PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN MOVED FROM IN-PERSON TO VIRTUAL.
About the meeting:
Eligibility: Participation in this meeting is open to philanthropic organizations that are currently making grants in Alaska. This includes private and family foundations,...
Throughout 2019, the state budget was a top concern for Alaskan communities and organizations. To balance the budget, Gov. Mike Dunleavy proposed $1.6 billion in spending cuts that would have a devastating impact across the state, including for housing and homeless programs, arts programs, Medicaid, the University of Alaska system, civil legal services, early childhood and more. With a steep battle to minimize the magnitude of the cuts, Alaskans worked to take a united stand for their communities. The scale of the budget crisis necessitated new ways of leading together, especially among funders.
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.
One of the best things about being a regional organization is having the opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of the communities we serve - in person! Last week we were able to connect with our Alaska community through a number of events in Anchorage.
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.
The role of government in assisting eligible voters to register has changed over time and varies significantly by state. What is the most appropriate role for the government in registering those eligible to vote? This Alaska Bright Spot shows how a reform campaign built upon existing...
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.
