Rasmuson Foundation Grants

Large grants of more than $35,000 for significant capital projects, programs of strategic importance, and innovative solutions to issues of community or statewide significance. Eligible projects often require multiple funding sources, and applicants are encouraged to secure some or most needed funding before applying. Eligible applicants: Organizations must be actively working in Alaska.; Eligible organizations must be an established 501(c)(3) classified as not a private foundation, or a local or Tribal government.; Faith-based organizations may be eligible if their project has broad community impact.; For nonprofit organizations, 501(c)(3) status must have been obtained at least one year before the application date, and at least one completed fiscal year of financial statements should be available.; Individuals are not eligible.; An organization may have only one active Tier 2 grant at the same time as a Tier 1 grant, and the grants must be for different projects.; The Foundation does not fund organizations that discriminate against any individual or class of individuals based on any characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law.; Applicants must first speak with a program officer and submit a Letter of Inquiry; select organizations will then be invited to submit and present a full proposal.; Applicants must be prepared to provide information about their funding stack, project budget, organizational financials, and how the project will benefit Alaskans.; Partners are expected to engage in pre-development conversations and strategic planning before launching a major project, including securing additional funding and creating a sustainability plan.; The Foundation generally does not fund salaries.; Projects associated with core government functions such as roads, utilities, public safety, and K-12 education are generally not funded.; Deficits and debt reduction are generally not funded.; Endowments and scholarships are generally not funded.; Fundraising events and sponsorships are generally not funded.; Reimbursement for items already purchased is generally not funded.; Full Tier 2 proposals require a site visit, typically involving key staff and board members from the applicant organization.; Applications are evaluated based on criteria including the organization's track record, fiscal and management capacity, an active board and experienced staff, sources of financial support, project readiness, sustainability, and benefit to the organization and community served.; The Foundation prioritizes organizations in which all board members contribute financially; this expectation does not apply to local governments, including Tribal governments.; The Foundation expects significant financial support from the community where the project is located.. Geography served: Alaska. Deadline: Pre-applications, known as a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), are accepted year-round and reviewed in two annual cycles..