Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Alaska

Alaska nonprofits hosting fundraising events can access in-kind transportation and sponsorship support through Alaska Airlines Foundation, particularly those serving youth success, career readiness, care and belonging, environmental sustainability, or community resiliency. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska should submit one-time requests at least six weeks before their event.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, tribal entities, and government units can receive up to US $3,000 for arts-based youth cultural heritage activities in Alaska. Alaska State Council on the Arts supports programs engaging children and youth with artists and culture bearers, covering costs like stipends, supplies, food, travel, space, and related materials.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and government-related organizations in Alaska can seek funding for workforce development, sustainability, and thriving community initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes. With a mission to strengthen communities, Marathon Petroleum Corporation / Marathon Petroleum Foundation provides support across its marketing areas, with preference for communities where it has significant operational and employee presence.

Mat-Su Health Foundation

Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) provides funding to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su Borough. With attention to health equity, MSHF seeks to ensure that all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life.

MSHF supports organizations, collaboratives, and initiatives that empower people; employ creative responses to problems; address root causes; build upon community strengths and partnerships; demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness to reduce health disparities; and offer measurable improvements in health and wellness. 

Healthy Impact Grants

Healthy Impact grants are for projects over $25,000 dedicated to improving the health and wellness of people living in the Mat-Su Borough.

What We Fund

• Program and service costs that improve health and social drivers of health
• Nonprofit financial sustainability and operating support
• Capacity building and technical assistance to support nonprofit capacity and leadership development
• Capital projects, improvements, and equipment
• Consideration can be given to capital projects outside of the Mat-Su Borough, but only for FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) when there is a demonstrable health and wellness benefit to Mat-Su residents
• Policy change

Mat-Su Health Foundation

Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) provides funding to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su Borough. With attention to health equity, MSHF seeks to ensure that all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life.

MSHF supports organizations, collaboratives, and initiatives that empower people; employ creative responses to problems; address root causes; build upon community strengths and partnerships; demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness to reduce health disparities; and offer measurable improvements in health and wellness. 

Target Wellness Grants

Target Wellness grants provide up to $25,000 for projects dedicated to improving the health and wellness of people living in the Mat-Su Borough.

What We Fund

• Program and service costs that improve health and social drivers of health
• Nonprofit financial sustainability and operating support
• Capacity building and technical assistance to support nonprofit capacity and leadership development
• Capital projects, improvements, and equipment
• Consideration can be given to capital projects outside of the Mat-Su Borough, but only for FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) when there is a demonstrable health and wellness benefit to Mat-Su residents
• Policy change

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits running cultural, environmental, or arts and language preservation programs can apply for grants of more than US $5,000 to support work completed within one year. Focused on community identity and natural and cultural preservation, Alaska Airlines Foundation prioritizes organizations with strong partnerships and sustainable, high-impact programs, including those serving Alaska Native communities.

Alaska rural communities, local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes can access funding for water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater infrastructure projects through USDA: Rural Development. This program supports acquisition, construction, or improvement of systems, plus related costs like legal and engineering fees, land and water rights, permits, equipment, and start-up operations and maintenance.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal entities, and select government institutions in Alaska seeking capital funding for construction, renovation, or property purchase can apply for M J Murdock Charitable Trust’s Strategic Projects: Capital Grants, with awards of more than US $50,000. Projects should advance areas like arts, education, community services, health, environment, or scientific research and already have significant funding committed.

Alaska nonprofits, tribal entities, and select government institutions seeking new equipment or technology can access funding through M J Murdock Charitable Trust; awards are typically more than US $50,000 for capacity-building projects. Eligible 501(c)(3)s must cover at least 50% of purchase costs and work in areas like education, health, arts, environment, or community services.

Nonprofit organizations in Alaska can seek support for community and economic development, low-income family services, health and wellness, and higher education initiatives. Northrim Bank supports these efforts to strengthen local communities, which may include operating needs tied to programs that improve economic vitality and quality of life.

Organizations in Alaska that serve people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance-related disorders, Alzheimer’s and related dementia, or traumatic brain injuries can apply for the AMHTA Partnership Grant to support specific projects and programs. Grants from Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority can fund pilot initiatives, capital construction, inclusive services, and prevention projects with clear, measurable impact on Trust beneficiaries.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, tribal entities, and other groups delivering arts-based cultural heritage programs for children and youth can seek up to US $10,000 for project costs in Alaska. With a mission to foster cultural heritage and creative development, Alaska State Council on the Arts funds artist fees, supplies, travel, space, and limited administrative expenses.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits that run youth development and leadership programs can access funding through Lithia Motors’ Lithia 4Kids initiative to enrich the lives of children and their families. Organizations in eligible Alaska communities may use support to strengthen local programs that help young people build confidence and make positive choices.

