Investing in catalytic, long-term solutions
What is Strategic Grantmaking?
Rasmuson Foundation address major social and economic challenges through its strategic grantmaking.
These grants are by invitation, and include long-term investments that create systems-level change or meet the moment through partnership and collaboration with communities.
Current Initiatives
Housing & Homelessness
The Housing & Homelessness Initiative works toward making homelessness rare, brief, and a one-time experience for Alaskans.
To achieve this, strategic grantmaking efforts are focused on community-led solutions to increasing housing units; supporting integrated homelessness response systems; and supporting youth-focused homelessness prevention.
The Rasmuson Foundation Board of Directors established the Housing & Homelessness Initiative in 2018, and in 2025, committed to extending the program through 2030, with a total investment of $30 million.
Child Care Fund (Tending the Future)
Child Care Fund aims to support local leaders and solutions that lessen the impact of child care shortages on Alaska families, employers, and the economy. There are three goals: maintain access, increase local ownership, and grow sustainable funding.
The Rasmuson Foundation Board of Directors approved this fund in 2025 with $2 million through 2027.
UA Arctic Leadership Program
In 2024, the Rasmuson Foundation Board of Directors invested $5 million in the University of Alaska’s Arctic Leadership Initiative through 2029.
The program works to develop the next generation of Alaska leaders who will address the changing climate, pursue economic opportunities, support Indigenous communities, and make global-scale impacts in the Arctic. A key focus is fostering young Alaskan’s leadership skills to ensure a legacy of Arctic leaders within local communities, public agencies, private partners, and Alaska Native organizations.
Additional Resources
Alaska’s one-stop resource center
The Foraker Group is the statewide support organization for Alaska nonprofits with courses, consultations and guides. Get help with audits, board development, fundraising, communications and more.
Strengthening Organizations grants
Explore grants that support leadership and organizational development awarded through our partner, The Alaska Community Foundation.