CIRI Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder supports education and career development for Alaska Natives in the form of grants, scholarships, and fellowships. There are four grant deadlines each year.
IP TAKE: Grant seekers who work in Native Alaskan education should call the staff to discuss ideas. Some organizations are eligible for more than one grant program.
PROFILE: The CIRI Foundation was established in 1982 by the Cook Inlet Region board of directors to support education and career development of Alaska Natives. It seeks to “promote individual self-development and economic self-sufficiency through education and to maintain pride in culture and heritage among Alaska Natives who are original enrollees of Cook Inlet region and their descendants.” It is based in Anchorage, Alaska.
Over the years, the foundation has given out over $28 million for Alaska Native beneficiaries to pursue post-secondary education. Approximately $2.8 million has been awarded to nonprofits through the funder’s Education and Heritage Project Grant Program.
Postsecondary grants are typically awarded for vocational training. The application deadlines for both vocational training grants and individual fellowships are usually March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 1. The eligibility guidelines differ between the vocational training grants and the village scholarship and grant programs.
The foundation also administers other village and tribal grants and scholarships for the Ninilchik Native Association, Salamatof Native Association, Eklutna, Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Tribal Higher Education Scholarship, Alyeska Match Program, and the RAVEN Fund. Recent grants have supported Alaska Native Arts Classes, Fairbanks Arts Association, Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, Alaska Native Cultural Charter School, and Anchorage Museum Association. View a full list of recipients here.
In addition to education grants and scholarships, CIRI supports programs that foster the general public’s appreciation and understanding of the Cook Inlet region’s Alaska Native people. Grants often go to arts and culture groups to support the intergenerational transference of traditional practices. The foundation provides a list of resources for local artists as well.
Upcoming foundation deadlines are posted on the funder’s website. Grant seekers can also download the foundation’s current Education Resources Handbook with information about grants, scholarships, and financial aid tips. A grant writing handbook for Alaska Native artists and organizations is available, too.
This foundation is governed by a board of up to 15 members who are passionate about education and heritage perpetuation for Alaska Native people. The foundation recommends grant seekers call the staff before submitting an application for funding. Once grant seekers have made the call, download the education project grant application or the heritage project grant application from the funder’s website.
Reach the foundation staff at 907-793-3575. Direct general questions to tcf@thecirifoundatoin.org.
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