Best Grants for Museums in Alaska

The AMHTA Partnership Grant, administered by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, aims to improve the lives of beneficiaries through impactful programs and projects. This grant supports organizations that serve individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance-related disorders. Grants are typically one-time awards up to $50,000, focusing on prevention, pilot projects, and inclusive initiatives that directly benefit Trust beneficiaries. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a clear connection to the targeted beneficiary group.

The TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.

The Behavioral Health Mini Grant, administered by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, offers financial support of up to $2,500 to help individuals with mental health needs improve their quality of life. This grant aims to provide essential equipment, supplies, and services for beneficiaries, including those with developmental disabilities and substance-related disorders. Applications are accepted monthly, with a deadline on the 15th, fostering early intervention and prevention efforts in the community.

The Foster Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Pacific Northwest that align with priority funding issues such as social services, education, medical research, and community engagement. The foundation seeks to cultivate long-term partnerships and is committed to improving community life through various initiatives. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and address one of the foundation's priority issues while ensuring that funds are used within the designated geographic reach.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Alaska provide federal funding to qualified organizations that assist very-low- and low-income families in building their own homes in rural areas. Through this program, grant recipients offer technical and supervisory support, enabling families to collaborate on construction projects. Eligible areas can be determined using the USDA Eligibility Site, ensuring that funds are directed to the communities in need while promoting self-sufficiency among participants.

The ASCA Workshop Grants provide funding for unique arts-related activities in Alaska, enabling community participation in disciplines like visual arts, music, and theater. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, schools, and local government agencies. Workshops must be open to the public and held by June 30 following the award. Grants cover instructor fees and travel expenses, with a match requirement of 50% of total costs. This opportunity aims to foster cultural heritage and support Alaskan artists.

The Operating Support Grant from the Alaska State Council on the Arts offers funding for nonprofit arts organizations in Alaska. This grant supports ongoing artistic and administrative functions, including salaries, travel, and production costs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities with a minimum annual budget of $50,000 and demonstrate a commitment to arts programming. Grant applications are limited to one per fiscal year, promoting sustainability and cultural heritage within the Alaska arts community.

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 Sitka Alaska Permanent Charitable Trust, established in 1995, offers grants to support cultural programs, community betterment, and educational initiatives related to the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Sitka. Organizations must qualify as 501(c)(3) entities to apply. Applications are accepted from January to April, with a submission deadline of April 25 for consideration at the annual grant meeting.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

The Western SARE Local Education and Demonstration Grants aim to promote sustainable agriculture through practical demonstrations and educational activities. This program addresses barriers to adopting sustainable practices by integrating findings from previous research. Projects can last up to three years and receive funding of up to $60,000. Successful proposals involve local demonstrations, trainings, and technical assistance, engaging farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals in the process of sustainable agriculture adoption.

The KeyBank Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities through education, workforce development, and affordable housing. Founded in 1969, the Foundation prioritizes diversity, financial capability, and sustainability. Their grants aim to empower individuals for success by improving access to resources, fostering economic inclusion, and creating safe environments. By partnering with community organizations, KeyBank Foundation seeks to make a measurable impact and ensure lasting positive change for families and small businesses.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act was established in 1964 to provide recreational opportunities for America’s communities. The intent was to provide a consistent source of funding for the development of local parks, playgrounds, and other recreationalspaces. The fund does not use any taxpayer dollars; rather, it utilizes earnings from offshore oil and gas leases to fund local recreation projects.

Program Goals

• Meet State and locally identified public outdoor recreation resource needs to strengthen the health and vitality of the American people.
• Increase the number of protected State and local outdoor recreation resources and ensure their availability for public use in perpetuity; and
• Encourage sound planning and long-term partnerships to expand the quantity and to ensure the quality of State and local outdoor recreation resources needed.

LWCF assistance can be used to:

• Acquire lands and waters or interests in lands and waters for public outdoor recreation.
• Develop basic outdoor recreation facilities to serve the public; and
• Provide major renovation work for existing outdoor recreation facilities, including replacement; or
• A combination of acquisition and development or renovation.

The Franz Bakery Foundation Grant supports local charitable organizations focused on family support, youth development, and hunger reduction in areas served by Franz Bakery. With an average grant amount of $3,000, the Foundation aims to foster respect, equity, and inclusion within communities. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofits located in specific states and align with the Foundation's mission. Organizations can reapply annually, although applications do not roll over to the next year.

The Norm Winn Memorial Conservation Grant, managed by the Keta Legacy Foundation, supports conservation, preservation, and restoration projects in Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, and Eastern Washington. This competitive grant encourages non-profit organizations to apply for up to $25,000 to implement innovative environmental initiatives. Applicants must demonstrate project feasibility and significant community impact, while ensuring their proposals align with the Foundation's commitment to supporting diverse conservation efforts.

