Best Grants for Rural Development in Alaska

Alaska nonprofits, tribal entities, schools, and government units can receive support to cover travel and freight for touring arts presentations and exhibitions in Alaska, especially in rural and underserved communities. Alaska State Council on the Arts funding helps build local presenting capacity and audiences for theater, music, dance, visual and media arts, folk and traditional arts, and cultural exhibitions.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

Indigenous American students pursuing STEM master’s or doctoral degrees in the U.S. can receive supplemental scholarship support, professional development, and community networking through this program, including those from rural Alaska communities. Focused on graduate STEM education, Montana State University’s Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership awards US $20,000 - US $40,000 to eligible scholars in the Montana University System.

About Us

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s mission is to provide Alaskans access to safe, quality, affordable housing. 

Making mortgages accessible to Alaskans has been at the core of Alaska Housing. Over the years responsibilities of AHFC have expanded to include affordable housing programs, energy efficiency, senior housing and more.

Alaska Housing is a self-supporting public corporation with offices in 16 communities statewide.

Alaska Housing has contributed more than $2 billion to the state in the form of direct dividends for the General Fund, the state's funding source for all services and programs. The General Fund provides funds to the state for building and equipment improvements; bonding for projects such as university student housing; purchasing state assets; and maintenance of state-owned property.

Rural Professional Housing Grant Program (RPH)

The Rural Professional Housing Grant program funds the development of rental housing for rural professionals such as teachers, healthcare workers, and public safety staff. Funds are awarded competitively on annual basis for the rehabilitation, construction or acquisition of rural housing projects. Eligible entities include school districts, local governments, regional health corporations, housing authorities and nonprofits.

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 Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent organizations can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 to deliver vocational and trade education that builds a skilled natural resource workforce, including scholarships. The Alaska Community Foundation prioritizes projects in oil, gas, and mining that benefit rural Alaska communities, especially the Bristol Bay region, and strengthen employability skills.

Public transportation providers and eligible agencies in rural Alaska can access funding for transit capital, operating assistance, and program administration through this program. Grants from Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities help Alaska rural development efforts by supporting general public transportation in non-urbanized areas under the 49 USC 5311 and 5339 Bus & Bus Facilities programs, with awards around Approximately US $4,000,000.

With a mission to support rural public transportation, this program provides Alaska state agencies, local public bodies, and private nonprofit and for-profit transit operators with funding for capital, operating, and administrative needs. Rural Alaska communities under 50,000 residents may benefit from approximately US $10,845,973 in Section 5311 non-urbanized formula funds for public transit systems.

Microenterprise Development Organizations in Alaska can access USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program to capitalize rural microloan revolving funds and provide training and technical assistance to micro-entrepreneurs. Grants and loans up to US $500,000 support rural development by helping small businesses start up and grow in underserved communities.

Health care providers, tribes, local governments, nonprofits, and other community organizations in Alaska can seek funding to transform rural health access, quality, workforce, and technology. The Alaska Community Foundation manages this Rural Health Transformation Program, offering up to US $272,174,856 statewide for readiness, planning, implementation, and future innovation projects that strengthen rural communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations can receive more than US $50,000 to develop storytelling projects that highlight their preservation, education, or wellness impact, including work in rural Alaska communities. With a mission to partner locally, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides support to help grantees share transformational community stories across its three program pillars.

Undergraduate students from historically underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds can receive up to US $9,000 for an 8‑week summer biomechanics research internship, including travel, housing, and living expenses. The American Society of Biomechanics pairs students with host laboratories, which may benefit Alaska students interested in rural development–related health or human factors research.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with education, housing, hunger relief, or environmental programs in Alaska may be eligible for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000. Rural development groups working on youth leadership, food security, or community beautification can apply for project or program support.

Focused on equitable and affordable housing, Enterprise Community Partners invites Alaska rural development organizations and other eligible entities to propose ready-to-scale housing innovations. Eligible nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and qualified public or tribal housing entities nationwide can compete for US $2,000,000 grants to expand proven solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery and programs.

Alaska rural public entities, nonprofits, tribes, and educational institutions can use this program to support small rural businesses through technical assistance, training, and community economic development. Alaska rural development organizations can access funding through USDA Rural Development for projects like business counseling, infrastructure, revolving loan funds, incubators, and long-term economic planning in eligible rural areas.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for the Community Partnership Award, which recognizes collaborative efforts addressing significant social issues. Grants from Mutual of America Foundation help Alaska rural development and other community-focused nonprofits highlight impactful partnerships through national recognition and multiple annual awards.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Focused on rural community development, this program invites Alaska 501(c)(3) public charities, faith-based social service providers, tribes, tribal nonprofits, and local governments to apply for grants up to US $5,000. Funding from Alaska Community Foundation’s Sitka Legacy Foundation supports projects in Sitka and nearby rural areas in health, education, outdoors, arts, and community building.

Alaska rural public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes can access funding to develop essential community facilities, equipment, and related project costs in communities under 20,000 residents. USDA Rural Development (RD) offers graduated grant support for facilities such as healthcare, public safety, community centers, education, utilities, and local food systems in eligible rural areas.

Rurally located public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in Alaska facing threats to safe drinking water can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, with awards up to US $1,000,000 for water transmission lines and new water sources. Eligible low-income rural areas may use funds to construct, repair, or improve critical drinking water infrastructure supporting rural development.

Alaska rural villages and the State of Alaska seeking to improve drinking water and waste disposal systems can access funding through USDA Rural Development. Grants cover up to 75% of project costs to remedy dire sanitation conditions in eligible rural or hub communities under 10,000 people with lower median household incomes.