Alaska non-profits awarded more than $1 million in grants

WASILLA — The Mat-Su Health Foundation has awarded five “Healthy Impact Grants” totaling $1,077,800 to support projects that improve the health and wellness of local residents.

“As stewards of one of the Mat-Su’s greatest assets, we strive to impact the community’s health across the vast geography of the borough,” said MSHF Executive Director Elizabeth Ripley in a press release. “We encourage grant applications that are collaborative in nature and offer creative ways to enhance the health and wellness of people in the Mat-Su.”

Healthy Impact Grants are awarded twice annually.

In this round, the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska was awarded $405,000 for the next three years to provide chore services in-home for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia disorders, as well as respite for the family members who care for them.

Mat-Su Health Services received a grant of $330,300 for the next two years that will help the organization go green by moving all paper-based medical records onto its electronic health record system. Mat-Su Health Services provides primary and behavioral health services to local residents who are uninsured and underinsured.

Meadow Lakes Community Development received $96,500 to help the all-volunteer organization construct a portion of the final phase in a six-phase community park center. The funding is already being put to use for construction of a softball field and tennis courts in the area.

The Student Conservation Association was awarded $110,000 for the next two years to support a Mat-Su Youth Trail Crew in expanding access to the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge. The Association provides young people with service opportunities across the nation and has recently focused on the Mat-Su.

This summer, 16 local youth served on the crew. They have ceased work for the season but plan to pick up again next year.

Sunshine Community Health Center received $136,000 to support the community health center with purchase and installation of new IT infrastructure to replace and supplement old and over-used equipment that supports its electronic health record system.

Healthy Impact grants are available to fund projects over $15,000 that will improve the health and wellness of people living in the Mat-Su Borough. The application period for the next round of these grants will open Nov. 17.

For grants of $15,000 or less, non-profit organizations can apply year-round through the Target Wellness program. Full details concerning all Mat-Su Health Foundation grant programs can be found at healthymatsu.org.

Contact Caitlin Skvorc at 352-2266 or caitlin.skvorc@frontiersman.com.