Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Alaska

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 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 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 Pride Foundation Community Grants Program supports LGBTQ+ organizations in the Northwest by providing consistent funding to advance equity and justice. Since 1987, over $12 million has been awarded, with a focus on innovative and grassroots organizations. The 2024 cycle includes both proactive grants and open applications, ensuring accessibility for all eligible groups. This initiative centers on racial justice and aims to empower BIPOC and TGNC communities, fostering health, education, and community-building efforts.

The Carrs Foundation in Seattle offers support for nonprofit organizations that align with its mission of strengthening local communities. This biannual grant prioritizes health services, education, hunger relief, and inclusion for all abilities. Eligible organizations must have a valid 501(c)(3) status and serve the community in which they operate. The foundation is committed to inclusivity and does not fund for-profit entities, religious organizations for religious purposes, or advocacy groups.

Common Waters: Strengthening Community-based Coastal and Riverine Stewardship

Opportunity Overview

Projects supported by this RFP must be community-based stewardship initiatives (including but not limited to stewardship driven by Indigenous and descendant communities); they should be led by an individual with a strong connection to and/or an existing track record of work in the community(ies) where the project will take place, or by a member of the community themselves, and be designed in response to community needs. Projects can focus on a wide range of specific issues, including (but not limited to) local conservation and ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation and resilience, or sustainable fishing/agriculture. The RFP will prioritize projects in National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions destinations, including the Arctic, Asia, Baja California, Costa Rica and Panama, Europe and the Mediterranean, Patagonia, the Peruvian Amazon, the Pacific Northwest, Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, the South Pacific, and the United Kingdom and Ireland. For more detailed information on targeted areas within these regions, please refer to the targeted areas document.

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 U.S. Department of Transportation is offering funding to establish the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) in Region 6. This initiative, part of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, aims to support small businesses in transportation sectors. The cooperative agreement includes a 12-month base year and two additional option years based on performance, promoting growth and accessibility for local businesses in transportation.

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 Project; and other projects.

Invasive Tree Control Grant Round III

Monies are available to control invasive , commonly known as European bird cherry, chokecherry or mayday trees and , commonly known as Canada red and chokecherry trees. 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.

State Training and Employment Program

The State Training and Employment Program (STEP) is administered by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD), Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB) and funded by a set aside from the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The purpose of STEP is to enhance the quality and accessibility of in-state training and employment services for Alaska residents to help meet the workforce needs of employers in the state. In addition, the program seeks to increase resident employment in industries where a high number of nonresidents are working, reduce future unemployment claims, and foster economic growth in all regions by meeting employer demand for a skilled workforce.

STEP provides several types of training opportunities, including industry-specific training; on-the-job training, apprentice training in a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship program; institutional or classroom job-linked training; and support services necessary to enable a participant to attend training and/or obtain or retain a job.

Benefits of the program

STEP targets participants who may be employed or employable, have worked in a job covered by unemployment insurance in any state, and who need training to improve their prospects for obtaining or retaining employment. The goal of STEP is to help self-motivate individuals with realistic goals to gain essential skills for employment success. The benefit to STEP participants as they move forward in their careers aided by STEP training is increased earning potential. Employers who invest in a skilled workforce gain a competitive edge in business and benefit from costs incurred in supporting unemployment insurance for those not working.

The Alaska Airlines Foundation Grant supports youth in underserved areas of Alaska and Hawaii, focusing on empowering young people through career exploration, mentorship, and skill development. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, prioritizing organizations that demonstrate partnership and sustainability. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that do not discriminate based on protected categories. Funds should be utilized within a year, with grants not exceeding 10% of the organization's budget or 50% of the program budget.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

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.

The Matson Foundation, a corporate entity, emphasizes community involvement through charitable donations. They support a diverse range of areas including maritime conservation, education, human services, culture, and civic programs. Eligible organizations must be qualified non-profits, with a primary focus on community support where Matson operates. The foundation prioritizes projects that engage local communities, ensure sustainability, and demonstrate measurable impact, while adhering to specific eligibility and ineligibility criteria for funding.

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 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 ASCA - America 250 program supports Alaska-based non-profit organizations in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Grants of $50,000 or more are available for community projects that involve artists and cultural bearers. Eligible activities include creating art, educational programming, and events that reflect on Alaska's unique history and contributions. This initiative fosters arts education, strengthens creative industries, and promotes the importance of compensating artists fairly for their work.

The Alaska Children's Trust offers sponsorship grants for conferences and training aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect in Alaska. Organizations and individuals can apply for up to $1,000 to support professional development and information exchange. Applicants must submit their requests at least 90 days before the conference. This funding is intended for venue costs, food, and materials, ensuring that communities can foster safe and nurturing environments for children.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

About Us

What We Do

The Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums offers library and information service to state agencies and the Legislature, provides for the orderly management of current state records, preserves non-current public records of permanent value for study and research, and operates the state museums.

Grants for Alaska Libraries and Schools

The Alaska State Library helps public and school libraries acquire financial assistance.

Interlibrary Cooperation Grant

Each year, the Alaska State Library awards Interlibrary Cooperation (ILC) Grants funds for proposals with a direct impact on library users. Libraries of all types (academic, public, school, and special) are encouraged to submit proposals. 

