Best Grants for International Development in Alaska

Department of Natural Resources

The Department of Natural Resources manages all state-owned land, water and natural resources, except for fish and game, on behalf of the people of Alaska. When all land conveyances from the federal government are completed, the people of the state will own land and resources on 104 million acres: Approximately 100 million acres have been conveyed so far. The state owns approximately 60 million acres of tidelands, shorelands, and submerged lands and manages 40,000 miles of coastline. The state also owns the freshwater resources of the state, a resource that equals about 40% of the entire nation's fresh water flow.

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Grant

The USDA Forest Service (USFS) and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, Community Forestry Program (CFP), have Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grant monies available to local governments, state agencies, tribal organizations, non-profits, public universities, and other non-federal entities for projects in Alaska communities.

Funding is available for: Green Infrastructure Projects; Phytoremediation Projects; Invasive Tree Control Projects; and other projects.

Phytoremediation Grants Round III

Monies are available for phytoremediation projects using trees to help clean up contaminated soils and groundwater. These are 100% reimbursable grants and will be awarded on a competitive basis. No match funding is required. Grants will be awarded for up to 2 years.

Successful applicants will have knowledge of and commitment to implementing phytoremediation projects in their communities. Project goals include remediating contaminated soils and groundwater and increasing tree canopy.

The Gino Watkins Memorial Fund & Edward Wilson Fund Grants support polar expeditions that enhance knowledge and safety in the Polar Regions. They welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing youth engagement. The Edward Wilson Fund, administered by the Scott Polar Research Institute, particularly favors expeditions focusing on biological and ecological studies. Grants may be awarded for suitable projects, with a preference for those that train and involve young people, helping them gain valuable experience.

The Muktuk Marston Foundation Fund supports charitable, literary, educational, and scientific initiatives primarily benefiting Alaska Natives in the region west of the 156th Meridian. With approximately $30,000 available annually, the fund welcomes applications from September 1 to December 1 each year. It aims to enhance subsistence food security and promote projects that serve cultural and educational purposes, fostering community development and support for local organizations.

The Partners in Science Grant Program, funded by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust, connects secondary school science teachers with research mentors to enhance their teaching and research skills. This innovative initiative offers renewable three-year grants to universities, supporting partnerships that foster professional growth through hands-on research experiences. Teachers engage in two annual conferences, allowing them to share findings and best practices, ultimately enriching the educational landscape and improving student engagement in scientific inquiry.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The Advocacy for Children, Youth, and Families Grant, offered by Alaska Children's Trust, aims to strengthen advocacy efforts for children and families in Alaska. With up to ten grants available, each worth $3,000, eligible nonprofit organizations can engage in advocacy during the 2026 legislative session. This initiative supports activities that defend existing laws, propose new legislation, and prevent harmful policies, ultimately striving to safeguard the welfare of Alaskan children and families.

The AK Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers financial and technical assistance for conserving agricultural lands and restoring wetlands affected by farming. This program supports landowners in maintaining farming activities while protecting vital wetland resources for wildlife and water quality. The Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE) specifically aim to restore habitats, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity by allowing landowners to sell easements that limit future development.

The AK Recreational Trails Program Grant supports the development and repair of recreational trails in Alaska, offering 90/10 federal matching funds for both motorized and non-motorized projects. Established in 1993, the program mandates that 30% of funds be allocated to each motorized and non-motorized projects, while 40% supports diversified uses. This initiative has funded over 480 projects in Alaska, enhancing outdoor recreation and promoting environmental protection.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Alaska provides essential funding for rural areas to develop vital community facilities. Eligible projects include healthcare, public safety, and educational services in communities with populations under 20,000. Grants can cover up to 75% of project costs, depending on the median household income of the area. This program aims to enhance quality of life and ensure access to necessary services in underserved regions, fostering community growth and sustainability.

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

The AK Specialty Crop Block Grant program aims to enhance the production, knowledge, and sustainability of Alaska Grown specialty crops while supporting local farmers and communities. It is intended for professional producers, universities, and non-profits collaborating with schools or businesses. While it promotes various specialty crops defined by the USDA, certain agricultural products like livestock and dairy are excluded due to restrictions. More information on eligible crops can be found at the USDA website.

The Alaska Conservation Foundation supports direct conservation work that makes an enduring conservation impact to uphold the integrity of Alaska’s natural environment and the ways of life it sustains. 

The Small Grants program provides grant awards to Alaska-based grassroots organizations in order to foster a more effective and sustainable conservation movement through funding to strengthen its leadership base, encourage collaboration and help leaders and organizations navigate changing political and economic climates. 

The goal of this grantmaking program is to foster a more effective, sustainable conservation movement through funding to strengthen its leadership base, encourage collaboration and help leaders and organizations navigate changing political and economic climates.

The Alaska Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a grant program that provides reimbursable, matching funds for the development, maintenance, and repair of recreational trails and trail-related facilities across Alaska. The goal is to improve outdoor recreational trail opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized users by funding trail construction, renovation, signage, trailhead facilities, equipment for trail maintenance, and safety/education programs. All projects must serve public recreational trail needs. 

The Alaska Impact Reporting Initiative Grant, provided by the Alaska Community Foundation, offers funding to individuals and journalism organizations to create compelling stories that illuminate underreported issues in Alaska. With a total funding pool of $36,000, this initiative encourages collaboration among Alaska-based teams. Eligible applicants may use grants for travel, document collection, and editing services, with wages of up to 50% allowed. This opportunity fosters community engagement and strengthens local journalism.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Creative West Artist Fund supports artists and cultural practitioners across 16 states, providing essential funding and resources to enhance their emotional and financial well-being. Rooted in values of Democracy, Wellness, and Belonging, this initiative offers no-strings-attached funding alongside coaching and community care. It aims to empower artists as vital contributors to the creative economy, while promoting equitable and trust-based grantmaking practices. The fund serves to foster a rich creative community through collaboration and support.

The Designated Legislative (DL) Grants program allows communities and organizations in Alaska to seek funding through their state senators and representatives for capital projects. Funding is appropriated at the legislature's discretion and requires gubernatorial approval. Eligible projects include feasibility studies, construction, building improvements, design, land acquisition, and equipment repairs. For more information, contact your state legislator to initiate the funding process.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The THS Patricia Roppel Scholarship, established by The Alaska Community Foundation in 2015, honors Patricia "Pat" Roppel, an Alaskan author and historian. This annual scholarship of $5,000 supports undergraduate or graduate students majoring in Alaska history. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college, with a GPA of 2.9 or higher. Preference is given to those specializing in Southeast Alaska history, mining, fisheries, or timber.

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. 

ConocoPhillips Alaska Process Tech Scholarship

The ConocoPhillips Alaska Process Tech Scholarship is designed to expand access to high‑quality technical education and build a strong, diverse pipeline of future Process Technology operators from Alaska. Its purpose is to support graduating Alaska high school seniors who want to pursue the 2-year Process Tech degree at the University of Alaska.

Each year, the ConocoPhillips Alaska Process Tech Scholarship will award four $15,000 scholarships to students enrolling in UA’s Process Technology program. The scholarship is paid over two years ($7,500 per year), with continued support as long as students remain enrolled. This investment reflects ConocoPhillips Alaska’s long-term commitment to helping Alaskans build meaningful, in-demand careers and strengthening the state’s future workforce

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.