First Alaskans Institute
/OVERVIEW: This Anchorage-based funder supports community efforts related to early childhood education, high school graduation rates, connecting elders and youth, and youth leadership. It accepts unsolicited applications
IP TAKE: This funder’s grantmaking is modest, but youth-focused nonprofits in Alaska should still get familiar with the institute's work.
PROFILE: The First Alaskans Institute (FAI) addresses the needs of Alaska Native people through community engagement, information and research, collaboration, and leadership development. It seeks to “develop the capacities of Alaska Native people and their communities to meet the social, economic and educational challenges of the future, while fostering positive relationships among all segments of our society.” This group adopted its current name in 2002; learn more about the institute’s history here.
FAI introduced its Community Investments Awards funding initiative in 2007 to support collaborative efforts among community organizations. It also uses these awards to support programs that build healthy and vibrant communities. Funding priorities for grants are early childhood education, high school graduation rates, connecting elders and youth, and youth leadership. This funding project came about through the Native community’s feedback and recommendations, as well as the organization’s participation in summits, conferences, and advisory groups.
Funding typically supports collaborative efforts among community groups, including family and community partnerships. The board of trustees at the institute has distributed over $831,000 to groups with missions that align with its goals. On the institute’s Community Investments page, grant seekers can find downloadable publications with examples of a funded budget, sample completed application, fillable application, and sample outcomes and measures. Mail applications to the institute (ATTN: Community Engagement Awards).
In addition to funding awards, the institute also supports research about Alaska Native demographics to improve the lives of this population and helps develop the next generation of Alaskan leaders. Part of this effort includes developing internship opportunities in Juneau and Washington, D.C. and implementing the Elders and Youth Conference.
Direct questions about grant applications to the institute staff at 907-677-1700 or via email at info@fistalaskans.org. Keep up with this funder on its newsroom section. First Alaskans Magazine is also a good resource for nonprofits working with this community.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
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