Kawerak Inc
Kawerak Inc. is a nonprofit tribal consortium based in Nome, Alaska, that represents 20 federally recognized tribes in the Bering Strait Region. It provides more than 40 programs to Inupiaq, St. Lawrence Island Yupik, and Yup’ik people in 16 western Alaska communities.
Kawerak Inc at a glance
In short: Kawerak Inc gave $17.7M across 30 grants in 2024 (avg $591K), mostly in Alaska. 37% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $17,730,648
- +331.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 30
- +30.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $591,022
- +230.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $178,042
- Total assets
- $96,964,582
- +0.5% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 37% first-time grantees (11 of 30, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Alaska (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Kawerak Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 948, Nome, AK 99762
Phone: (907) 443-4231
Website: https://kawerak.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Kawerak Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Stebbins Community Association ($5.0M). Together the top 10 received $15.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
119 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 57 grants of 119 (48%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Kawerak serves 16 communities in western Alaska’s Bering Strait Region and represents 20 federally recognized tribes there. Its 2024 filing reports that 100% of grant dollars went to recipients in Alaska.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 30 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Kawerak Inc open to new grantees?
37%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 11 of 30 grantees (37%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $422K; repeat grants $689K. How we count
Medians: $39K first-time, $195K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.7M (2020) to $17.7M (2024). In 2024 it made 30 grants totaling $17.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stebbins Community Association Stebbins, AK | Federal Pass Through | $4,968,481 |
| Native Village of Koyuk Koyuk, AK | Federal Pass Through | $3,034,356 |
| Native Village of St Michael St Michael, AK | Federal Pass Through | $2,049,106 |
| Alaska Native Heritage Center Inc Anchorage, AK | Federal Pass Through | $1,347,900 |
| Native Village of Brevig Mission Breving Mission, AK | Federal Pass Through | $980,836 |
| King Island Native Community Nome, AK | Federal Pass Through | $835,165 |
| Native Village of White Mountain White Mountain, AK | Federal Pass Through | $591,979 |
| Native Village of Shaktoolik Shaktoolik, AK | Federal Pass Through | $578,979 |
| Quintillion Subsea Operations LLC Anchorage, AK | Federal Pass Through | $496,776 |
| Native Village Wales Wales, AK | Federal Pass Through | $446,868 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $96,964,582 | $86,867,929 | $86,167,052 | $17,730,648 | 30 | $1,347,643 |
| 2023 | $96,501,696 | $56,234,294 | $56,884,891 | $4,113,103 | 23 | $1,640,037 |
| 2022 | $98,128,143 | $68,440,519 | $54,418,416 | $3,425,453 | 22 | $252,396 |
| 2021 | $87,695,428 | $57,197,232 | $45,948,341 | $2,118,142 | 20 | $593,456 |
| 2020 | $61,502,576 | $32,064,437 | $32,301,358 | $1,741,199 | 24 | $185,317 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Kawerak states its mission as promoting the social and economic welfare of members of IRA and traditional councils. Its organizational statement is, “Advancing the capacity of our People and Tribes for the benefit of the region.”
Its programs address public safety and wellness, children and families, transportation, education and employment, and natural resources. Kawerak describes its natural resources work as supporting tribes’ continued subsistence uses in resource-management decisions and encouraging the use of traditional knowledge.
The 2024 grantees include organizations with varied charitable purposes. Nome Community Center says its primary objectives are providing health, educational, and social services to residents of the Bering Straits region. Alaska Federation of Natives describes its mission as promoting the common good and general welfare of Alaska Native people. First Alaskans Institute says its work centers on leadership development, policy and advocacy, and external relationships, communications, and strategy.
Grantmaking
The largest reported awards included $4,968,481 to Stebbins Community Association, $3,034,356 to Native Village of Koyuk, and $2,049,106 to Native Village of St. Michael; each was identified as a federal pass-through grant. Other large recipients included Alaska Native Heritage Center ($1,347,900) and Native Village of Brevig Mission ($980,836), also for federal pass-through purposes.
Kawerak also provides a donation request application. Requests are reviewed with a budget showing line-item amounts requested, donations received, and unmet need; submitting a request does not guarantee approval. The stated guidelines say donations must benefit a community or tribal members in the Bering Strait region, or may benefit regional cultural heritage or traditional activities. Donations are funded through fundraising or other discretionary funds, not grant or contract funds unless specifically authorized. Requests under $1,000 must be received at least one month before the event deadline; requests above $1,000 are reviewed at the next Board of Directors meeting.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Melanie Bahnke as president; John Bioff as general counsel; Donna Ray and Debbie Peacock as CFOs; Mary David as executive vice president; William Gemar as controller; Deborah Trowbridge as Head Start director; Julie Raymond-Yakoubian as social science PD; Frank Katchatag as chairman; and Anna M. Oxereok as second vice chair.
Kawerak Inc is led by Melanie Bahnke, President on every filing since 2020; all 36 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Melanie Bahnke
President
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$286K (2020) → $603K (2024)
Frank Katchatag
Chairman
On filings since 2020
13.4 hrs/week
$32K (2020) → $96K (2024)
Benjamin Payenna
Director
On filings since 2020
4.8 hrs/week
$21K (2020) → $25K (2024)
Charlie Fitka Jr.
