Palmer Community Foundation’s seeking applicants for competitive grant cycle

PALMER — The Palmer Community Foundation is currently seeking applications from local groups and nonprofits for their fourth annual competitive grant cycle through Feb. 15.

“We are excited about having this grant funding to give away. We want to make sure people are aware of it so they can get their ideas and their projects into the system and maybe receive funding to do great things in our community,” PCF advisory board chairman Mike Liebing said.

PCF is an affiliate of the Alaska Community Foundation that set out on a mission to grow a long-term community endowment for the city while providing short term needs with annual grants given out to fuel local projects and causes each year. They strive to support Palmer projects that enhance the quality of life, address immediate needs, and work toward long-term improvements.

“I see it as an amazing opportunity to bring resources into our small comm and set up this permanent endowment to ensure that there will be funds available to organizations to do great projects permanently into the future. What we’re doing today will have positive effects for 20 years, 30 years, 40 years down the road,” Liebing said.

According to Liebing, PCF has been raising funds to build a permanent endowment that will serve as a long term source of grant funding meant to last many years. He said the goal is to pave the way for future generations by promoting local groups and nonprofits that serve the community in a variety of ways, including public safety, health, recreation, arts, history, culture, and other quality-of-life areas.

While the exact amount of grant funding for this year’s selected applicants is not yet known, Liebing noted that it will be the largest amount given to date since they have more funding than ever before.

PCF draws from its permanent endowment to award the annual grants. He said that ACF provided additional funding due to the pandemic, which will greatly aid their efforts supporting local groups trying to stay ahead of the curve.

“It’s very encouraging…. We know there’s a need out there,” Liebing said.

According to Liebing, previous grant amounts ranged from $500 to $2,500. He said they’ve awarded grants to organizations like the Mat-Su Community Chorus, Mat-Su Trails and Parks foundation, The Sandwich Project, the Community Garden Project, and the Palmer Food Bank.

Applicants’ eligibility is determined by a daily flexible and wide range, according to Liebing. He said that applicants must be a qualified 501©(3) organization or equivalent (such as tribal entities, schools, and faith-based organizations) that support charitable organizations and programs in the area. He noted that groups who don’t qualify as a 501©(3) can still apply if they go through an established organization.

ACF and the Rasmussen Foundation provided the initial funding to help PCF get off the ground, and the community support grows each year, according to Liebing.

“Incredibly generous people have really helped out our community in that regard,” Liebing said.

Liebing said the Rasmussen matched $100,000 that PCF was able to raise from the community. He noted that ACF and Rasmussen are still matching donations.

“At least currently, it’s giving two dollars for every dollar you give,” Liebing said.

Liebing said they’re hoping for about 30 applications this year. He said they’ll likely award six to eight grants once they make their final selections. He said the board tries to be flexible as they can to find the most effective way to support community groups.

“It has been a really fantastic opportunity,” Liebing said. “It’s very rewarding to give these grants and see what these terrific groups and nonprofits have done with the money.”

PCF normally holds a number of community events and fundraisers, but they haven’t had any face to face interactions with the public since the onset of the pandemic. He said they’re still holding virtual meetings, and they hope to resume public gatherings during the summer and hold a 5 year anniversary celebration some time in the fall.

“Time will tell,” Liebing said. “When public policy allows it, we’ll have a more public presence... Until then, we will continue to meet and to fundraise virtually... When we can talk to people face to face, we’ll be right out there doing that.”

Liebing encourages applicants to put their “best foot forward” by reaching out to ask any question that requires clarification.

“Don’t feel like you have to guess at things. Get in touch with us. We want you to do the best job on your application that you possibly can,” Liebing said.

Grant applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. Feb. 15. For more information, call 907-334-6700 or visit visit palmercf.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com