Best Grants for Capital Funding in Alaska

The Alaska Migrant Literacy Grant, provided by the U.S. Department of Education and managed by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development, aims to enhance educational opportunities for migratory children. This grant supports districts in improving literacy for migratory families through access to literature, family engagement activities, and instructional strategies. It is designed to meet state academic standards and ensure that migratory children achieve success in their educational programs.

About the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation

Through Helping Hands Fellowships, memorial gifts, and bequests, the Foundation provides a variety of ways to leave a lasting legacy for the children and youth of the Pacific Northwest.

Every member of a Kiwanis club in the Pacific Northwest District is also a member of the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation.

Our Purpose

The Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation is a non-profit charitable corporation founded in 1985 and endorsed by the Pacific Northwest District of Kiwanis International:

• To promote the sponsored youth groups of the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis District. These include: Circle K (college/university students); Key Clubs (high school students); Builders Clubs (middle school students); K Kids (elementary school students); and Aktion Clubs (adults with disabilities).
• To assist needy persons – particularly youth
• To assist worthy youth to attain vocational excellence
• To aid the handicapped and disadvantaged

Specific emphasis is directed to promotion and support of sponsored youth groups particularly through scholarships and leadership training.

Grants

The PNW Kiwanis Foundation provides support for children, youth, and the disabled in the Pacific Northwest through grants designated for Kiwanis-sponsored projects.

During the last 2 years the PNW Kiwanis Foundation gave away over $20,000 in grant money.

PNW Kiwanis Foundation New Club Opening Mini Grant

The PNW Kiwanis Foundation will provide a $500 mini grant to new clubs to help kick start their charitable giving. Clubs are required to provide us with a “bragging-rights” status report and pictures of how these monies were used after completion of their project.

Purpose

Grants provide limited opportunities for Kiwanis clubs to receive financial assistance with a key project benefiting children or youth in their community. Funded projects may also provide an opportunity to generate exposure for the Foundation and its activities.

Grants must be in keeping with the purpose of the Foundation, which generally is to support children and youth in the Pacific Northwest. Projects that fall outside the Pacific Northwest may be quite worthy of support but would not qualify for a grant from the Foundation.

Club Support

The Foundation does not want to support a project that is not supported by the local Kiwanis club. That is why all grant requests must be accompanied by a letter of support from the Kiwanis club.

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

The Arts Educator Fellowships, supported by the Rasmuson Foundation and administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts, provide grants up to $3,000 for K-12 teachers in Alaska. These fellowships aim to enhance teachers' artistic skills and professional opportunities, allowing them to immerse in creative work. Eligible applicants can pursue various activities, including workshops and residencies, and may propose community projects post-fellowship, receiving additional funding for these initiatives.

The Northwest Coast Art & Museum Studies Scholarship, administered by Sealaska Heritage Institute, supports full-time students pursuing degrees in Northwest Coast Art at UAS or IAIA, or Museum studies at any U.S. college. Eligible applicants must be Alaska Native or descendants of enrolled Alaska Natives, with a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship provides up to $5,000 for the Spring 2026 semester, promoting educational advancement for Sealaska's shareholders and descendants.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

Native Arts and Heritage Fund

The Native Arts + Heritage Fund (NAHF) is a community-rooted award program created to support Native American and Alaska Native artists, culture bearers, and cultural practitioners across the Creative West region.

Co-designed with Native-centered artists, advisors, and community leaders, NAHF centers care, cultural continuity, and self-determination. The fund honors Indigenous ways of knowing and values process over product, relationship over compliance, and well-being as a meaningful measure of impact. In addition to unrestricted funding, selected artists will participate in a three-month virtual cohort experience designed for connection, reflection, and shared learning.

NAHF is administered by Creative West, an organization that uplifts artists and culture bearers across the Creative West region by providing funding, mentorship, and culturally rooted support.

This is not a project-based grant.

This is an invitation into funding and relationships.

Applicants must provide a letter of support from an Alaska Native or Native American community member who can speak to their relationship to community and cultural work.

Unrestricted Funds May Be Used For:

• Taking time to create, reflect, or rest
• Purchasing tools, materials, or supplies
• Covering food, rent, childcare, or transportation
• Supporting wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, or cultural
• Participating in cultural exchanges, mentorship, or learning
• Creating space to gather, teach, or share knowledge

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Mini Grant, offered by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, provides financial support of up to $2,500 to agencies on behalf of eligible beneficiaries. This program aims to enhance the quality of life for Alaskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities through essential supplies and services. Applications are accepted monthly, with deadlines on the 15th of each month, ensuring timely assistance for those in need.

