Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Alaska

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations can seek McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs. Although grants generally prioritize the greater Chicago area, Alaska nonprofits with relevant initiatives may be eligible for general operating, project, or occasional capital support.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance timely, actionable projects. Focused on water industry challenges, American Water Works Association funding may benefit students whose work supports issues that Alaska nonprofits and communities also face around safe, clean drinking water.

Graduate students conducting marine, fisheries, or ocean conservation research connected to Alaska and surrounding seas can receive US $26,000 for stipends, tuition, research travel, supplies, and analyses. Focused on North Pacific marine ecosystems, the North Pacific Research Board invites eligible Master’s and Doctoral students at U.S.-based institutions to apply.

The Alaska Community Foundation provides Alaska nonprofits and other charitable entities with unrestricted general operating or project support to advance social justice and equity. Small or developing organizations with budgets under $500,000 that serve Alaska, including Tribal entities and fiscally sponsored groups, may be eligible for awards up to US $15,000 from this Social Justice Fund.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Alaska can seek funding for community development, education, workforce preparation, and financial literacy programs that create measurable, sustainable impact. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help support affordable housing and homeownership, small business growth, academic success, and job readiness initiatives, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000.

Nonprofit organizations in Alaska serving women and children through self-sufficiency, humanitarian aid, or child welfare programs can apply for funding from The Father's Table Foundation. The foundation provides up to US $750,000 for projects such as homelessness services, education, employment assistance, food security, anti-trafficking, health care, and disaster relief that build long-term resilience.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies in Juneau providing social services like homelessness support, suicide prevention, health care access, and education can apply for operating funding from the Juneau Community Foundation. Alaska organizations addressing high-priority local needs in health, education, and income stability may benefit from this unrestricted-style support for community programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska working on social services, education, medical care, or community engagement can apply for Foster Foundation support. Grants may fund emergency assistance, supportive housing, literacy and mentoring, medical research or hospice, arts and cultural programs, and recreational activities that strengthen under-resourced communities in the Pacific Northwest.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Alaska conducting small-scale biomedical research can apply for funding to expand research opportunities and strengthen their research environment. The US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports projects across areas such as public health, neuroscience, cancer, HIV/AIDS, mental health, and related biomedical fields, with awards up to US $375,000.

Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students conducting vertebrate research in Alaska or the broader Northwestern North America region can receive up to US $1,500 to support project expenses. Alaska wildlife and ecology projects may be eligible for travel, equipment, supplies, and some tuition or living costs through the Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology.

Research institutions and organizations conducting fisheries or marine ecosystem studies in Alaska can access funding through the North Pacific Research Board’s Core Program. Grants support competitive, peer-reviewed projects in areas such as oceanography, marine biology, fisheries, and marine conservation in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Arctic waters relevant to Alaska.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to secure protected research time and support. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Alaska-connected and other LMIC investigators develop independent careers in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, genetics, and more.

Alaska Fish and Wildlife Fund

2027 Request for Proposals

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals to further conservation of species and habitats in Alaska. The Alaska Fish and Wildlife Fund (AFWF) invests in projects that achieve or substantially lead to measurable on-the-ground conservation outcomes and fill key information gaps through assessments and strategic monitoring that result in improved habitat or population management actions. The availability of federal funds estimated in this solicitation is contingent upon the federal appropriations process. Funding decisions will be made based on level of funding and timing of when it is received by NFWF.

Support for the AFWF is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Grants may be awarded using one or more of these sources of funding.

Early-career research scientists in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for mentored health-related research career development. Administered by the National Institutes of Health, this award may benefit Alaska-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators on global health projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting education, youth, community initiatives, arts, environment, or historic preservation in the U.S., including Alaska, can seek project funding from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Focused on educational opportunities and related programs, typical awards range from US $5,000 - US $20,000, with first-time grants usually US $5,000 - US $10,000.

Alaska nonprofits, institutions, and related organizations can seek sponsorship funding to support medical or scientific congresses, events, or initiatives that offer tangible recognition and marketing benefits. Biogen Foundation provides corporate sponsorships across areas like neurology, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and related diseases, with decisions based on event details, alignment with Biogen’s interests, and location.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, or those with a fiscal sponsor, working on environmental, climate justice, or sustainable food systems can receive general operating support through this open call, including groups in Alaska. Focused on grassroots, community-centered change, Clif Family Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 one-year grants, with applications reviewed twice annually.

Research institutions and other eligible organizations in Alaska and worldwide can apply for Marine Mammal Commission grants, with awards up to US $75,000, to develop tools and methods for marine mammal stock assessments and stressor mitigation. Alaska nonprofits advancing marine or ocean conservation science may be strong candidates.

The AK Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers financial assistance and conservation planning to agricultural producers in Alaska. This program aims to implement conservation practices that enhance water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitats, while also benefiting agricultural operations. Eligible participants include socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers, who may receive higher payment rates. Applications are accepted until January 15, 2026, encouraging participation from historically underserved producers in implementing vital conservation efforts.

Students planning natural resource careers and studying fields like ecology, forestry, hydrology, or environmental education can receive scholarship support from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. With a mission to support higher education, this scholarship helps future conservation professionals, and Alaska environmental nonprofits mentoring such students may find it relevant for their college-bound participants.

Free and charitable clinics that are NAFC members can apply for the Healthcare Services Expansion Fund, awarding US $30,000 - US $50,000 to launch or grow clinical programs for underserved patients. Alaska nonprofits operating NAFC-member clinics may be eligible for projects like behavioral health, women’s health, telehealth, chronic disease management, mobile clinics, or other patient care expansions.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.