Arctic Education Foundation (AEF) is a private, nonprofit organization based in Anchorage, Alaska, established in 1977 by Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. The foundation is committed to providing support and assistance to students pursuing higher education, with a specific focus on empowering Iñupiat students and promoting their success as contributors to their communities.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$30.5M
-1.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.9M
+24.7% YoY
Grant Count
411
+18.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$7K
+5.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Arctic Education Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.6M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Arctic Education Foundation is committed to providing support and assistance to students pursuing higher education. Programs are designed to empower Iñupiat students and promote personal success within themselves to be effective contributors to their community.
Core Purpose: To empower the lives of present and future generations through education and cultural opportunities.
Core Values: Stewardship, Spirituality, Culturally Grounded, Self-Determination, Forward Thinking, and Integrity
Current Lines of Business:
- Educational Scholarships
- Student Support
- Cultural Programs
The foundation develops the next generation of leaders through education and connection to a way of life steeped in Iñupiat values that leads to success in every environment.
Grantmaking
The foundation funds all applicants who meet eligibility requirements and need financial assistance. Scholarship amounts are based on financial need. Applications are accepted four times per year with the following deadlines:
Review Cycle
- August 1 (Fall Semester/Quarter)
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily focuses on Alaska, with particular emphasis on the Arctic Slope Region. However, funding extends to students pursuing education across the United States.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $30.5 million
- Total Revenue: $3.08 million
- Total Expenses: $4.67 million
- Total Liabilities: $552,000
Grant Activity:
- Total Awarded (2024): $2.4 million
- Average Grant Size: $32
Tax Status: 501(c)(3) organization; tax-exempt since January 1979
EIN: 92-0068447
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $30,539,458 | $31,052,415 | $30,438,956 |
| Revenue | $3,083,873 | $2,876,320 | $2,128,700 |
| Expenses | $4,670,083 | $3,758,490 | $3,479,752 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $4,181,537 | $3,319,600 | $2,869,332 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,814,209 | $1,707,290 | $1,356,349 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,632,620 | $1,618,799 | $1,803,804 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Andrea Storer ($31,916), Alexandra Martin ($23,806), Angelina Wagner ($21,501).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AARON STACKHOUSE BARROW, AK | SCHOLARSHIP | $5,750 |
| AARON TOOYAK EAGLE RIVER, AK | SCHOLARSHIP | $8,960 |
| ABEL HOPSON-SUVLU BARROW, AK | SCHOLARSHIP | $6,750 |
| ABRA PATKOTAK ANCHORAGE, AK | SCHOLARSHIP | $6,472 |
| ADA PUTMAN ANCHORAGE, AK | SCHOLARSHIP | $19,991 |
| ADDISON COX ANCHORAGE, AK | SCHOLARSHIP | $4,500 |
| ADRIENNE EVIKANA-RAMIREZ BARROW, AK | SCHOLARSHIP | $10,250 |
| AIDEN OLEMAUN BARROW, AK | SCHOLARSHIP | $1,920 |
| AKSIIN STORER ANCHORAGE, AK | SCHOLARSHIP | $13,500 |
| ALAINA BANKSTON BARROW, AK | SCHOLARSHIP | $1,340 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Monica Wiehl - Foundation Manager (compensated position, earning $169,623 annually)
The foundation is governed by five committee members and a board of directors, all of whom serve without compensation except for the Foundation Manager.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARY ELLEN AHMAOGAK | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| TERZA BROWER | TRUSTEE, CHAIR | 1 | — |
| STANLEY BROWER | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| JEFF KINNEEVAUK | TRUSTEE (AS OF 06/2024) | 1 | — |
| THOMAS NAPAGEAK JR | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| CRAWFORD PATKOTAK | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| JULIUS M REXFORD | TRUSTEE (AS OF 06/2024) | 1 | — |
| KATIE ROSEBERRY | FOUNDATION DIRECTOR (AS OF 09/2024) | 40 | $113,006 |
| MONICA WIEHL | FOUNDATION DIRECTOR (THRU 9/2024) | 40 | $129,591 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Arctic Education Foundation has been impacting lives by opening the door of educational opportunities to students for more than 47 years. The foundation continues to fund vocational training programs that bring students back to the North Slope as well as college and graduate degree programs that lead students across the world.
Arctic Education FoundationThe foundation maintains active cultural education programs and hosts the annual Ivalu Gala, which serves as a fundraising and community engagement event. In 2024, AEF shared videos introducing Nunamiut School and current AEF recipients, as well as introducing AEF's Cultural Education Program and Alak Elementary School students.
Arctic Education FoundationSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arctic Education Foundation fund?
**Mission:** Arctic Education Foundation is committed to providing support and assistance to students pursuing higher education. Programs are designed to empower Iñupiat students and promote personal success within themselves to be effective contributors to their community. **Core Purpose:** To empower the lives of present and future generations through education and cultural opportunities. **Core Values:** Stewardship, Spirituality, Culturally Grounded, Self-Determination, Forward Thinking, an…
How do I apply for a grant from Arctic Education Foundation?
**AEF Scholarships** The foundation funds all applicants who meet eligibility requirements and need financial assistance. Scholarship amounts are based on financial need. Applications are accepted four times per year with the following deadlines: • August 1 (Fall Semester/Quarter) • December 1 (Spring Semester/Winter Quarter) • March 1 (Spring Quarter) • May 1 (Summer Semester/Quarter) **Maximum Award Amounts:** • 2-Year Programs (associates degree, certificate): $5,750 per semester or $3,833 p…
Where does Arctic Education Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily focuses on Alaska, with particular emphasis on the Arctic Slope Region. However, funding extends to students pursuing education across the United States.
What size grants does Arctic Education Foundation award?
In 2024, Arctic Education Foundation awarded 411 grants totaling $2.9M — an average of about $7K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Arctic Education Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Arctic Education Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.6M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Arctic Education Foundation's EIN?
Arctic Education Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 92-0068447. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Arctic Education Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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