News: Announcements & Press Releases

Announcements & Press Releases

Popular Large Grant Program Returns for Alaska Organizations

September 8, 2026

Rasmuson Foundation returns to its Tier 2 grant program, making it easier for Alaska organizations to find support for projects that benefits Alaskans.

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Announcements & Press Releases

Statewide Regional Convenings set for September 28

August 27, 2026

Alaska nonprofit, Tribal, and community leaders are invited to a series of virtual Regional Convenings on September 28.

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Announcements & Press Releases

Foundation Names Dickinson to Strengthen Grants Process

July 8, 2026

Dickinson brings added strength to the systems and support that help nonprofit and local government, including tribal partners, access and manage funding.

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Announcements & Press Releases

Statewide community-led efforts receive more than $7 million in Rasmuson Foundation funding

June 30, 2026

In June, the board approved 12 grants totaling $7 million to nonprofits and local governments, including Tribes, across Alaska.

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Announcements & Press Releases

Welcoming new directors, Issa Spatrisano and Sara Clark

May 21, 2026

Issa and Sara joins Rasmuson Foundation as Director Programs to provide leadership and work closely with program officers.

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Announcements & Press Releases

Sabbatical Awards Open to Alaska Nonprofit Leaders and Tribal Administrators

April 7, 2026

Applications for Rasmuson Foundation's Sabbatical Awards open on April 14. An informational webinar will be hosted on April 17, registration required.

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Announcements & Press Releases

Our 2025 Annual Letter to Alaska

March 11, 2026

Last year marked 70 years of empowering Alaskans to help each other and, over the years, we have awarded more than $570 million in grants across Alaska. 

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Announcements & Press Releases

Individual and Distinguished Artist Awards Open to Alaska Creators

March 5, 2026

Fellowships and Distinguished Artist open March 10. Please join us for our informational webinar on March 13.

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Announcements & Press Releases

Rasmuson Foundation invites applications that address child care funding solutions

February 19, 2026

Applications for one-time grant awards to develop community solutions around funding child care access will open Feb. 23.

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Announcements & Press Releases

LeeAnn Cooper Garrick Selected as Chief Operating Officer

January 28, 2026

Rasmuson Foundation welcomes LeeAnn Cooper Garrick as its Chief Operating Officer. In this newly added role, Garrick will join the Foundation’s executive...

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Announcements & Press Releases

Rasmuson Foundation welcomes new staff, announces executive promotion

January 14, 2026

The Foundation welcomes two new team members and announces expanded responsibilities for a key staff member.

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Announcements & Press Releases

Foundation Welcomes Dave Karp to Board of Directors

January 8, 2026

Karp, who was raised in Nome and resides in Anchorage, is the senior vice president and managing director for Saltchuk. He joins the board for a three-year...

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Announcements & Press Releases

Rasmuson Foundation invests $11.7 million in Alaska

December 12, 2025

The new investments support community efforts across Alaska. Additionally, the board approved an additional $5 million to its Housing and Homeless...

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Announcements & Press Releases

Eight leaders find renewal with annual Sabbatical Award

December 5, 2025

These Alaska leaders will receive three to four months of time away. Recipients plan to use their sabbaticals to travel the world and spend time with family.

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Announcements & Press Releases

Rasmuson Foundation announces the 2025 Individual Artist Awardees

December 4, 2025

Fifty Alaska artists will each receive a $10,000 grant as part of their Project Award.

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Announcements & Press Releases

Rasmuson Foundation awards $1 million to address hunger in Alaska

November 24, 2025

The funding, distributed among six partners, will provide for the purchase and distribution of over a million meals to ensure fewer Alaskans go hungry this...

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Announcements & Press Releases

Alutiiq Carver Jerry Laktonen Named 2025 Distinguished Artist

October 16, 2025

Rasmuson Foundation has named Kodiak-born carver Jerry Laktonen the 2025 Distinguished Artist. The award, which includes a $50,000 grant, honors his lifetime of...

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Announcements & Press Releases

Voices Across Alaska Fund boosted by $1.5 million Rasmuson Foundation investment

September 15, 2025

The Voices Across Alaska Fund will provide support to keep stations on the air and maintain broadcast licenses while leaders develop a longer-term, statewide...

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Announcements & Press Releases

Rasmuson Foundation Names Tasha Pineda Chief Program Officer

September 4, 2025

Rasmuson Foundation is proud to announce the promotion of Tasha Pineda to the newly created role of Chief Program Officer.

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Announcements & Press Releases

Rasmuson Foundation welcomes Issa Spatrisano as program officer

August 26, 2025

Spatrisano will support the Foundation’s strategic grantmaking, foster meaningful partnerships, and help implement solutions that reflect the ideas and...

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Announcements & Press Releases

Rasmuson Foundation approves $6.1 million in new investments at June board meeting

June 27, 2025

Rasmuson Foundation approved $6.1M to support housing, child care, libraries, and more — plus marked 70 years with a celebration in Eklutna.

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Announcements & Press Releases
Jodi Rodwell and her 81-year-old mother at Machu Picchu during Jodi’s 2024 sabbatical. The two stand smiling in front of the iconic stone ruins and green mountain backdrop.

Applications open for Rasmuson Foundation Sabbatical Awards

June 23, 2025

Applications for the 2026 Sabbatical Awards are now open. Up to eight Alaskans will each receive $50,000 for sabbaticals lasting 90 to 120 days.

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Announcements & Press Releases

Rasmuson Foundation celebrates 70 years of empowering Alaskans

May 28, 2025

In 1955, Jenny Rasmuson and her son, Elmer, honored her late husband’s memory with a simple act of generosity, a $3,000 investment to start Rasmuson...

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Announcements & Press Releases

Individual Artist Awards Return

May 2, 2025

Art may be different for each of us, but it is central to how we live, learn, and grow. From schools to small businesses to community spaces, local art is...

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