Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Alaska

Alaska-based nonprofit organizations with wildlife viewing, ecotourism, or wildlife education projects in Alaska can apply for Alaska Conservation Foundation’s Watchable Wildlife Conservation Trust grants, offering up to US $5,000 for interpretation, education, trails, facilities, research, or habitat acquisition. Travel and tourism initiatives that enhance sustainable wildlife viewing may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on ecotourism, environmental conservation, or restorative economies in Alaska can seek support for projects on private lands, ecosystem restoration, or conservation policy. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help U.S. organizations, especially in key regions, with awards typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000.

The NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance cultural heritage tourism through collaboration with Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. By providing technical assistance and capacity-building support, this initiative seeks to increase visitation and enrich tourism activities while respecting native traditions and values. The selected recipient will coordinate with federal agencies to ensure effective implementation, with funding available for an initial year and potential continuation for up to five years based on performance.

Students pursuing tourism or hospitality-related majors who are from Bucks County and attending accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools can receive scholarship support through Bucks County Foundation. Tourism-focused students with ties to Alaska travel and tourism may be eligible if they meet the residency and field-of-study requirements.

Students in Alaska studying aviation or hospitality can receive higher education funding to support travel and tourism careers through scholarships from The Columbus Foundation, including the NetJets Scholarship. Eligible full-time U.S. students with a 3.5 GPA or higher and no criminal record may receive US $25,000 toward their studies.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate juniors and seniors in tourism, gaming, financial, or hospitality fields, and graduate students in business or gaming/hospitality-related degrees in Alaska can access funding through Native Forward Scholars Fund. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund provide US $2,500 - US $5,000 per academic year for full-time study at accredited institutions across the U.S.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Invasive and Noxious Plant Management program focuses on preventing and controlling invasive species that threaten public lands and native plant communities. These invasive plants impose significant economic burdens and disrupt ecosystems. The program aims to enhance detection, rapid response, and education on invasive species, while also promoting rehabilitation efforts and biological control to protect valuable resources on public lands.

Alaska nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can access funding through the Labcorp Charitable Foundation for programs like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and wellness initiatives. Travel and tourism groups in Alaska may be eligible if their projects advance these community-focused priorities.

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) organizations addressing poverty, education, health, disaster relief, animal welfare, or conservation can seek program support from the Robinson Foundation; funding is limited to single-year, non-capital projects. Focused on community hardship relief, the foundation invites Southern U.S. charities, including those with ecotourism or nature-based tourism elements, to demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska working on community development, housing, jobs, hunger, or related basic needs may be eligible for sponsorship support. With a mission to advance economic mobility and social progress, Bank of America Charitable Foundation also considers arts, culture, environmental, and diversity initiatives that help sustain vibrant local communities and tourism economies.

Alaska travel and tourism nonprofits, especially those focused on wildlife conservation and related environmental work, can access funding through Jesse W Couch Foundation to share their impact through storytelling projects. Registered 501(c)(3)s or aligned for-profit organizations working within the foundation’s preservation, education, or wellness pillars may be eligible for awards of more than US $50,000.

Alaska tourism and ecotourism nonprofits can access funding through the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award, which honors exemplary cross-sector collaborations addressing social issues. U.S.-based organizations that model strong, replicable partnerships with public, private, or social sector leaders may be recognized for impactful community-building work.

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.

Alaska nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, or cultural enrichment can apply for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants to support their programs. Focused on strengthening communities, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes to request funding that may also benefit local tourism economies through revitalization and arts access.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Alaska can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Projects that strengthen community safety, economic opportunity, or learning, including efforts that may enhance local tourism economies, may be competitive.

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 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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska supporting children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary program support. Costco Foundation supports youth, education, and community health programs in communities where it operates, so Alaska groups with evidence-based outcomes and broad financial backing may benefit, including those whose work intersects with local tourism economies.

Gupta Family Foundation provides Alaska nonprofits and other eligible organizations with funding to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant and to support disaster relief. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) entities and qualifying foreign organizations working in human and social services, poverty alleviation, disability services, or humanitarian aid can receive US $5,000 - US $250,000 in annual or multi-year support.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence services in Alaska can access funding via TJX Foundation if located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. Eligible groups may benefit travel and tourism communities indirectly through youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety-focused programs for vulnerable families and children.

Alaska cultural nonprofits offering arts or science programming can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation to support impactful programs, capital projects, or limited general and endowment needs. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions such as museums, theaters, symphonies, ballets, and arts schools may receive more than US $100,000, with preference for youth engagement, arts education, and STEAM initiatives.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.