Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Alaska

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities seeking support for workforce development, sustainability, or thriving community initiatives can apply by invitation for Community Investment Grants; funding is prioritized where Marathon Petroleum has significant operations. With a mission to strengthen communities, Marathon Petroleum Corporation / Marathon Petroleum Foundation provides charitable contributions, sponsorships, and volunteer support across its marketing areas, including Alaska.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 for arts and culture programs, capital projects, or limited general support, including in Alaska. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, artist development, and STEAM-focused science programs that reach large constituencies and demonstrate lasting impact.

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.

Nonprofits and social enterprises working on education, child health, or family economic stability in Alaska may be eligible if their projects are based in the U.S. and meet focus and mission criteria. With a mission to improve outcomes for urban low-income children, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides project or scaling support over US $50,000.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska can apply for Sidney Stern Memorial Trust’s funding to support charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs, with all funds used in the U.S. Eligible tax-exempt organizations seeking small grants for impactful services may benefit, provided projects are nonpolitical and not focused on lobbying or individual aid.

Alaska-based nonprofits, Tribes, and local or state government entities seeking small capital or one-time investments can apply for Rasmuson Foundation’s Tier 1 Grants, offering up to US $35,000. Grants from Rasmuson Foundation help Alaska organizations buy, build, fix, or create assets like equipment, renovations, vehicles, technology upgrades, and other small capital improvements.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, federally recognized tribal entities, and select government entities in Alaska can apply for M J Murdock Charitable Trust capital grants, with awards typically more than US $50,000, to support construction, renovation, property acquisition, and major facility upgrades. Projects should advance leadership priorities in areas like education, health, environment, arts, or community services.

Alaska nonprofits, tribal entities, and certain government or educational institutions seeking new equipment or technology can apply for capacity-building support from the M J Murdock Charitable Trust, with awards typically more than US $50,000. Projects must primarily benefit the Pacific Northwest and advance areas like arts and culture, education, community services, health, environment, or scientific research.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, federally recognized tribal entities, and select government institutions in Alaska can seek more than US $50,000 to expand programs and add staff through strategic project grants. Grants from M J Murdock Charitable Trust help build nonprofit capacity in areas like arts and culture, education, health, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship, primarily in the Pacific Northwest.

Alaskan nonprofit organizations, schools, local government agencies, and tribal entities developing community arts programs in Alaska can apply for up to US $5,000 to support public arts activities and administration. With a mission to advance creative endeavors, Alaska State Council on the Arts helps small, often volunteer-run groups expand arts access in underserved communities through exhibits, performances, festivals, workshops, and more.

Alaska nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, units of government, tribal entities, and schools in Alaska can access funding for performing arts presenting, touring, and staff development projects. Alaska State Council on the Arts’ Helen Walker Performing Arts Grants offer US $500 - US $5,000 to support theater, dance, music, media, folk, and traditional arts, especially for underserved communities.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska seeking support for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental projects can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help small nonprofits with one year of project-focused funding, with most awards made to U.S.-based applicants.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Alaska planning historic preservation projects or education efforts can apply for National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Trust Preservation Funds, awarding US $2,500 - US $5,000. Funding supports planning, professional consultants, staff time, and outreach to launch or strengthen local preservation initiatives, with a required one-to-one match.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Alaska working to improve local quality of life can seek project, general operating, or capital support for community-focused programs. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation prioritizes economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

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.

Nonprofit professional theatres in Alaska producing contemporary plays on current social issues can seek production and change-capital support, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000. Focused on theatre, Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations meeting size and history requirements to fund artistic, production, and community engagement expenses.

Alaska rural public entities and nonprofit organizations can access funding through USDA: Rural Development to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Grants support activities like business counseling, feasibility studies, land and facility development, revolving loan funds, and community or technology-based economic development benefiting rural areas outside larger urban centers.

Nonprofits, tribes, local governments, and K-12 schools in Alaska can apply for the GCI Suicide Prevention Grant, with awards of US $1,000 - US $15,000 for projects reducing suicide and promoting mental wellness. Programs serving rural communities and addressing issues like generational trauma, youth coalitions, or high-risk populations may be especially competitive.

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.

Nonprofit organizations working on poverty alleviation, disability services, social justice, or humanitarian aid in Alaska and other eligible countries can apply for US $5,000 - US $250,000 to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation support smaller, non-sectarian organizations, typically 501(c)(3)s or qualifying foreign entities.

Alaska nonprofits with Alaska-based programs that enhance wildlife viewing, education, or habitat conservation can access funding through the Alaska Conservation Foundation’s Watchable Wildlife Conservation Trust, with awards up to US $5,000. Eligible projects include interpretation, wildlife education, trail or facilities work, research, and acquisition of critical wildlife habitats across Alaska.