Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Alaska

Nonprofit organizations engaged in Alaska hardrock mining advocacy can receive US $5,000 - US $20,000 to prevent or reduce mining impacts and strengthen protections in Alaska. Alaska Conservation Foundation provides Alaska environmental groups with funding for legal support, scientific or technical assistance, coalition convenings, advocacy, communications, and related administrative costs tied to mining impact prevention efforts.

Nonprofit and government organizations working on environmental and community programs in Alaska can seek invitation-only Community Investment Grants supporting workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities. With a mission to strengthen communities, Marathon Petroleum Corporation / Marathon Petroleum Foundation provides funding across its marketing area, with preference for regions where it has significant operations and measurable local impact.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology to tackle crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can apply for Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, including organizations in Alaska. Awards up to US $100,000 support innovative, early-stage programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities worldwide.

Alaska nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies working on community safety, education, or development can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for eligible projects. Support may include disaster preparedness and recovery, home and auto safety, neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–12 or higher education initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million working on social service solutions can apply for more than US $100,000 to support proven, scalable programs. With a mission to help people build healthy, productive lives, William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides program, capital, and general support, which may benefit Alaska organizations focused on sustainable economic development and related environmental priorities.

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.

Environmental and marine research organizations in Alaska can seek funding to study fisheries and marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Arctic. Focused on marine ecosystem science and fishery management, the North Pacific Research Board invites projects that improve understanding and support sustainable use of marine resources.

Alaska nonprofits engaged in conservation advocacy with urgent, Alaska-based projects can access funding through Alaska Conservation Foundation to address unforeseen environmental opportunities or threats. Grants up to US $15,000 support rapid-response efforts that reduce destructive activities, strengthen environmental laws and enforcement, and promote more sustainable economic development across Alaska.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, eligible 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. Organizations advancing environmental stewardship or related fields may be especially competitive if they already have significant project funding committed.

Alaska environmental and conservation nonprofits needing new equipment or technology infrastructure can access funding through the M J Murdock Charitable Trust; awards are typically more than US $50,000 and require at least a 50% match. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, tribal entities, and select government institutions must propose capacity-building projects that fit the Trust’s focus areas and benefit the Pacific Northwest region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, tribal entities, and select government institutions expanding environmental or conservation programs in Alaska can seek Strategic Project: Program & Staff Grants to add staff, launch, or grow initiatives. Grants from M J Murdock Charitable Trust, typically over US $50,000, prioritize capacity-building projects that advance environmental stewardship and related community impact in the Pacific Northwest region.

Public or private nonprofit research institutions and degree-granting universities in Alaska and across the U.S. and Canada can seek Burroughs Wellcome Fund support for maternal and perinatal health research, including environmental impacts on pregnancy. This program offers up to US $500,000 for basic or translational studies on adverse pregnancy outcomes and related health disparities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

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.

Environmental and marine researchers in Alaska can seek funding for one- to two-year projects that advance knowledge on coastal and marine issues. Focused on healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies, and environmental literacy, Alaska Sea Grant invites proposals of more than US $100,000 aligned with its 2024–2027 strategic plan.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can seek unrestricted funding for environmental and human services work, including projects in Alaska. Lawrence Foundation provides Alaska environmental organizations with US $5,000 - US $10,000 program or operating support, with occasional larger awards for organizations they have supported over time.

Alaska environmental and coastal organizations can receive support to remove marine debris from shorelines and coastal waters in Alaska. Alaska Sea Grant provides Alaska communities with small grants up to Up to US $200,000 to lead debris cleanup projects that address conservation, food safety, and food security concerns tied to plastics and other marine waste.

Eligible public and private partners working on land conservation and environmental resilience near military installations in Alaska can apply for the Department of Defense’s REPI Challenge, with awards up to US $20,000,000. This national program funds projects that prevent land use conflicts, alleviate environmental restrictions, and enhance installation resilience, including in Pacific-region missions.

Alaska environmental nonprofits can access funding through Weeden Foundation for biodiversity protection and related environmental initiatives; awards range from US $10,000 - US $30,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and international equivalents may propose projects such as land and habitat conservation, wildlife corridor protection, marine and bird conservation, environmental education, and sustainable consumption or population programs.

Local governments, tribes, citizen groups, and educational institutions in Alaska can apply for Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Alaska Clean Water Actions grants; awards up to US $250,000 for projects addressing water quality issues and nonpoint source pollution. Environmental projects involving watershed planning or green infrastructure for stormwater management may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit and public entities developing or repairing recreational trails in Alaska can seek up to US $300,000 in reimbursable funding, including environmental protection and safety or education efforts. With a mission to enhance outdoor recreation, Alaska Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation provides 90/10 federal matching funds for motorized, non-motorized, and diversified trail projects statewide.