How the CIRI Foundation Differs from Other Funders in the Northwest
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Grantees include the Anchorage Museum Association. Photo: Robert Szymanski/shutterstock
Quite a few foundations in the Northwest region prioritize support for Native populations and the needs of the area’s indigenous people. However, some funders, such as the CIRI Foundation, make it their sole purpose to fund local Native causes and support these often-overlooked population groups. CIRI promotes economic self-sufficiency and self-development among Alaska Natives through grants for education, culture and heritage.
Here are four things that make this Anchorage-based foundation stand out among others in the state and region.
Organizations Can Apply for Multiple Grant Programs
A vast majority of foundations allow grantseekers to apply for only one grant per year, or even one every several years. The CIRI Foundation, on the other hand, is a project grant funder that allows some organizations to apply for maximum grant dollars across more than one program.
It is highly recommended that grantseekers contact foundation staff before submitting an application to determine whether a particular program is the most relevant and if there are multiple eligibility opportunities.
There Are Around Seven Grant Deadlines Per Year
Many funders in Alaska have limited resources and only offer one grant opportunity per year. However, the CIRI Foundation has multiple deadlines, letting local groups get involved at various times throughout the calendar year.
For example, there are grant application deadlines for “A Journey to What Matters: Increased Alaska Native Art & Culture” on March 1, September 1 and November 1. Education and heritage project grant deadlines are on March 1, June 1, September 1 and November 1.
The Target Population Is Very Specific
The CIRI Foundation has a very narrow focus population. For education and heritage project grants, funding is only available to projects that involve or support Alaska Natives of the Cook Inlet Region. To get a scholarship, vocational training grant or fellowship, you must be an original CIRI enrollee or a direct lineal descendant of an original enrollee. For more detailed information about eligibility, visit the funder’s eligibility page. Requirements vary for different scholarships and grants.
Funds Come from Various Sources
The major contributor for the CIRI Foundation is Cook Inlet Region, Inc., a company created by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 and now owned by over 9,100 Alaska Native shareholders. The company’s business extends to many areas, including energy, infrastructure, real estate, oilfields, construction, technology and government services. The foundation has several endowments, and private-sector contributions ultimately fund most of the CIRI Foundation’s programs and administration.
Read more about the CIRI Foundation in IP’s Northwest funding guide, and search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder.
