26 Alaska communities receive 2024 Tier 1 grants: More than $1.2M to support for Alaska organizations

The Rasmuson Foundation wrapped up 2024 with more than $1.2M in capital awards granted to communities across Alaska. From urban Anchorage to remote St. Lawrence Island, 26 Alaska communities have received the Foundation's Tier 1 grant, which support one-time expenses up to $35,000 that organizations can buy, build, fix, or create with.

Six Wasilla organizations received recently awards, along with one Palmer organization. One out of every three awards went to first-time recipients of Foundation grants, including nonprofits and local governments, such as Tribal organizations, all working within their communities toward different missions and goals.

Among the local awardees are Onward & Upward, which received money to support canoe expeditions; Valley Charities to help support their nonprofit thrift store; Valley Residential Services, who will use the money to upgrade their boiler; Wasilla Area Seniors plans to use the funds to make roof repairs for the Knik Manor carport; Catholic Camp and Conference Ministries of Alaska will use funds to install water lines for staff cabins; and Links Mat-Su Parent Resource Center, Inc is using their grant for relocation support.

Alaska Safe Riders in Palmer plans to use the money to purchase a mobile trailer for education and outreach.

“We’re proud to further expand our network of grant partners across the state,” said Chris Perez, Vice President of Programs at Rasmuson Foundation. “Tier 1s are some of our favorite grants because they can make a quick impact. Often considered our small grants, organizations have demonstrated that these amounts continue to make a big difference.”

Among these 50 projects, some of the most popular grant requests across all areas of Alaska were for infrastructure like boilers and septic systems. Capital requests of this nature are true to the spirit of the Tier 1 grant, which is intended for one-time expenses that organizations can buy, build, fix, or create with. By addressing these structural needs for its partners, the Foundation can support the important work they do in their communities.

Alaska organizations are invited to learn more about Tier 1 grant eligibility and to apply online at Rasmuson.org/find-funding. Applications are accepted year-round and benefit from a fast-track 90-day review process.

The Rasmuson Foundation is a private family foundation based in Anchorage, Alaska, with a mission to empower Alaskans to help each other. The Foundation was created in 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson, a Swedish missionary, and her son Elmer, to honor her late husband, missionary, and banker E.A. Rasmuson.