Rasmuson Foundation invests $7 million in community-led efforts

Alaska nonprofits and local governments, including Tribes, received $7,065,000 in funding to support community-led efforts ranging from performing arts and community centers to medical transport, commercial mariculture development, and more. Rasmuson Foundation’s board of directors announced the awards following a June board meeting in Fairbanks.

The board approved 12 grants totaling $6,065,000, along with a $1 million allocation to support local philanthropy efforts.

Community-serving organizations from Ketchikan to Nulato received the awards. Two organizations, Grow Ketchikan and Tangirnaq Native Village, are first-time recipients of Foundation funding.

Tangirnaq, one of 10 federally recognized tribes on the Kodiak Archipelago, relocated from Woody Island to the City of Kodiak 50 years ago. A $300,000 Foundation grant supports construction of a tribal center, a significant step in the tribe’s progress toward building community identity and stewarding the memory and history of its people.

“Good things are happening across Alaska,” said Rasmuson Foundation President and CEO Gretchen Guess. “Through large and small projects, Alaskans keep helping each other. We are proud to stand alongside these partners as they do the work that’s best for their communities.”

Grow Ketchikan, an economic development nonprofit, is working with partners to build a kelp and oyster seed production and research facility. A $250,000 Foundation grant supports the development of the Ketchikan Mariculture Hub. The hub will be the first publicly accessible mariculture research facility of its kind in the state and is intended to strengthen long-term farm productivity and grow economic opportunities in the region.

Alaska Legal Services Corp. will use a $1 million grant to expand free civil legal service aid in Alaska. With 11 offices and a network of Community Justice Workers, Alaska Legal Services supports low-income Alaskans in need of civil legal assistance with housing, family safety, and benefits access.

The more than $7 million in board-approved funding is in addition to more than $5 million awarded by Rasmuson Foundation in early 2026 through other grantmaking efforts.

Funding is still available for organizations serving Alaskans. More information on grant programs, eligibility, and how to connect with program staff members is available at Rasmuson.org. Interested organizations may schedule time with program officers directly on the Foundation website.

June project approvals:

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts – $400,000 to replace the boiler stacks and roof heat trace system.
Alaska Legal Services Corporation – $1 million to increase legal services across Alaska.
Alaska Public Media – $650,000 to replace broadcast and information technology systems.
Anchorage Sportsplex (The Dome) – $1 million to replace the fabric of the air-supported structure and purchase an air blower, lighting, and track resurfacing.
Grow Ketchikan – $250,000 to purchase hatchery and nursery equipment and support kelp and oyster seed production.
Gulkana Village Council – $350,000 to support the construction of a new community center.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough – $300,000 to upgrade the playground and utilities at Matanuska River Park Campgrounds, including adding signage to designate the park as part of the Alaska Long Trail.
Native Village of Eklutna – $1 million toward construction of a new community center.
Nulato Tribal Council – $450,000 to support construction of a new community center.
Seattle Children’s Hospital – $175,000 to purchase an Airborne NxtGen Transport Incubator for neonatal and infant patients.
Tangirnaq Native Village – $300,000 to support construction of a new community center.
University of Alaska Fairbanks – Geophysical Institute – $190,000 to develop Alaska-relevant science curriculum.