Dear Alaskans,

May is a time of light, renewal, and reflection. It’s also a moment to pause and appreciate the people, especially the mothers, who shape our lives and communities. As we celebrate Rasmuson Foundation’s 70th anniversary, I’ve been thinking about one woman in particular: Jenny Olson Rasmuson.

Jenny wasn’t just the Foundation’s founder—she was a mother, a leader, and a person of deep faith. In 1955, she and her son, Elmer, launched the Foundation in honor of her late husband, E.A. Rasmuson. But the vision was bigger than one family. It was about continuing a legacy of service and creating something that could last—and grow—with Alaska.

Jenny and her husband were Swedish immigrants who first came to Alaska separately as missionaries. They met in Yakutat and left a decade later, but Alaska stayed with Jenny. She missed it enough to return just two years after leaving—and that decision shaped everything that came next.

Her leadership wasn’t about headlines—it was about commitment. The first Foundation grant? $125 for a projector at the Wasilla Presbyterian Church. Jenny covered the rest out of her own pocket. That kind of action—quiet, intentional, and grounded in values—set the tone for the Foundation’s future.

Jenny didn’t build a large institution. She built trust. Her son, Elmer, followed suit, dedicating most of his estate to ensure the Foundation’s future. Later, his son Ed did the same. These were transformative decisions, made not for personal recognition but for long-term impact.

Today, the Foundation has awarded more than $550 million in grants across Alaska. That number reflects thousands of partnerships with local nonprofits and governments, tribal leaders, artists, librarians, and everyday Alaskans doing the work to strengthen their communities.

Jenny’s example continues to guide us. Her saying, “Do good,” still defines our approach. We lead by listening, showing up, and backing those already doing the hard work. Our mission reflects the same: to empower Alaskans to support each other.

This anniversary isn’t just about looking back. It’s about honoring a decision that changed the trajectory of Alaska’s philanthropic landscape. A mother’s vision. A family’s commitment. A community that continues to grow because someone decided to invest in it, with heart, humility, and a projector.  

Thank you for all you do,