The ASCA: Community Arts Development Grants support Alaskan nonprofit organizations, schools, and tribal entities to foster grassroots arts activities across the state. These grants, capped at $5,000, aim to enhance public participation in the arts and assist in developing programs in underserved areas. Eligible organizations can receive one grant per fiscal year, provided their activities are open to the public and not solely for academic credit. Priority is given to volunteer-run organizations.

Alaska nonprofit organizations, schools, local government agencies, and tribal entities can fund short-term arts workshops in Alaska through the Workshop Grants, with awards of US $500 - US $1,500 for instructor fees and travel. Grants from the Alaska State Council on the Arts support visual, performing, traditional, media, craft, literary arts, and arts administration workshops open to the public.

Alaska-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, and schools with operating budgets of $50,000+ can fund arts-focused, community projects commemorating the U.S. semiquincentennial through the America 250 program. With a mission to advance creative endeavors, Alaska State Council on the Arts supports arts education, cultural heritage, and community engagement across Alaska with grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000.

Public transportation providers and eligible nonprofits in rural Alaska can receive funding for transit capital, operating assistance, and program administration. Grants from Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities help Alaska rural development and transit organizations maintain, develop, and improve bus and bus facilities serving non-urbanized communities, with approximately US $4,000,000 available statewide.

Nonprofit and public transportation providers in Alaska’s rural communities can seek funding for transit capital, operating assistance, and program administration under the 49 USC 5311 Non-Urban Formula Grants program. With a mission to support rural public transportation, Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities offers approximately US $10,845,973 for services in areas under 50,000 population.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public bodies in Alaska can receive US $448,315 - US $2,883,019 to provide transportation services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and Alaska Mental Health Trust beneficiaries. Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities supports human service transportation, which may help nonprofits cover operating costs for accessible transit programs.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits at high risk of terrorist or extremist attack can seek up to US $200,000 for physical security upgrades and related preparedness activities. Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management supports planning, equipment, training, and coordination projects that harden soft targets and improve community resilience across the state.

Alaska-based small or developing organizations advancing social justice, including 501(c)(3)s, fiscally sponsored groups, Tribes, schools, and local governments, can seek operating or project support up to Up to US $15,000. Grants from The Alaska Community Foundation help Alaska nonprofits and charitable entities build power in under-resourced communities and address systemic inequities.

Alaska 501(c)(3) charities, tribes, local governments, and K-12 schools offering camps or youth programs can receive up to US $45,000 to support scholarships, staff, and program costs. The Alaska Community Foundation and Rasmuson Foundation fund fees, special expenses, and counselor training to expand equitable, statewide access to youth camp experiences.

Alaska 501(c)(3) arts nonprofits and tribal entities with ongoing arts programs can apply for the Alaska State Council on the Arts’ Operating Support Grant, awarding up to US $21,000 for core artistic and administrative costs. Funding can cover salaries, travel, promotion, production, and a substantial portion of yearly program activities.

Alaska Native-led arts nonprofits, businesses, and collectives seeking general operating support can access funding through First Peoples Fund’s Rooted Pathways Program. Grants up to US $55,000 provide unrestricted support and a learning cohort to strengthen organizational well-being for groups serving U.S.-based Native artists and culture bearers across the 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories.

BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations in Alaska running youth athletics, culture, or education programs for ages 6–18 can use this funding for general operating support. With a mission to expand opportunities for youth and advance racial equity, Charlotte Y Martin Foundation prioritizes rural groups and programs in STEAM learning, cultural expression, sports, and college access.

Alaska nonprofit professional theatres producing contemporary plays on current social issues can seek production and change-capital support, including US $10,000 - US $25,000, to strengthen their work and sustainability. Focused on theatre, Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation invites eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with $1M+ revenue and at least two years of programming to apply.

Nonprofit presenters, government units, higher education institutions, and tribal governments in Alaska can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 to present touring performers and literary artists through the TourWest program. Creative West funds artist fees, facilities, accessibility, marketing, travel, and related administration, with priority for smaller-budget and rural organizations expanding arts access in underserved communities.