Rasmuson announces first Legacy and Community Support grants 

For Immediate Release

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Dec. 20, 2024)

Two dozen projects across the state are recipients of Rasmuson Foundation’s newest grant programs. More than $11.3 million in Legacy and Community Support grants were announced this month, the first since the programs were introduced in July. In 2024, the Foundation has awarded more than $15.6 million through a portfolio of grant and investment programs.
 
Each investment supports Alaska organizations working on community needs including outdoor recreation, behavioral health, homelessness, community or cultural gathering spaces, the arts, and more. The selected projects enjoy broad community support and cross Alaska.   
 
For Foundation Health Partners in Fairbanks, a $1 million Legacy grant will go toward the build-out of inpatient behavioral health care services at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. This includes the design, construction, and furnishings for a four-bed pediatric behavioral health unit that hasn’t previously been available in Alaska’s Interior.
 
“There’s so much good happening in our state. We are thankful to the Alaskans who are working hard to make a difference,” said Rasmuson Foundation President and CEO Gretchen Guess. “Empowering Alaskans is our mission, whether they are building new community centers, fixing up their local trails, or developing essential programming.”
 
The City of Bethel is using a $250,000 Community Support grant to build a new animal care and control facility in its community. The new 1,600-sq-foot building will provide space for spay and neuter clinics, adoptions, vaccinations, injuries and illness treatment, and community education programs.
 
In Anchorage, a $200,000 Community Support grant to Singletrack Advocates will create new mountain bike trails and help complete a 5.5-mile, year-round, multi-use trail in Far North Bicentennial Park.
 
Click here to download the list of recent large investments. 

About Rasmuson Foundation:
Rasmuson Foundation is a private family foundation based in Anchorage, Alaska, with a mission to empower Alaskans to help each other. The Foundation was created in 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson, a Swedish missionary, and her son Elmer, to honor her late husband, missionary, and banker E.A. Rasmuson.