Photo description: Juneau Jazz & Classics hosted a Sunday Serenade with Martha Masters on Mother’s Day at the University of Alaska Southeast.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned working with Alaska nonprofits and tribal organizations, it’s this: you don’t always need to spend a lot to make meaningful change. Sometimes, all it takes is updated technology or a new piece of equipment to improve your mission reach and impact.

That’s why I’ve always had a soft spot for the Rasmuson Foundation’s Tier 1 grants. These grants, capped at $35,000, are designed to support projects to buy, build, create, or fix something essential. Last year, there were many requests to replace or repair boilers, roofs, and septic systems—changes that are essential but not always glamorous.

A project I loved from last year was a Tier 1 grant to Juneau Jazz and Classics, a great organization that brings art into the community by performing in hospitals, senior facilities, schools, and more. They needed to update their office technology and buy portable lighting equipment for their shows. The Foundation supported this with a $35,000 grant, keeping the organization moving (and grooving!).

These kinds of investments can get pushed down the long list of to-dos for mission-driven organizations that are excited to get out and do the work. That’s why, when the Foundation can step in to relieve pressure in one small way, we can help organizations make lasting investments in themselves.

Sometimes, Tier 1 grants are for non-capital projects in need of a boost, like a recent grant given to the Native Village of Gambell. A $25,000 grant will go toward a community assessment survey for a larger language revitalization project. With an aging population of fluent speakers, this project could go far to document, share, and teach St. Lawrence Island Yupik. It’s such a privilege to support projects like these, carried out by organizations that have their fingers on the pulse of their communities.

Another great part of Tier 1 grants is the rolling, year-round approval process. In times of acute need — like a broken heater or septic system — funds can get to organizations quickly. This pace keeps organizations operational with minimal interference. Tier 1 grants are designed with that kind of flexibility in mind, so our partners can stay resilient no matter what comes their way.

We accept applications all year long. If your organization needs funding, don’t hesitate to contact our program officers.