Red Boucher Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund created in honor of Henry Aristide "Red" Boucher to support post-secondary education for students studying technology. 

The Red Boucher Scholarship honors the late H.A. "Red" Boucher and was established by the Alaska Society for Technology in Education in 2008.

Red Boucher and his family came to Alaska after his service in the Navy. They settled in Fairbanks in 1958 after John F. Kennedy, whom he campaigned for, told him there was great potential in the far north territory. He founded the Fairbanks Goldpanners baseball team in the 1960s, setting up the roots of the Alaska Baseball League. He served on the Fairbanks City Council before becoming mayor in 1966. He was elected lieutenant governor of Alaska under the second administration of Governor William Allen Egan, serving from 1970 to 1974. Afterwards, he served in the Alaska House of Representatives and Anchorage Assembly. He also had an interest in telecommunications, sparked by the first Apple computers, and became known as a telecommunications whiz whose successes included a crusade to boost Internet access in remote Alaska villages.

The Alaska Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant aims to enhance student learning beyond school hours. With approximately $3.7 million available annually, the program focuses on students from high-poverty schools, fostering academic achievement through community learning centers. These centers provide academic support and enrichment activities, such as STEM, arts, and counseling, while encouraging partnerships with local organizations to improve program quality and sustainability. Grants will be awarded for a five-year period, starting in 2025.

The Alaska Mining Impacts and Prevention Fund, established by the Alaska Conservation Foundation, aims to mitigate the effects of hardrock mining in Alaska. It prioritizes projects that address mining impacts comprehensively, supporting advocacy, policy improvement, and stronger regulations. Eligible non-profits can seek funding for community organizing, legal assistance, and outreach initiatives, fostering a collaborative approach to protect Alaska's landscapes and communities from mining-related challenges.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Alaska provide essential technical assistance and training to small rural businesses with under 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue. While there is no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller requests. The program supports various projects, including community economic development and technology-based initiatives, aiming to enhance the economic landscape of rural areas. Eligible applicants include towns, communities, and nonprofit corporations, among others.

The Alaska Clean Water Actions (ACWA) Grants support initiatives aimed at enhancing water quality across Alaska. Established over 20 years ago, ACWA fosters collaboration among state agencies to address pollution through comprehensive watershed planning. This funding opportunity encourages local governments and stakeholders to propose projects that mitigate water quality issues. Notably, this grant cycle eliminates match funding requirements, making it easier for applicants to access necessary resources for green infrastructure projects that manage stormwater runoff.

The AK Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) enhances existing conservation efforts for agricultural and forest land. With over 70 million acres enrolled, it provides tailored plans to improve productivity, increase crop yields, and develop wildlife habitats. CSP offers annual payments for implementing conservation activities, ensuring land is managed sustainably. New initiatives, such as the Grasslands Conservation Initiative, focus on protecting grazing land and conserving natural resources. CSP contracts last five years, with potential for renewal based on successful completion.

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 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) supports the conservation of agricultural lands and wetlands through financial assistance to landowners. It encourages sustainable farming practices and protects vital ecosystems. Eligible partners, including tribes and governments, can apply for funds to purchase Agricultural Land Easements (ALE), which safeguard agricultural use and conservation values. NRCS may contribute up to 75% of the easement's fair market value in certain cases, promoting long-term agricultural viability.

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.

Alaska Energy Authority 

Mission: The Alaska Energy Authority is an independent corporation governed by a board of directors with the mission to “Advancing affordable, reliable energy in Alaska.” AEA is the state's energy office and lead agency for statewide energy policy and program development.

Renewable Energy Fund

About REF

The REF benefits Alaskans by reducing and stabilizing energy costs through the development of renewable energy projects. The program is designed to produce cost-effective renewable energy for heat and power to benefit Alaskans statewide. The Alaska State Legislature established the REF in 2008. With the passage of House Bill 62 in 2023, the sunset date was removed from Alaska Statute, extending the program in perpetuity.

The REF is managed by AEA in coordination with a nine-member REF Advisory Committee. The program provides grant funding for the development of qualifying and competitively selected renewable energy projects.

Renewable Energy Fund Round 18

The REF funds projects across all development phases, serving as a catalyst for the continued pursuit of integrating proven and nascent technologies within Alaska’s energy portfolio.

Eligible projects must be a new project not in operation in 2008, and 

• be a hydroelectric facility;
• direct use of renewable energy resources;
• a facility that generates electricity from fuel cells that use hydrogen from renewable energy sources or natural gas (subject to additional conditions);
• or be a facility that generates electricity using renewable energy.
• natural gas applications must also benefit a community that: has a population of 10,000 or less, and does not have economically viable renewable energy resources it can develop.