Spotlight State: Alaska

We are off to see the northern lights! As part of our spotlight series, GrantWatch notes some of the amazing qualities associated with the State of Alaska. Cruises to the State of Alaska are quite popular due the unique sights and landscape only found in and around Alaska. Did you know that 5% of the land that makes up the State of Alaska consists entirely of glaciers? It’s almost as if time stands still and you are captivated by the significance of both the history and the pristine grandeur on display all around you. GrantWatch also wants to recognize the unique population and related funding needs that Alaska has available.

To this end, GrantWatch provides a list of grant opportunities for projects that may be of great economic help to many of the local communities throughout the State of Alaska. In addition, GrantWatch offers a list of over 1,700 grants in its Community and Economic Development grants listing category. Be sure to also take the time to review some of the national and international grant listings available to choose from.

Fun Facts About Alaska

• Alaska is 591,000 square miles and is double the size of Texas.
• Alaska is the only U.S. state to produce platinum.
• There are more than 12,000 rivers and 3 million lakes in Alaska.
• Utqiaġvik, Alaska, formerly known as Barrow is the northernmost city [of any U.S. city].
• Alaska Natives make up 18% of the state’s population.
• Juneau is the only U.S. capital that is inaccessible by road.

allamericanatlas.com, “Fun Facts About Alaska“

Interesting Facts About Alaska

• Alaska’s nickname is the “Last Frontier.”
• You can see the northern lights 243 days a year in parts of Alaska.
• Alaska has more coastline that the rest of the United States combined.
• Prospect Creek Camp in Alaska is the coldest place in the world.
• The highest point in North America is Mt. McKinley in Alaska.
• There are approximately one hundred thousand glaciers in Alaska.
• Today, the smallest distance between Alaska and Russia is only 2.5 miles.
• There are over 130 active volcanoes in Alaska.

destguides.com, “50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Alaska State to Know“

Some Odd Facts About Alaska

• The official state sport for Alaska is Dog Mushing.
• Almost one-third of Alaska’s land is in the Arctic Circle.
• Alaska’s flag was designed by a 13-year-old.
• On Upper Huffman Road in Anchorage on Gravity Hill, cars in neutral at the bottom of the hill mysteriously roll up instead of down.
• You can type “Alaska” on one row of a keyboard [only state where this can be done].
• Alaska has the midnight sun [for six months], which is when the sun does not set at all during the day.
• The longest night in Barrow, Alaska, lasts for 67 days.
• The University of Alaska Anchorage has hosted an outhouse race annually since 2006.

allamericanatlas.com, “Fun Facts About Alaska“

Below is a current list of community and economic development grants for the State of Alaska.

Grants for State of Alaska Community and Economic Development

1. Grants to Alaska tribal governments and tribal organizations to provide Alaska-Native/community economic-development programs. Required registrations will take several weeks to complete. Funding is to create economic opportunities and address housing, particularly for the benefit of low to moderate-income individuals.
2. There are grants to eligible Alaska nonprofit and civic organizations, schools, and groups for a wide range of programs addressing local community/resident needs. Funding supports initiatives in the areas of health and human services, and education and youth development. Initiatives also include economic and community vitality, the environment, and arts and culture.
3. In addition, grants to Alaska municipalities and regional housing authorities for boat-harbor infrastructure improvements. Funding is for the expansion, major repair, construction, and maintenance of facilities throughout the state. The goal of the program is to enhance (small boat) harbor infrastructure and further the sustainability of Alaska’s public harbor system.
4. Grants of up to $1,000 to eligible Alaska community-based organizations for events, services, and projects to improve the quality of life for residents. Funding is for programs within the focus areas of economic and cultural environment, health and welfare, and general quality of life.
5. There are grants to eligible Alaska nonprofits, schools, tribal entities, and faith-based organizations for projects/programs benefitting local-residents. Projects will fall into the focus areas of arts and culture, and community development. Areas of focus also include health and wellness, the great outdoors, and education. Preference will be for projects that have the potential to impact a broad range of residents.

Additional Grants for Alaska Community and Economic Development

1. Also, grants of up to $10,000 to assist and encourage Alaska individuals with disabilities to engage in new or expanded business ventures. Funding is to help people with disabilities enter (or grow) a business within the business sector. Grants will be used to acquire, open, or expand small businesses.
2. Grants of up to $85,000 to eligible Alaska agricultural professionals to conduct collaborative projects with qualifying businesses to further agricultural sustainability. Funding supports projects incorporating both research and educational outreach. The purpose of the program is to obtain results applicable to agricultural production, as well as sustaining and improving the environmental quality upon which agriculture depends. The purpose of the program is also to improve profitability of farmers/ranchers and associated agricultural businesses. In addition, the goal of the program is to enhance the quality of life of agricultural communities.
3. There are grants to eligible Alaska agricultural producers collaborating with a technical advisor for projects to advance sustainable agriculture. Funding supports projects promoting sustainable agriculture. With advisor support and guidance, farmers and ranchers will integrate research and education to conduct on-site experiments. These experiments will address the social, environmental, and economic aspects of agricultural sustainability.
4. In addition, grants to eligible Alaska agricultural professionals for agricultural sustainability training. Funding supports programs to educate agricultural professionals so they can conduct training programs in agricultural sustainability systems and principles for other agricultural professionals and producers.
5. Lastly, grants of up to $10,000 to Alaska nonprofits, agencies, churches, and Tribes for organizational capacity-building activities. Funding supports training, financial management, technology training, strategic and business planning, fundraising plans, and executive director recruitment or coaching. Priority is for proposals from organizations (already) servicing underserved audiences and communities.

The Bottom Line

To conclude, we hope you will have the opportunity to experience the idyllic magnificence of Alaska!

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Please Note: There is no guarantee by GrantWatch nor the author of grant awards as a result of this information.