Best Grants for International Development in Alaska

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working in education, human services, health, conservation, or cultural programs, including those serving Alaska, can seek McGraw Foundation support for general operations, projects, or occasional capital needs. Grants typically range from US $2,000 - US $10,000, with larger awards possible for unusually promising, high-impact efforts.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance actionable solutions for current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related research, the American Water Works Association invites applicants whose work may benefit communities, including those connected to Alaska and international development contexts.

Graduate students conducting marine, fisheries, or ocean conservation research connected to Alaska and the broader North Pacific region can receive US $26,000 for stipend, tuition, research travel, and analyses. Focused on marine science and resource management, the North Pacific Research Board supports work that may inform international development and sustainable use of marine resources.

Small or developing social justice-focused organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Alaska can receive general operating or project support to advance equity and dismantle systemic discrimination. The Alaska Community Foundation’s Social Justice Fund prioritizes entities serving communities outside the Anchorage bowl and welcomes 501(c)(3)s, Tribes, schools, local governments, and charitable collaborations, with awards up to US $15,000.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Alaska working on community development, education, workforce readiness, or basic human needs can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help build affordable housing, support small business growth, improve academic and career success, and expand financial literacy programs that may benefit international development-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations providing international-style humanitarian, development, or child and family services can seek funding to expand self-sufficiency and resilience projects, including in Alaska. The Father's Table Foundation provides support up to US $750,000 for programs such as education, homelessness, microfinance, food security, health care, and anti-trafficking that help women and children meet immediate and future needs.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies in Juneau providing social services like homelessness support, mental health care, suicide prevention, and basic needs can apply for grants from the Juneau Community Foundation. Programs in health, education, and income stability serving Alaska residents may benefit, including efforts that intersect with international development goals.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska and the broader Pacific Northwest can apply for Foster Foundation grants to support social services, education, medical research and care, and community engagement programs. Eligible groups serving underserved populations, including children, women, and seniors, may benefit, including those with international development components that operate within the region.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical research in Alaska can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale research projects and student research experiences. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 to institutions with limited prior NIH funding, which may benefit programs connected to global or international health development.

Alaska students conducting vertebrate research can access funding through the Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology to support fieldwork and related project costs. Scholarships up to US $1,500 help undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students with travel, equipment, supplies, and possibly tuition or living stipends, provided they are degree-seeking at accredited institutions and SNVB members.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries conducting clinical trials in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, or environmental health can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Alaska-based international development partners collaborating with LMIC institutions support long-term global health research capacity.

Research institutions and organizations conducting fisheries or marine ecosystem studies in Alaska can apply for competitive grants supporting projects in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Arctic Ocean. Grants from North Pacific Research Board help advance ecosystem understanding, inform fishery management, and may benefit Alaska-based international development efforts tied to marine resources.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries with junior faculty posts at LMIC academic or research institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, offering approximately US $140,000 for mentored health research career development. Projects relevant to national health priorities may involve LMIC and U.S. mentors, including partners in Alaska-based international development efforts.

Focused on education and related community programs, 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust for scholarships, tutoring, literacy, youth initiatives, arts education, and community services. International development organizations with educational or youth-focused work may be eligible if they meet these priorities.

Organizations and institutions in Alaska planning medical or scientific congresses, events, or initiatives can seek corporate sponsorship funding for tangible benefits like exhibits, banners, and marketing opportunities. Biogen Foundation provides support across areas such as neurology, pharmacology, chemistry, and related diseases, which may benefit groups with international development-related health programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, or those with a fiscal sponsor, can seek general operating support for environmental, climate justice, and sustainable food system work, including in Alaska. Focused on regenerative agriculture, healthy food access, pollution prevention, and inclusive outdoor access, Clif Family Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 one-year grants reviewed twice annually.

Research institutions, universities, and other eligible organizations in Alaska and worldwide can apply for Marine Mammal Commission grants, with awards up to US $75,000, to develop tools and methods for marine mammal stock assessment and threat mitigation. Projects using innovative technologies or community-based science may support international development and conservation objectives.

Free and charitable clinics in Alaska that are NAFC members can apply for the Healthcare Services Expansion Fund, awarding US $30,000 - US $50,000 for launching or expanding clinical programs that increase access to care. Funding can support services like women’s health, telehealth, chronic disease management, dental or vision care, and mobile or outreach-based clinics.

Students pursuing natural resource–related degrees and interested in conservation careers can receive scholarship support, including those from Alaska. With a mission to support education, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides college-bound students with funding for studies in fields like ecology, forestry, hydrology, soil science, and environmental stewardship, which may benefit future international development work.

The AK Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers financial assistance and conservation planning to agricultural producers in Alaska. This program aims to implement conservation practices that enhance water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitats, while also benefiting agricultural operations. Eligible participants include socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers, who may receive higher payment rates. Applications are accepted until January 15, 2026, encouraging participation from historically underserved producers in implementing vital conservation efforts.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

The RNRF Rapid Response Grants provide essential funding up to $50,000 for projects adversely affected by the loss of federal support. The program aims to foster collaboration among organizations working towards sustainable environmental, social, and economic practices. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary collaboration with RNRF member organizations, ensuring impactful outcomes in critical focus areas such as air quality, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Classic for FY 2026 encourages collaboration between the NRCS and partners to address critical natural resource concerns through innovative projects. By co-investing with partners, the program aims to enhance conservation efforts on farms and private lands, ensuring equitable access to NRCS services. Selected proposals will be based on their potential impact and effective partnership management, ultimately improving environmental outcomes across designated Critical Conservation Areas.