Best Grants for Mentoring Programs in Alaska

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or mentoring-related programs can seek funding to address social problems in new ways. Focused on creative approaches to human services, Creag Foundation invites organizations that have held nonprofit status for at least one year to submit a letter of inquiry for invitation-only grant opportunities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, and welfare can apply for funding from DanPaul Foundation, including groups in Alaska. Focus areas include early childhood development, tutoring and mentoring, child advocacy, homelessness, poverty, refugee enrichment, and environmental responsibility, so mentoring programs that serve these youth needs may be eligible.

Alaska tutoring and mentoring organizations with scalable social or environmental solutions for underserved communities can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Early-stage independent nonprofits or impact-first for-profits may receive up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support to grow proven models that can reach at least 10,000 people over time.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Alaska educational institutions, government programs, and eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits running youth safety, education, or community development initiatives can access funding through State Farm for programs like mentoring, academic support, and community safety. Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants support long-term, sustainable efforts in safety, education, and community development across the U.S.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programs, including program, capital, and limited general or endowment needs. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes large, well-established organizations whose work engages youth and develops artistic or STEAM-related talent, including those serving Alaska communities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing chronic poverty through direct social services, economic development, housing, legal aid, reentry, or youth development programs can apply for more than US $100,000 to support proven, scalable work. With a mission to strengthen opportunity, William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides Alaska mentoring and youth-serving organizations with program, capital, or general operating support when they meet its size and impact criteria.

Organizations running education, health, or family economic stability programs for urban low-income children and youth, including mentoring and tutoring efforts in Alaska, can seek project or scale-up funding of more than US $50,000. With a mission to expand opportunity, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports eligible entities in the U.S., India, and South Africa that meet its focus and values.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts projects in Alaska may be eligible for support that promotes sustainable development and engages Roche expertise and employees. Focused on community development and youth education, Roche invites local organizations to propose innovative, high-quality programs, which can include mentoring components for young people.

Alaska organizations running Indigenous language education or mentoring projects can seek funding to develop advanced speakers of Sm’algyax, Xaad Kíl, and Lingít. Sealaska Heritage Institute’s endowment supports efforts like paid language mentors, creation of learning materials, and immersion experiences with Elders, which may benefit mentoring-focused programs working with language learners.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief in Alaska and worldwide can seek support for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. With a mission to empower the disaffected, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as healthcare access, child welfare, women and girl services, literacy, and humanitarian aid.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations using funds within the U.S., including Alaska, can apply for Sidney Stern Memorial Trust support. Grants may benefit Alaska programs that include tutoring, mentoring, or related services, as long as the organization meets IRS and applicable California tax-exemption requirements.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community, education, or basic-needs programs can seek sponsorship support for initiatives that advance economic mobility and social progress. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help organizations addressing housing, workforce development, hunger, arts and culture, the environment, and diversity and inclusion, which may include mentoring and tutoring components.

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 Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

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.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates can seek funding for programs improving quality of life for underserved people, including economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation offers project, general operating, and capital support that may benefit mentoring and tutoring initiatives serving local residents.

Focused on conservation leadership, this program invites Alaska nonprofits to seek $500 - $3,000 for training, skills building, and organizational development. Organizations mentoring volunteers or youth in Alaska-based conservation efforts may be eligible, especially those strengthening grassroots engagement and leadership capacity within the state’s conservation movement.

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.

Fall 2026 Early Childhood Education Funding Cycle

Overall Early Childhood Education Program Blueprint

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program supports efforts to improve access to high-quality early care and education for young children (birth to five), especially those from low-income families. We do this by investing in strategies that strengthen, support, and retain a high-quality, thriving early educator workforce.

The Foundation has a history of supporting professional development (PD) and learning systems through its Provider strategy (). We believe strong professional development systems are essential for building a skilled early childhood workforce and creating positive learning environments for young children.

The Fall 2026 funding cycle is available for organizations that align with this Provider strategy.

Funding Opportunity

This funding opportunity will provide up to $750,000 to support early childhood education providers in strengthening existing professional development (PD) systems. Funding is intended to improve a specific area of an established PD system—not to build a brand-new system from scratch or put the foundational elements in place.

What kind of improvements can funding support?

Organizations should focus their projects on strengthening their professional development systems. The Stranahan Foundation defines a strong professional development system as one that includes:

• Connect learning opportunities that build on one another over time.
• Use adult learning best practices.
• Align staff learning to educator competencies, credentials, career growth, or compensation.
• Provide learning experiences that are individualized, scaffolded, and responsive to educators’ needs, experience, and goals.
• Have dedicated leadership and organizational capacity to support ongoing implementation.

• Gather regular feedback from staff and families.
• Use standardized assessment and evaluation tools to understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
• Make ongoing improvements based on what is learned.
• Support reflective practice, peer learning, and collaborative inquiry among educators.

• Offer both individual and group learning opportunities, such as training, professional learning communities, coaching, and mentoring.
• Provide learning opportunities on an ongoing basis rather than in a one-and-done situation.
• Connect internal and external learning opportunities to make the best use of available resources.
• Support classroom implementation through observation, modeling, feedback, and continuous improvement cycles.

• Provide learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and easy to apply in daily work.
• Include fundamental topics such as family engagement, effective instruction, developmentally appropriate practice, and classroom management.
• Align with established standards, research, and effective practices in the early childhood field.
• Equip educators to support all learners, including multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and children impacted by trauma or adverse experiences.

Early-career researchers planning five-year research and mentoring projects that inform U.S. youth policy or practice can seek support through the William T Grant Scholars Program. Focused on research career development, the William T Grant Foundation invites Alaska institutions and other tax-exempt organizations, including under-represented colleges and universities, to nominate eligible scholars working in areas like educational access, youth welfare, or racial justice.

Native performing artists and Native-led performing arts organizations in Alaska can apply for First Peoples Fund’s Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant, offering US $30,000 for live productions in active development. Eligible U.S.-based applicants 18+ must document tribal enrollment, descent, or ancestry; mentoring components within music, theater, dance, or cultural performances may be supported.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing tutoring, mentoring, or other education and human services in Alaska can seek support for programs serving underserved children, women, and seniors. Foster Foundation supports tutoring and mentoring, basic needs, healthcare, and community engagement initiatives across the Pacific Northwest, with new partners first submitting an Organization Information Form for review.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working in community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national funder supports charitable initiatives that respect people, life, and the environment, which may include mentoring or tutoring components within broader community-focused programs.