Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Alaska

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.

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. 

Regular Grants

Up to $12,000 are available to eligible museums and cultural centers of all sizes, regardless of size of operating budget. 

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 Community Assistance Program (CAP) provides vital funding to Alaska's boroughs, cities, and unincorporated communities. Established in 2017, CAP supports essential public services and allows recipients to prioritize their funding needs. Eligible applicants include boroughs, cities, Native Village Councils, non-profits, and reserves. This program plays a crucial role in enhancing community welfare and ensuring that local governments can effectively serve their populations.

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program in Alaska aims to provide financial assistance to local communities for essential public facilities and planning activities that enhance health and safety. With a maximum grant of $850,000 per community, it supports initiatives that create jobs for low and moderate-income residents. In the 2024 cycle, approximately $2.5 million is available to eligible municipal governments, excluding Anchorage, and non-profits may partner as co-applicants.

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

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.

Alaska nonprofits, schools, and other organizations running community service or education programs in Alaska can apply for AmeriCorps State and National funding to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based interventions. Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development provides support for projects that strengthen communities, which may include initiatives connected to teacher development or education-focused service.

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 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 NWS Student Travel Grants, offered by the Northwest Scientific Association, provide financial assistance up to $1,000 for students to attend and present at the 2025 NWSA Annual Meeting in Eugene, OR, on March 18-19. Eligible applicants must be current NWSA student members and engaged in research relevant to the Northwest. The funding covers registration, travel, accommodation, and presentation costs, facilitating scholarly exchange and professional development for students in the region.

The PNASH Pilot Project Program at the University of Washington focuses on enhancing agricultural safety and health through innovative research and outreach. The program supports both early-stage and experienced investigators in developing preliminary data, adapting proven tools, and exploring new research directions. With funding of up to $30,000 for pilot projects and an additional $5,000 for education grants, this initiative aims to improve workplace safety for agricultural workers, including those in fishing and forestry. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Brave Heart Fellowship, initiated by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, empowers Native youth aged 18-24 to lead in environmental justice and food sovereignty efforts. This 9-month program offers a culturally-competent curriculum and promotes advocacy for protecting traditional lands and sacred sites. By uplifting Indigenous voices, the fellowship addresses inequities and fosters community engagement, aiming for a sustainable future rooted in Native culture and leadership.

The ASCA: Artists in Schools Grants aim to enhance the arts curriculum in Alaska's public and private schools through artist residencies. Grants of up to $5,000 for individual schools and $15,000 for districts support various arts experiences, professional development, and community engagement. Schools must match funding, ensuring sustainability and collaboration. Eligible applicants include public school districts, private nonprofits, and parent groups, fostering a rich artistic environment for students.

The Alaska State Council on the Arts offers Youth Cultural Heritage Project Grants to support organizations delivering cultural heritage programs for children and youth in Alaska. Funded by the Rasmuson Foundation, these grants aim to enhance cultural knowledge, foster creative engagements, and promote cross-cultural understanding. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and tribal entities. The program prioritizes cultural heritage groups facing barriers to funding, ensuring diverse representation within Alaska's communities.

The ASCA Youth Cultural Heritage Fast Track Grants support Alaskan organizations that provide cultural heritage programming for children and youth. Funded by the Rasmuson Foundation, this initiative aims to strengthen cultural knowledge and self-awareness among young Alaskans through arts-based activities. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for eligible applicants, including nonprofits and schools, to engage youth with artists and culture bearers, promoting cross-cultural understanding and community engagement.

The Alaska State Council on the Arts offers Cultural Collaborations Access Grants to enhance children's engagement with the arts. These grants, up to $1,000, are aimed at supporting short-term, high-quality arts activities for K-12 students during school hours. The program encourages collaboration and cultural heritage development, making arts accessible and enriching for Alaskan youth. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the planned activity to ensure adequate review and support.

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 ASCA: Harper Arts Touring Fund, managed by the Alaska State Council on the Arts, supports diverse arts initiatives in Alaska. Established in 2002, it provides grants for travel and freight expenses related to touring performances and exhibitions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government units. The fund promotes community engagement through arts presentations that reach underserved populations. It aims to enhance access to quality cultural experiences across Alaskan communities, fostering local artist development and audience growth.

The Helen Walker Performing Arts Grants, administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts, support performing arts initiatives across Alaska. Named after notable arts advocate Helen A. Walker, this program encourages projects that reach underserved communities and promote artistic heritage. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government units, and tribal entities. Funding can cover diverse performances and workshops, fostering accessibility and innovation in the arts. This initiative aims to enhance cultural engagement and community involvement in the performing arts.

The WNAN Natural History Research Grant supports research in biological natural history within western North America. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for five authors to assist with travel, supplies, and other research-related expenses. This initiative particularly encourages applicants from institutions where research is not the primary focus, aiming to foster diverse contributions to natural history.

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.

EMC Engineering Scholarship Fund

Established in 2002, EMC Engineering LLC. is an employee-owned and operated civil consulting firm. The firm has established itself in the civil construction industry and has a strong reputation for professional excellence.

The scholarship will grant out $5,000 scholarships to two students with the option for recipients to renew the scholarship annually for a period totaling four years so long as they continue to satisfy all application criteria.

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 Murdock College Research Program supports innovative natural sciences research at private undergraduate colleges in the Pacific Northwest. It emphasizes faculty-student collaboration, enhancing educational methods through inquiry-based teaching. Proposals are assessed on scientific merit and the investigator's qualifications, with a focus on projects that significantly contribute to fundamental knowledge in the field. This program encourages active participation from undergraduate students as research associates, fostering their development and engagement in scientific inquiry.

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 Research Start-Up Grants for New Science Faculty program, funded by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust, provides financial support to help new faculty positions in natural sciences at private colleges in five states. Grants match institutional funds 1:1, up to $36,000, to assist with start-up costs, including cash and in-kind support, ensuring institutions can attract qualified candidates while enhancing research capabilities.

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.