Alaska has generated significant wealth, yet the philanthropic infrastructure is young. These investments seek to grow individual giving, seed the development of community funds, and educate private philanthropies about opportunities to invest in Alaska’s social sector.
Pick.Click.Give.
Pick.Click.Give. was conceived by partners including Rasmuson Foundation as a way to increase charitable giving by Alaskans. The program was created in 2008 by the Alaska State Legislature as a three-year pilot project. It is now a permanent part of the Permanent Fund Dividend Program (PFD). Alaskans who file online for their PFD can direct charitable contributions to hundreds of eligible Alaska nonprofits. The Foundation provided start-up and operating costs, and continues to fund operating and administrative expenses.
Community Foundation Affiliate Program
Since the launch of the Community Foundation Affiliate Program in 2008, 11 communities have created endowed affiliate funds through The Alaska Community Foundation: Haines/Klukwan, central Kenai Peninsula, Upper Susitna Valley, Petersburg, Seward, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Sitka, Cordova and Palmer. The objectives are to cultivate local philanthropic leadership capacity, encourage individual philanthropy, and create permanent charitable assets for Alaska communities.
Grantmakers Tour of Alaska
Since 1997, Rasmuson Foundation has hosted philanthropy leaders from Outside for week-long visits to encourage more investment in Alaska nonprofits. To date, more than 100 individuals representing more than 70 foundations have participated. Participating foundations have given more than $110 million to Alaska organizations. The Tour is a collaborative activity with a dozen financial sponsors and hundreds of Alaskans as partners.