Media Contact: Emily Cho, echo@rasmuson.org  

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Rasmuson Foundation approved $6.1 million in new investments at its recent board meeting, supporting libraries, affordable housing, behavioral health care, child care, and cultural centers across Alaska.

“Each of these projects reflects the strength and spirit of Alaskans serving their communities,” said Gretchen Guess, Rasmuson Foundation president and CEO. “We’re grateful to stand alongside people who are building places for learning, healing, and connection. They show us what’s possible when we invest in each other.”

The Foundation’s work is shaped by Alaskans from every corner of the state. Its board includes Rasmuson family members and community leaders who come together twice a year to make decisions about major grants, assess long-term strategy, and listen to and learn from partners. In addition to grant approvals, the board takes on site visits and service projects with Foundation staff.

The June board meeting also coincided with the Foundation’s 70th anniversary, which was marked with a celebration with board members, staff, and their loved ones at the Pow Wow Grounds in Eklutna. The Native Village of Eklutna hosted the Foundation for a family picnic, and as part of the anniversary gathering, Eklutna was presented with a $25,000 gift to honor its community efforts.

Rasmuson Foundation invests about $25 million annually in grants to support Alaska nonprofits and local governments, including tribes. While grants are competitive, funding remains available through several programs. Tier 1 grants (up to $35,000 for capital projects) are reviewed on a rolling basis. Community Support grants (up to $250,000) are awarded quarterly. Legacy grants (exceeding $250,000), which support larger capital or programmatic needs, are approved by the board twice a year. Strategic investments are awarded by invitation.

June grant approvals:

Legacy grants:

  • City of Palmer – $500,000 to support reconstruction of its public library.
  • Habitat for Humanity Anchorage – $300,000 to purchase and renovate space for its ReStore, offices, and education programs.
  • Native Village of Chitina – $300,000 to build a new 5,600-square-foot community and multipurpose center.
  • First United Methodist Church of Anchorage – $750,000 to convert unused church space into a child care center.

Community Support grants:

  • Resource Center for Parents & Children – $169,000 to continue trauma-informed behavioral health services for youth in Fairbanks.
  • Douglas Indian Association – $250,000 to create a new community center focused on language, education, and cultural gathering.

Program-Related Investments:

  • Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust – $700,000 grant and $234,000 loan to support fishing quota purchases and launch the Southeast Village Fisheries Collective.
  • City of Saxman – $500,000 loan to help construct 20 new units of affordable housing.

Strategic Grantmaking:

  • Federal Response Fund – $300,000 to help nonprofits and tribal partners respond to changes in federal funding and policy.
  • Tending the Future Initiative – $2 million to expand access to child care and build long-term sustainability across Alaska over two years.
  • Catholic Social Services – $100,000 to pilot expanded immigration and refugee legal services and support staff accreditation.

The board also received updates on previously approved grants made in 2025:

  • Tier 1 grants totaled $1.65 million across 76 awards.
  • Community Support grants totaled $2.4 million across 14 awards. 
  • Strategic grantmaking totaled $639,000 in Homelessness Initiative grants.

The Foundation’s 70th anniversary offered a moment of celebration and a renewed commitment to the work ahead.

“As we reflect on seven decades of giving, we are reminded that our most meaningful impact comes through our relationships with Alaskans,” said Guess. “That’s how we began — and that’s how we’ll continue.”