Hello Alaska,

It’s Alaska State Fair season, which always carries its own traditions for everyone. For me, it’s Alaska-sized vegetables and the taste of dipped corn. For non-Fair goers, it may be the end of fish camp, berry-picking time, or moose harvest. We all rush to get just a bit more of what Alaska has to offer.   

At the Foundation, it has been a return to core grantmaking. This month we introduced the Community Support and Legacy grants for projects up to and more than $250,000. Our team is inspired by the response to the new programs and the requests for meetings to discuss the best options. We know that our response times and availability for one-on-one meetings are a little further out than where we want to be. Hang in there with us, your work is important and we’re giving each request the time and care it deserves. Please know that scheduling a meeting ​is not required before​ applying for any of our grants. Months of work have gone into simplifying the application process and providing clarity and transparency through our grant guidelines, all of which can be found on our website.  

With the reintroduction of our core grantmaking, we’re also reflecting on the ​past​ year and our 2023 giving. You allowed us to make more than $23 million in investments, none of which would have happened if not for the innovative, community-led, and tireless efforts of Alaska’s nonprofits, tribal organizations, and local government entities. We share our Annual Letter each year to celebrate this work and highlight what is being done around the state. Thank you, Alaska, for continuing a culture of helping each other. I’m so proud to be home.  

With gratitude,

Gretchen Guess

President & CEO, Rasmuson Foundation