Alaska Community Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $14,003,731 (2023)
Total Assets: $213.7 million
Decision Time: 4-6 weeks
Grant Range: $1,000 - $50,000 (varies by program)
Geographic Focus: Statewide Alaska
Total Grants Awarded: 389 grants (2023)

Contact Details

Address: Anchorage, AK

Phone: 907-334-6700

Email: grants@alaskacf.org

Website: https://alaskacf.org

Grant Opportunities Page: https://alaskacf.org/grants/

Overview

The Alaska Community Foundation (ACF), established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with EIN 92-0155067, cultivates, celebrates, and sustains all forms of philanthropy to strengthen Alaska's communities. The foundation manages over 500 funds, including eleven Affiliate and 5 partner community funds, with assets totaling more than $213.7 million. Since its inception, ACF has awarded over $230 million in charitable grants to nonprofit organizations across Alaska, distributing $14 million in 2023 through 389 grants. ACF earned a Four-Star rating (100% score) from Charity Navigator, reflecting strong financial health and accountability. The foundation's strategic approach focuses on capacity building, food security, suicide prevention, workforce development, disaster response, and supporting Alaska's public media infrastructure.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Strengthening Organizations Grant ($4,000 - $10,000)

Partnership with Rasmuson Foundation
Supports organizational capacity building, leadership training, strategic planning, board development
Most awards range between $4,000-$6,000, with maximum of $10,000
Application method: Online portal with annual deadline (typically September)

Camp Initiative (up to $45,000)

Collaborative effort between ACF, Rasmuson Foundation, Mat-Su Health Foundation, and other donors
Supports summer enrichment programming for Alaskan youth
Large/rural camps: up to $45,000; other camps: up to $20,000
Application period: December 1 - January 30

Community Food Security Through Gardening Grant ($10,000)

10 grants of $10,000 each awarded annually
Legacy gift from Gerald and Kathryn Freeley
Eligible for follow-up grant of $10,000 upon completion of final report
Supports gardening projects addressing food security

GCI Suicide Prevention Grant ($1,000 - $15,000)

Partnership with GCI
Average award: $7,500
Funds mental wellness and suicide prevention projects
Application period: May 1 - June 13

Social Justice Fund (up to $15,000)

Supports organizations eliminating systemic discrimination
Promotes equal rights and equitable opportunities
Application period: December 1 - January

Vocational Fund for Alaska's Future ($10,000 - $50,000)

Total 2025 awards: over $300,000
Supports workforce development in natural resource industries
Preference for projects benefiting rural Alaska

Alaska Kidney Foundation Grants (up to $25,000)

Addresses kidney disease prevention, treatment, and support

Anchorage Trail Care Fund (up to $2,500)

Summer soft surface trail maintenance and construction in Anchorage Bowl

Anchorage Schools Foundation Small Grants (various amounts)

Supports activities enhancing student success in Anchorage School District
Open to principals, teachers, nurses, counselors, administrators, certified staff

Affiliate Community Foundation Grants (amounts vary)

11 different local communities across Alaska
Deadlines range from January to September
Serves local nonprofits in specific regions

Alaska Impact Reporting Initiative ($36,000 total pool)

Stories on underreported issues in Alaska
Application period: August 1 - October 1

Alaska Arts Reporting Initiative ($10,000 total pool)

Most awards approximately $5,000
Arts and culture stories
Application period: August 1 - October 1

Anchorage Football, Flag Football, and Choir Grants

Flag football teams: $1,500
Football teams: up to $7,500
Choir groups: $1,000
Application period: January 15 - March 31

Priority Areas

ACF actively funds:

Organizational capacity building and nonprofit infrastructure
Food security and gardening initiatives
Suicide prevention and mental health
Workforce development and vocational training in natural resource industries
Youth camp and summer enrichment programs
Public media sustainability
Disaster relief and community recovery
Social justice and equity initiatives
Trail maintenance and outdoor recreation
Education enhancement in Alaska schools

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions vary by grant program. Applicants should review individual grant guidelines for program-specific restrictions.

