Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Alaska

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian aid can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities worldwide, including Alaska. With a mission to improve human welfare, Semnani Family Foundation provides nonprofits with funding for healthcare access, disaster relief, child and women’s health, literacy, and related social services in the U.S. and multiple other countries.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for economic mobility, basic needs, or community development can apply for sponsorship funding that supports local programs and events. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help organizations addressing housing, hunger, workforce development, arts and culture, the environment, and diversity and inclusion in low- and moderate-income communities.

Alaska-based nonprofits, Tribes, and local or state government entities can seek Tier 1 support for small capital projects and one-time investments, including construction, equipment, vehicles, and technology upgrades. Grants from Rasmuson Foundation help Alaska organizations cover purchase, renovation, and related indirect costs, with awards up to US $35,000 and rolling, year-round applications.

Nonprofits, government agencies, and universities in Alaska supporting family or informal caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s and related dementias can receive US $20,000 awards for existing programs. Grants from Family Caregiver Alliance honor work in creative expression, increasing access and reducing stigma, or public policy efforts that were active in the prior year.

Alaska nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This private foundation supports charitable efforts that respect people, the environment, and all life, and Alaska-based nonprofits whose missions align with these values may be strong candidates.

Alaska nonprofits and eligible public or tribal entities seeking new equipment or technology can access funding through M J Murdock Charitable Trust; awards More than US $50,000 for capacity-building investments. Projects must primarily benefit the Pacific Northwest region and advance areas like education, community services, health, environmental stewardship, arts, or scientific research, with grantees covering at least half of purchase costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal entities, and select government institutions in Alaska can seek more than US $50,000 to expand programs or add strategic staff positions. Grants from M J Murdock Charitable Trust help build capacity for arts and culture, education, community services, health, environmental stewardship, and scientific research, primarily benefiting the Pacific Northwest region.

Nonprofits, tribal entities, foundations, corporations, and government agencies in Alaska serving people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, Alzheimer’s, dementia, or traumatic brain injuries can seek funding for targeted projects. Grants from Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority help launch pilot programs, capital construction, inclusive services, and prevention initiatives with clear, measurable benefits for these beneficiaries.

Nonprofit degree-granting institutions, research institutes, and teaching hospitals in Alaska and across the U.S. and Canada can receive Burroughs Wellcome Fund support for biomedical research on healthy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The Next Gen Pregnancy Initiative offers up to US $500,000 for basic or translational projects on maternal and perinatal health and related health disparities.

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

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-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government units, 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 education, cultural heritage, and community engagement activities across Alaska with grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000.

State agencies, local public bodies, and private nonprofit or for‑profit transit operators in rural Alaska can access funding for public transportation capital, operating assistance, and program administration. Grants from Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities support non-urban transit systems and bus and bus facility improvements in communities under 50,000 residents.

State agencies, local public bodies, and eligible private organizations in Alaska can obtain funding for rural public transportation capital, operating, and administration needs in communities under 50,000 people. With a mission to support transportation infrastructure, Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities provides these Section 5311 Non-Urbanized Formula Program grants to strengthen general public transit in rural areas.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits at high risk of terrorist or extremist attack can receive funding for security planning, equipment, training, and other target-hardening activities in Alaska. Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management supports domestic security and nonprofit capacity-building with awards up to US $200,000 for eligible organizations; applications go through the state, not FEMA directly.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local governments, and Tribal governments seeking major capital or strategic projects can access large Legacy Grants supporting construction, renovation, equipment, vehicles, and other community-scale initiatives. Rasmuson Foundation supports private nonprofit work in Alaska by funding projects of community or statewide importance, including innovative pilots, program expansions, and some match funding needs, with awards of more than US $250,000.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Alaska planning historic preservation or education projects can apply for National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Trust Preservation Funds, with awards of US $2,500 - US $5,000 for planning, capacity building, and outreach. Eligible applicants must meet membership requirements and provide a one-to-one cash or in-kind match.

U.S. higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations supporting early-career medical physics residents and post-doctoral fellows in radiation oncology research can apply for this seed grant, including those in Alaska. With a mission to advance radiation oncology, American Society for Radiation Oncology and AAPM provide up to US $100,001 to support innovative physics-related cancer research projects.

BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations headquartered in Alaska and other Western states can receive funding for youth ages 6–18 in athletics, culture, and education, including general operating support. With a mission to advance youth education and climate-related work, Charlotte Martin Foundation prioritizes rural communities and programs expanding educational, cultural, and sports opportunities for youth of color.

Alaska rural public entities and nonprofit organizations supporting small rural businesses can access funding through USDA: Rural Development for technical assistance, training, and community economic development. Eligible projects include business counseling, feasibility studies, infrastructure, revolving loan funds, incubators, and other rural development activities benefiting towns outside urbanized areas of 50,000 or more.

Rural 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 source and transmission projects. Eligible communities may use funds to construct or repair water lines, intakes, or treatment facilities.

Alaska nonprofits, local governments, and tribes needing water, sewer, solid waste, or stormwater infrastructure in eligible rural areas can access funding through USDA: Rural Development; support is available when commercial credit is not. Financing can cover acquisition, construction, or improvement of systems, plus related legal, engineering, land, equipment, and start-up costs.