Alaska Conservation Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder supports environmental conservation throughout Alaska. Funding priorities include wildlife protection, leadership development and capacity building for Alaska Native groups, climate, energy, and the Tongass Rainforest.
IP TAKE: This foundation supports community capacity building in a big way. Pitch a program that trains current and future conservation leaders or brings in new ways of thinking about environmental issues.
PROFILE: The Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF) is based in Anchorage, Alaska. It seeks to protect “Alaska’s natural environment and the diverse cultures and ways of life it sustains” by “promoting conservation philanthropy and by strategically directing resources to conservation leaders, organizations, and initiatives.” ACF was established in 1980 by Celia Hunter and Danny Wilcher, prominent figures in the Alaska conservation movement.
The foundation eventually revamped grantmaking to boost Alaska’s conservation movement with policy and protection support and long-term goals. Their Alaska Native Fund seeks to strengthen the capacities of Native organizations and communities, as well as groups working on critical environmental issues. The Rapid Response Fund addresses unforeseen environmental threats, and the Discovery Grants Program supports small grassroots organizations. A Conservation Internship Program develops the next generation of statewide conservation leaders, and the Watchable Wildlife Fund provides broad support for conserving wildlife resources in Alaska. The Conservation Achievement Awards recognizes community members committed to protecting the environment.
ACF has a couple of issue campaigns that make grants on an invitation-only basis. These are mostly related to climate and energy, as well as the Tongass Rainforest. Critical conservation issue support prioritizes the Arctic, Bristol Bay, and the oceans.
In one year, the foundation had about $10 million in total assets. That year, the funder made 93 grants totaling over $2.1 million. These grants supported everything from protecting wild salmon to addressing food security in the era of climate change. Lists of recent grants are on the funder’s website, including amounts awarded. View financial data on the 990 Forms here, and annual reports here.
Direct general questions to the foundation staff at acfinfo@alaskaconservation.org or 907-276-1917. Send grant-related questions to grants@alaskaconservation.org. Their address is 911 West 8th Avenue, Suite 300, Anchorage, Alaska 99501.
Keep up with ACF by signing up for e-updates and reviewing recent dispatch newsletters.
PEOPLE:
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