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.

Nonprofit organizations in Alaska that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary support. Costco Foundation supports these community-focused efforts in areas where it does business, reviewing applications within 4–6 weeks and considering factors like community need, measurable outcomes, and collaborative support.

Focused on innovative human services, Creag Foundation invites Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek support for new approaches to social problems. Organizations with at least one year of nonprofit status, including smaller or evolving groups, may submit a letter of inquiry for invitation-only funding opportunities that help launch or redirect impactful programs.

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.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can seek social service funding to tackle chronic poverty and strengthen families, including organizations serving Alaska. With a mission to support effective direct-service solutions, William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides program, capital, and general support, with grants starting at more than US $100,000.

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.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community-focused programs can apply for sponsorship funding to advance economic mobility and social progress. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help organizations address basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, and diversity and inclusion efforts through regional sponsorships across the U.S.

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.

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 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.

Alaska museums and cultural centers that are 501(c)(3), government, or tribal entities can receive up to US $20,000 to improve collections care, training, and public access. Alaska cultural institutions seeking small grants for collections management, conservation, digitization, exhibitions, or emergency collections care can access funding through Rasmuson Foundation’s Collection Management Fund, administered by Museums Alaska.

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 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 Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit organizations in Alaska seeking small project or program support can apply for funding for cultural institutions, education, community services, health facilities, environmental and wildlife efforts, and youth or senior programs. With a mission to help smaller initiatives, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 where modest grants can have big 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.

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.

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.

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.