The Ted Smith Conservation Internship Program, established by the Alaska Conservation Foundation, aims to invest in young adults pursuing careers in conservation. This program offers undergraduates and recent graduates hands-on experience, practical job skills, and networking opportunities with conservation professionals in Alaska. Interns contribute to vital conservation efforts while gaining invaluable insights into the state's unique environment and cultures. Selected host organizations receive funding to support intern stipends for 12 weeks.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

The Camp Initiative Grant Program, a collaboration between the Rasmuson Foundation and The Alaska Community Foundation, aims to enhance access to camps and youth programs in Alaska. This initiative addresses financial barriers, offering scholarships and support for organizations to ensure equitable access to outdoor experiences. With a maximum grant amount of $45,000, it encourages diverse participation and aims to foster essential skills among Alaskan youth, promoting lifelong outdoor engagement.

About Us

Overview

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives. ACF also manages the Pick.Click.Give. program.

Mission

Inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever.

Vision

ACF envisions an Alaska where communities come together and have resources to thrive.

Ray and Maxine Stephens Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established by the family of Ray and Maxine Stephens to honor their memory and commitment to education in rural Alaska.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

The Alaska State Council on the Arts offers Cultural Collaborations Project Grants, providing matching awards of up to $6,000 to support high-quality arts and cultural programs for youth in Alaska. These grants emphasize skill acquisition and participation outside the school year. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, schools, and tribal entities, with a focus on projects that foster cultural heritage and artistic engagement. Partnerships are encouraged, enhancing community involvement in the arts.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The RurAL CAP Foundation Grant offers funding between $500 and $25,000 for projects aimed at supporting low-income individuals and rural communities. This foundation focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, cultural preservation, and local leadership development. Grants may support community-driven initiatives like skill-building workshops or long-term projects that foster sustainability. Applications are accepted quarterly, with funding decisions made about 30 days after each deadline, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

AgWest Farm Credit offers the Rural Community Grants program aimed at enhancing the economic and social well-being of rural communities in the western United States. Non-profit organizations can apply for grants up to $5,000 for various community projects, such as facility improvements and equipment purchases. Applications are reviewed monthly, and a letter of support from an AgWest employee or customer is required. The program is committed to fostering innovative solutions for rural challenges.

The Martha Levensaler Leadership Fund honors Martha's legacy as a committed leader in Alaska's conservation community. It provides grants between $500 and $3000 to support training and skill-building initiatives for volunteers, particularly focusing on grassroots engagement. The Fund encourages the development of leadership skills among youth and emerging leaders, ensuring a sustainable future for conservation efforts in Alaska. This initiative aims to empower individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing environmental stewardship.

Grant-in-Aid (GIA) 

"Grant In Aid" is a program that the Alaska State Museum has been offering to museums and cultural centers across Alaska for over four and a half decades! There are two separate tracks that you may apply for. Museums and cultural centers can apply for either a Mini Grant or a Regular Grant but cannot apply for both. 

The Alaska State Museum (ASM) provides Alaska museums with funding to enhance museum services through the annual Grant-in-Aid (GIA) program. 

Both grant programs support projects that supplement or improve the services that a museum provides. Organizations can use grant awards for projects related to collections, exhibits, education, outreach, and organizational development. Funds can be used to purchase supplies and equipment, pay for contractual services or other items necessary to support and improve museum services and operations. Museums are encouraged to submit project proposals in support of consultations with Tribes as required under the new NAGPRA regulations. The program may consider proposals that provide funding for professional development and training. 

Mini Grants

Up to $2,000 are available for small museums and cultural centers with annual operating budgets that are less than $100,000. 

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

Denali Scholarship Fund

The Denali Scholarship Fund was created by the generous legacy donation of Frances B. Mlakar to support Alaskan students seeking post-secondary education within the state of Alaska. Students seeking higher education or vocational/technical training are invited to apply.

The Denali Scholarship awards scholarships of up to $20,000 to students planning to enroll in programs at post-secondary programs in Alaska.

There is an option to re-apply for the Denali Scholarship for up to four years for recipients who maintain good academic standing with their academic institutions.

Pre-Elementary Grant (PEG) 

Alaska Pre-Elementary Grants (PEG) promote school readiness and positive outcomes for participating three, four, and five-year-old children. Information is gathered from funded programs to inform the longer-term implementation of accessible, affordable, mixed delivery, and high-quality early care and education.

Grant Structure

• Three-year grant cycle
  • July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026
  • July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
• Historically, $3.2 million total, per year, dependent on annual legislative appropriation