Interlibrary Cooperation Grants are competitive and project-oriented. A grant review committee will evaluate each proposal and score it according to a rubric. Proposals with significant statewide impact on the sharing of resources; cooperative services with another library; innovative programs for the delivery of library services; or training or other programs that strengthen library services, will be more competitive.

Grantees must demonstrate financial commitment to providing ongoing library services once the project is finished. ILC grants cannot be written to support ongoing operational costs, replace primary funding sources, or fund activities that are the primary responsibility of the applicant library

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.

About Alaska DOT&PF

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities designs, constructs, operates and maintains the state’s transportation infrastructure systems, buildings, and other facilities used by Alaskans and visitors.

Alaska Community Transit

We support Alaska's communities—urban and rural—by ensuring safe, efficient, and accessible transit services for everyone, including transit-dependent populations.

Human Service Transportation Grant 

Purpose

The purpose of the Human Service Transportation Grant is to provide transportation services that meet the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities and Alaska Mental Health Trust Beneficiaries for whom public transportation services are unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate. The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Community Transit Office (ACT) uses a combination of federal Section 5310 and Alaska Mental Health Trust funds to provide awards to nonprofit organizations or public bodies that certify that no nonprofit organization or association is readily available in an area to provide service.

About RE-VEEP

With federal funds from the United States Department of Energy and using the VEEP framework, AEA will execute RE-VEEP

Renewable Energy-Village Energy Efficiency Program (RE-VEEP)

The Renewable Energy-Village Energy Efficiency Program (RE-VEEP) expands on the Alaska Energy Authority’s (AEA) Village Energy Efficiency Program (VEEP), which was established to reduce per capita consumption through energy efficiency. RE-VEEP will award grants to eligible entities within Alaska to finance building-scale renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation projects in public buildings and facilities located in rural Alaska. Through these types of projects, communities can reduce their energy consumption and costs.

Operating Expense Assistance Program (OEA)

The OEA program provides direct operating expense funding to nonprofit organizations that have been certified by AHFC as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) as defined under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. The assistance is provided directly to the qualified nonprofit organization.

Grant Funding Availability

This program is for organizations who meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), HOME Investment Partnerships Program criteria as Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) or who are interested in becoming CHDOs as defined by HUD 24 CFR Part 92.

The Highway Safety Grant in Alaska is designed to enhance traffic safety across various priority areas including impaired driving, police traffic services, and roadway safety. Managed by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, this grant encourages local agencies to match at least 20% of project costs, promoting sustainability and project continuation. Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline to be considered for funding.

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. 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.

The Alaska Community Foundation runs competitive grant cycles throughout the year that are open to eligible local nonprofits and other organizations serving the public good.

Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a five-year initiative focused on strengthening rural communities by improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem. Through innovative system-wide change, the RHTP invests in the rural healthcare delivery ecosystem for future generation.

Alaska’s RHTP will advance statewide health system transformation by funding projects that expand access to care, improve health outcomes, strengthen workforce capacity, modernize technology, and advance financially sustainable health care payment models.

Funding will support community-based and system-level projects aimed at improving access, workforce capacity, and care delivery statewide. The program is intentionally structured to promote fair access, a range of approaches, and geographic balance, ensuring that organizations across Alaska, regardless of size, location, or prior funding experience, can participate meaningfully.

The program is administered at the federal level by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and led at the state level by the Alaska Department of Health. The Department of Health serves as the lead for program design, policy direction, funding decisions, and overall stewardship of the initiative.

To move resources to grantees and partners quickly and effectively, the Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) is managing the grant process, facilitating grant review, and providing technical assistance to RHTP grantees.

Program Priorities

RHTP funding supports projects aligned with Alaska’s six RHTP initiatives. A detailed description of the initiatives and potential uses of funds can be found on Alaska’s Department of Health RHTP webpage.

• Healthy Beginnings: strengthens maternal and child health as a foundation for healthy families.
• Health Care Access: expands and sustains essential primary, behavioral, oral, specialty, emergency, home and community-based and post-acute care health services across Alaska’s rural communities.
• Healthy Communities: invests in enhancing access to preventive and primary care services that enable early chronic disease management, expanding the use of consumer-facing digital tools and population health clinical infrastructure, and promoting healthy lifestyles with culturally appropriate community education.
• Pay for Value: Fiscal Sustainability: incentivizes a shift from traditional volume-based reimbursement models to build the long-term financial stability of rural providers through voluntary innovative care and payment models that increase care coordination, lower costs and improve health outcomes.
• Strengthen Workforce: builds a resilient rural health care workforce through pipeline, recruitment, training and retention strategies, alongside wraparound housing and child care supports to help providers remain in rural communities.
• Spark Technology and Innovation: harnesses data and technology to expand the use of consumer wearables and digital devices, enhance telehealth, foster appropriate use of AI, strengthen cybersecurity, facilitate data sharing and system interoperability, and test new delivery modalities using emerging technologies.

RHTP Grant Opportunities

Recognizing the interconnected nature of these priorities, Alaska’s RHTP includes four funding pathways:

• Readiness Grants – early-stage support to address foundational capacity gaps, including planning, feasibility, partnership development, and community engagement.
• Planning Grants - investments to support structured planning and design for clearly defined health system interventions.
• Implementation Grants – will fund projects that are fully prepared to execute and deliver high-impact work with demonstrated feasibility.
• Future Targeted Innovation Grants - which will enable the Department of Health to advance fully developed, high-impact projects. Funding opportunities through this pathway are expected to occur at a later date.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.