Data alone doesn’t capture the human impact of philanthropy. That’s why with the release of "Trends in Northwest Giving 2019," we’ve added regional spotlights to help capture the changemakers behind the grants. This article is first in the series and features Alaska and Rasmuson Foundation's significant role in funding the arts.

As most of our lives return to normal after the November 30th earthquake, it is important to recognize the difficulties that many families and organizations continue to face. The Alaska Disaster Recovery Fund, at The Alaska Community Foundation, was set up to support the ongoing recovery efforts, and enable donors to support both short-term emergency response and long-term recovery. The Fund is managed in collaboration with Wells Fargo Foundation, Rasmuson Foundation, United Way of Anchorage, American Red Cross of Alaska, Salvation Army – Alaska Division, Mat-Su Health Foundation, United Way of Mat-Su, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, The Foraker Group and Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska. The Alaska Disaster Recovery Fund has granted out $110,000 to 18 nonprofit organizations critical in supporting those in need with disaster recovery.

On a recent trip to Anchorage, after engaging with local philanthropic leaders and learning about Alaska’s unique attributes and challenges, it dawned on me the many lessons funders in the lower 48 can glean from Alaska’s philanthropic leaders. In a geographically large state with a small population, funders wear multiple hats and coordinate easily across organizations to address formidable challenges – including homelessness, lack of affordable housing and healthcare services, access to high-quality P-16 education, workforce development and much, much more.

From this recent visit and in my role with Philanthropy Northwest over the past year, I’d like to share my observations about the unique positioning of philanthropy in Alaska.