Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Alaska

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 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 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 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-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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

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.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

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.