Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Alaska

Alaska-based nonprofit organizations with wildlife viewing, ecotourism, or wildlife education projects in Alaska can apply for Alaska Conservation Foundation’s Watchable Wildlife Conservation Trust grants, offering up to US $5,000 for interpretation, education, trails, facilities, research, or habitat acquisition. Travel and tourism initiatives that enhance sustainable wildlife viewing may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on ecotourism, environmental conservation, or restorative economies in Alaska can seek support for projects on private lands, ecosystem restoration, or conservation policy. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help U.S. organizations, especially in key regions, with awards typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000.

Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation

The mission of the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation is to support research, education, and training within the hospitality industry by bestowing scholarships and grants to those seeking careers or advancement in the hospitality industry; funding education programs that promote the hospitality industry; and awarding research grants to those interested in blending academia with practical industry know-how. 

Primary Goals: To support the professional development and academic advancement of the hospitality industry by continuing to support the foundation’s current programs, promote recipients, maintain positive working relationships with associations, and provide support to underserved communities with individuals pursuing hospitality education, training, and job advancement. 

In 2024, TSYLF introduced new initiatives to support and empower underserved communities and underprivileged and underemployed individuals. We invite all hospitality associations, students, research teams, and professionals to explore how the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation can support your educational and professional endeavors in the field of hospitality. 

Research Grants

Grantmaking Focus

The foundation supports programs that are practical and directly benefit the hospitality industry. Of particular interest are efforts that apply rigorous academic research to solve practical hospitality issues. All grants are measured on the direct results of improved efficiency and efficacy for the hospitality industry. The Foundation emphasizes activities in the following areas and organizations that work in the following areas:

• Research programs that improve employment possibilities and career advancement for those entering or incumbents in the hospitality industry.
• Research programs that enhance efficiency in the hospitality industry.
• Articles or textbooks that contribute to the comprehensive body of knowledge and/or promote industry practices, standards, and ethics.
• Practical and applicable research projects with immediate benefit to the hospitality industry.

Grants are payable to the organization or institution and not to an individual.

Grant funding is dispersed in two payments. One payment will be made upon award approval and the second will be made once the research grant report has been submitted.

Research Grant funding should be used for the following:

• TSYLF funds should be used for research facility overhead and general maintenance.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable software, computer systems or programs to organize, track and store data.
• TSYLF funds can be used for tangible research items such printed documents, writing utensils, books, office supplies or related tools and materials needed to document research and practical observations.
• TSYLF will fund equipment or materials used for hands-on training such as cleaning, and sanitation supplies, safety items or other personal protection, furnishings found in hotels, restaurants or other hospitality related facilities being used to observe applicable productivity or conditions.
• TSYLF funds can be used to obtain proper permits for conducting research or staging a practical observation or production space.
• TSYLF funds can be used be used for creating resource material and related distribution costs to hospitality professionals, businesses and educators.
• TSYLF funds can be used for support materials or services for hosting focus groups, interviews or other activities related to the research topic.
• TSYLF funds should be used wisely for reasonable and cost-effective accommodations for staff, research team and subjects such as meals, travel or lodging.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable mileage or transportation fees for research subjects, team and special advisors.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable travel accommodations related to research topic data collection.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research team for their time in collecting, analyzing and organizing data related to the funded research topic.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research subjects.
• TSYLF funds can be used for expenses related to community engagement.
• TSYLF funds can be used for fees related to attending a hospitality event that aligns with the funded research topic.

Students pursuing tourism or hospitality-related majors who are from Bucks County and attending accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools can receive scholarship support through Bucks County Foundation. Tourism-focused students with ties to Alaska travel and tourism may be eligible if they meet the residency and field-of-study requirements.

Students in Alaska studying aviation or hospitality can receive higher education funding to support travel and tourism careers through scholarships from The Columbus Foundation, including the NetJets Scholarship. Eligible full-time U.S. students with a 3.5 GPA or higher and no criminal record may receive US $25,000 toward their studies.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate juniors and seniors in tourism, gaming, financial, or hospitality fields, and graduate students in business or gaming/hospitality-related degrees in Alaska can access funding through Native Forward Scholars Fund. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund provide US $2,500 - US $5,000 per academic year for full-time study at accredited institutions across the U.S.

Alaska nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can access funding through the Labcorp Charitable Foundation for programs like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and wellness initiatives. Travel and tourism groups in Alaska may be eligible if their projects advance these community-focused priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing poverty, education, health, disaster relief, animal welfare, or conservation can seek program support from the Robinson Foundation; funding is limited to single-year, non-capital projects. Focused on community hardship relief, the foundation invites Southern U.S. charities, including those with ecotourism or nature-based tourism elements, to demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska working on community development, housing, jobs, hunger, or related basic needs may be eligible for sponsorship support. With a mission to advance economic mobility and social progress, Bank of America Charitable Foundation also considers arts, culture, environmental, and diversity initiatives that help sustain vibrant local communities and tourism economies.

Alaska travel and tourism nonprofits, especially those focused on wildlife conservation and related environmental work, can access funding through Jesse W Couch Foundation to share their impact through storytelling projects. Registered 501(c)(3)s or aligned for-profit organizations working within the foundation’s preservation, education, or wellness pillars may be eligible for awards of more than US $50,000.

Alaska tourism and ecotourism nonprofits can access funding through the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award, which honors exemplary cross-sector collaborations addressing social issues. U.S.-based organizations that model strong, replicable partnerships with public, private, or social sector leaders may be recognized for impactful community-building work.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Alaska nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, or cultural enrichment can apply for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants to support their programs. Focused on strengthening communities, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes to request funding that may also benefit local tourism economies through revitalization and arts access.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Alaska can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Projects that strengthen community safety, economic opportunity, or learning, including efforts that may enhance local tourism economies, may be competitive.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Organizations serving children or youth from low-income urban communities in Alaska and beyond can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for education, childhood health, or family economic stability projects. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other qualified organizations working in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska supporting children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary program support. Costco Foundation supports youth, education, and community health programs in communities where it operates, so Alaska groups with evidence-based outcomes and broad financial backing may benefit, including those whose work intersects with local tourism economies.

Gupta Family Foundation provides Alaska nonprofits and other eligible organizations with funding to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant and to support disaster relief. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) entities and qualifying foreign organizations working in human and social services, poverty alleviation, disability services, or humanitarian aid can receive US $5,000 - US $250,000 in annual or multi-year support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence services in Alaska can access funding via TJX Foundation if located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. Eligible groups may benefit travel and tourism communities indirectly through youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety-focused programs for vulnerable families and children.

Alaska cultural nonprofits offering arts or science programming can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation to support impactful programs, capital projects, or limited general and endowment needs. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions such as museums, theaters, symphonies, ballets, and arts schools may receive more than US $100,000, with preference for youth engagement, arts education, and STEAM initiatives.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.