Juli Lucky, Lucy Hansen and Michelle Sparck are seen at the Polynesian Association of Alaska’s first Community Connection, where organizers shared information about the right to vote and where to go to register and cast ballots.
The Foundation’s Tier 1 awards of $25,000 or less typically fund capital projects and technology upgrades.
and local governments
Pacific Island cultures engage with community
The Polynesian Association of Alaska honors and amplifies the cultures of Pacific Islanders. Now the organization is broadening its reach with a civic and cultural engagement program to share education about voting and local issues through celebrations, a food security program and a dedicated voting rights event.
“Too often our voices go unheard, our problems go unaddressed and a vicious circle of disengagement and neglect perpetuates injustice,” the organization said in its grant application. “We hope this program will enhance respect toward the Asian & Pacific Island community as concerned and engaged citizens.”
In 2022, we joined with Miami-based Coulter Foundation on matching $25,000 civic engagement awards to the Polynesian Association and two other Alaska nonprofits. Though not typical Tier 1s, these grants addressed gaps in reach and services.