funding for arts, journalism, history, military community, and youth- and family-focused civic projects. Focused on community enrichment, Atwood Foundation invites Alaska nonprofits to support fine arts, journalism education, historical initiatives, and related activities that engage families and educate young people.

Health care providers, tribes, local governments, nonprofits, and other community organizations in Alaska can seek funding to transform rural health care access, quality, and outcomes. The Alaska Community Foundation, administering the Rural Health Transformation Program, supports projects that improve care delivery, strengthen workforce capacity, modernize technology, and advance sustainable payment models statewide, with awards up to US $272,174,856.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits in Alaska can seek funding to plan and promote preservation of battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures. Grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation help cover planning, professional expertise, capacity building, and public education or outreach efforts, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $10,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing social services, education, medical care, or community programs in Alaska can seek funding to support under-resourced populations. Foster Foundation supports basic human needs, medical research and care, and community engagement initiatives, so Alaska groups offering food, housing, healthcare, literacy, arts, or recreation programs may be eligible.