Governance and Leadership

Leadership

Alexandra McKay - President & CEO

Joined ACF in February 2024
Previously Vice President of Strategies and Impact at Rasmuson Foundation, managing $30 million in grant programs
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Counsel for Casey Family Foundation
Former Deputy Director at Schultz Family Foundation
Education: Bachelor's in Social Psychology (University of Pennsylvania), JD (Stanford Law School), LLM (University of Washington)
Quote: "Alaskans are generous by nature and ACF is a way for Alaskans to invest in the future of our state today and for future generations."
Vision: "Listening. Learning. Looking Forward."

Programs and Grants Leadership

Megan Cacciola - VP of Programs & Grants

Joe Sonnier - Director of Programs & Grants

Jackson Allan - Grants & Scholarships Associate

Jen Cross - Program Officer

Board of Directors

Tom Barrett - Board Chair

Vice Admiral (Retired), US Coast Guard

Jessica Graham - Vice Chair

Chief Risk Officer & General Counsel, Global Federal Credit Union

Monica Shah - Board Secretary

Director of Collections and Chief Conservator, Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center

Bernard Gatewood - Board Treasurer

G2 Diversified Services, Fairbanks

Board Members:

Margo Bellamy - School Board Member, Anchorage School District
Pearl K. Brower - President and CEO, Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC)
Rita De La Torre - CPA & Director, Swalling & Associates, PC
Haven Harris - Vice President of Corporate Development, Bering Straits Native Corporation
Victor Joseph - Tanana Tribal Council
Aaron Kusano - MD, Anchorage & Valley Radiation Therapy Centers
Anthony Mallott - Community Volunteer, Juneau
Kris Norosz - Government Affairs Director (Retired), Icicle Seafoods
Lisa Parker - President, Parker Horn Company
David Shaftel - Attorney, Shaftel Law Offices, PC

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

ACF uses an online Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) portal for most competitive grant programs. The application process includes:

Review Eligibility: Visit the Grant Opportunities page at https://alaskacf.org/grants/ and review guidelines for specific grant programs, noting eligibility requirements and deadlines
Create Account: First-time users select "Create New Account" and complete required information. Returning applicants log in with existing credentials
Collaborate: Multiple team members can work on the same application by inviting collaborators through the GLM system
Select Grant: From the Application Status Page, select "Apply" to access available grants and confirm eligibility
Submit: Review application thoroughly for errors before submitting. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited
Reapplication: The GLM portal allows applicants to copy previous requests to new applications using the "Copy Request" feature. Some grant opportunities require completing previous reporting requirements before reapplying

Application Tutorial: Available at https://alaskacf.org/grant-application-tutorial/

Technical Support: Contact grants@alaskacf.org or 907-334-6700 for platform issues

Decision Timeline

Review Process: 4-6 weeks typically

The review process includes:

Staff review for completeness
Volunteer committee review (2-3 weeks)
Selection committee meeting
Potential follow-up discussions

Specific programs may have different timelines based on application volume and committee schedules.

Success Rates

ACF awarded 389 grants in 2023 from total annual giving of $14,003,731. Specific success rates vary by program and are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

ACF allows reapplication for unsuccessful applicants. The GLM portal includes functionality to copy previous applications to new grant cycles. Applicants should ensure any previous reporting requirements are completed before reapplying for certain grant programs.

Application Success Factors

Funder-Specific Advice

Draft Review Encouragement: For the Strengthening Organizations Grant, "Applicants are strongly encouraged to ask for a draft review of their application." ACF staff are available to help applicants refine their proposals.

Staff Support: While formal draft reviews are not offered for all programs, staff are happy to answer specific questions via email (grants@alaskacf.org) or phone (907-334-6700).

SMART Goals Framework: ACF recommends developing responses, particularly in the "Outcomes & Measuring Success" section, using SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) rather than vague objectives.

Evaluation Criteria

General Applications:

Likelihood of success: Organization demonstrates capability and viable plan
Organizational capacity: Experienced staff with necessary training and resources
Secured funding: Evidence of additional funding sources or sustainability plan

Social Justice Grants:

Mission: Extent to which organization focuses on advancing social justice
Outcomes: Expected impact and measurable results
Community: Who is served and quality of relationship with that community
Approach: Organization's social justice methodology and effectiveness rationale

Camp Initiative:

Capacity to Implement: Demonstrated ability to implement camps safely and responsibly, reviewing organizational history and fiscal capacity
Reach & Impact: Extent to which proposal increases quantity or improves quality of youth camp experiences, including commitment to reach under-resourced families
Equitable Access: Contribution to ensuring youth statewide have equitable access to diverse camp experiences

Recent Grant Examples

2024 Strengthening Organizations Grantees (over $100,000 total):

Alaska Safe Riders (Palmer): Expanded ability to deliver backcountry and all-purpose vehicle safety training

Voices Across Alaska Fund (2024): $2.9 million awarded to Alaska's public media stations in rapid-response initiative after loss of federal funding

Disaster Relief: Ongoing support for Western Alaska communities affected by Typhoon Merbok, demonstrating ACF's commitment to long-term recovery

Trail Care: Chugach Park Fund grants supporting volunteer workdays for safer, more accessible trails

What Makes Applications Stand Out

Clear demonstration of organizational capacity and track record
Specific, measurable outcomes using SMART goals framework
Evidence of community engagement and relationships
Sustainable funding plans beyond grant period
Alignment with ACF's mission to strengthen Alaska communities
For capacity building grants: focus on systems, staff development, and organizational infrastructure that enables long-term mission fulfillment
For program-specific grants: adherence to stated criteria and clear connection to program objectives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Leverage Staff Support: ACF actively encourages applicants to reach out with questions and seek guidance, particularly for the Strengthening Organizations Grant where draft reviews are encouraged
Use SMART Goals: Frame outcomes and success measures using specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives
Multiple Opportunities: With over a dozen active grant programs, organizations should explore multiple ACF funding streams that align with their mission
Relationship Building: ACF values collaboration and community connections; emphasize partnerships and community relationships in applications
Capacity Focus: ACF strongly supports organizational infrastructure and capacity building, not just programmatic work
Alaska-Centric: Demonstrate deep understanding of Alaska's unique needs, challenges, and communities
Reapplication Friendly: The portal's copy feature and lack of stated restrictions suggest ACF welcomes reapplication from unsuccessful applicants with improved proposals

References

Alaska Community Foundation Official Website - https://alaskacf.org - Accessed January 6, 2026
Alaska Community Foundation Grant Opportunities Page - https://alaskacf.org/grants/ - Accessed January 6, 2026
Alaska Community Foundation How to Apply Tutorial - https://alaskacf.org/grant-application-tutorial/ - Accessed January 6, 2026
Alaska Community Foundation Board Page - https://alaskacf.org/board/ - Accessed January 6, 2026
Alaska Community Foundation Staff Page - https://alaskacf.org/acf-staff/ - Accessed January 6, 2026
Alaska Community Foundation Grant Opportunities FAQs - https://alaskacf.org/grant-opportunities-frequently-asked-questions/ - Accessed January 6, 2026
Alaska Community Foundation Strengthening Organizations Program - https://alaskacf.org/strengthing-organizations-in-alaska/ - Accessed January 6, 2026
GuideStar Profile for Alaska Community Foundation (EIN 92-0155067) - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/92-0155067 - Accessed January 6, 2026
Charity Navigator Rating for Alaska Community Foundation - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/920155067 - Accessed January 6, 2026
Alaska Business Magazine, "Alaska Community Foundation Selects Alexandra McKay as New President and CEO" - https://www.akbizmag.com/industry/nonprofits/alaska-community-foundation-selects-alexandra-mckay-as-new-president-and-ceo/ - Accessed January 6, 2026
Alaska Community Foundation 2024 Strengthening Organizations Grant Award Announcement - https://alaskacf.org/2024-strengthening-organizations-grant-award/ - Accessed January 6, 2026
Alaska Community Foundation Grant Awards Page - https://alaskacf.org/grant-recipients/ - Accessed January 6, 2026
Alaska Community Foundation Impact Stories - https://alaskacf.org/impact-stories/ - Accessed January 6, 2026
Cause IQ Profile for Alaska Community Foundation - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/alaska-community-foundation,920155067/ - Accessed January 6, 2026
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer for Alaska Community Foundation - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/920155067 - Accessed January 6, 2026