Director
On filings since 2020
3.3 hrs/week
$19K (2020) → $17K (2024)
Deborah Trowbridge
Headstart Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$148K (2020) → $219K (2024)
Gilbert Tocktoo
Director
On filings since 2020
2.1 hrs/week
$14K (2020) → $11K (2024)
Irene Navarro
Director
On filings since 2020
1.8 hrs/week
$22K (2020) → $9K (2024)
Lucy H. Oquilluk
Director
On filings since 2020
2.8 hrs/week
$21K (2020) → $14K (2024)
Matilda Hardy
Director
Alt → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$3K (2020) → $10K (2024)
Merlin Koonooka
Director
On filings since 2020
3.3 hrs/week
$9K (2020) → $17K (2024)
Preston Rookok
Director
On filings since 2020
0.8 hrs/week
$20K (2020) → $4K (2024)
Ben Pungowiyi
Director
Director → Sergeantatarms, 2023
Sergeantatarms → Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
4.7 hrs/week
$11K (2021) → $24K (2024)
Samantha Ozenna
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
$7K (2021) → $10K (2024)
Agatha Foxie
Director
On filings since 2022
1.9 hrs/week
$7K (2022) → $10K (2024)
Jerry Okbaok
Director
On filings since 2022
1.9 hrs/week
$2K (2022) → $10K (2024)
Anthony Haugen
Director
On filings since 2023
0.9 hrs/week
$3K (2023) → $5K (2024)
Bernice Brown
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
$3K (2023) → $3K (2024)
Lola Hannon
Director
On filings since 2023
0.6 hrs/week
$4K (2023) → $3K (2024)
Shawn Bergamaschi
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
$5K (2023) → $10K (2024)
Stella Havatone
Director
On filings since 2023
1.9 hrs/week
$3K (2023) → $10K (2024)
Allison Johnson
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
$3K (2024)
Dawn Warnke
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.8 hrs/week
$4K (2024)
Jacob Martin
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.6 hrs/week
$3K (2024)
Richard Nassuk Sr.
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1.4 hrs/week
$7K (2024)
Theresa Kobuk
Director
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
$10K (2024)
Anna M. Oxereok
2nd Vice Chair
Sgt at Arms → Sergeantatarms, 2021
Sergeantatarms → 2nd Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
8.5 hrs/week
$16K (2020) → $44K (2024)
Barbara J. Gray
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
7.5 hrs/week
$14K (2020) → $39K (2024)
Donna Ray
CFO
On filings since 2020
37.8 hrs/week
$264K (2020) → $348K (2024)
John Bioff
General Counsel
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$219K (2020) → $363K (2024)
Kirsten Timbers
Secretary
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Mary David
Executive Vice President
On filings since 2020
30 hrs/week
$241K (2020) → $263K (2024)
Robert Keith
1st Vice Chair
On filings since 2020
4.5 hrs/week
$14K (2020) → $23K (2024)
William Gemar
Controller
On filings since 2020
43 hrs/week
$158K (2020) → $223K (2024)
Jill B. Campbell
Sergeant-At-Arms
Director → Sergeant-At-Arms, 2024
On filings since 2022
6.3 hrs/week
$7K (2022) → $32K (2024)
Julie Raymond-Yakoubian
Social Science Pd
Ss Program Director → Social Science Pd, 2024
On filings since 2022
43.6 hrs/week
$170K (2022) → $212K (2024)
Debbie Peacock
CFO
New on the 2024 filing
38.5 hrs/week
$194K (2024)
Former officers (31)
- Former: Amos Brown Sr. (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Axel Jackson (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Leo M. Charles (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Andrew Miller Jr. (2023) — Director
- Former: Archie Ervin (2023) — Director
- Former: Johnson Eningowuk (2023) — Director
- Former: Shirley Martin (2023) — Director
- Former: Stephanie Harjo (2023) — Payroll Manager
- Former: Gloria Ann Karmun (2020–2022) — 2nd Vice Chair
- Former: John C. Lockwood (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Lloyd S. Kiyutelluk (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Annette Piscoya (2022) — Alt
- Former: Jolene Okleasik (2022) — Alt
- Former: Katie O'Connor (2022) — Alt
- Former: Janelle Menadelook (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: June Walunga (2020–2021) — Alt
- Former: Lucy Apatiki (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Clara Tootkaylok (2021) — Alt
- Former: Ellen J. Richard (2021) — Alt
- Former: John Pullock (2021) — Alt
- Former: Merlin Henry (2021) — Alt
- Former: Mollie Ningeulook (2021) — Alt
- Former: Morris Nashoanak Sr. (2021) — Director
- Former: Traci McGarry (2021) — Cfs Program Director
- Former: Willa J. Ashenfelter (2021) — Alt
- Former: Andrew Milligrock (2020) — Director
- Former: Cameron Piscoya (2020) — Director
- Former: Carla Ahkvaluk (2020) — Director
- Former: Dan Harrelson (2020) — Vpso
- Former: Larry Kava (2020) — Director
- Former: Marian Mike (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $603K, to Melanie Bahnke (President). 36 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Kawerak Inc
How much does Kawerak Inc give each year?
Kawerak Inc gave $17.7M across 30 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $4.1M across 23 grants.
What is Kawerak Inc's typical grant size?
Kawerak Inc's median grant in 2024 was $178,042, and its average grant was $591,022, across 30 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Kawerak Inc that year got $422K on average.
Where does Kawerak Inc give grants?
Kawerak Inc gives mostly in Alaska: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Nome, AK (7 grants), Anchorage, AK (5 grants), Teller, AK (2 grants) and Unalakleet, AK (2 grants).
Does Kawerak Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 30 grants with a stated purpose on Kawerak Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Federal Pass Through" (24 grants) and "Assistance" (6 grants).
Who are Kawerak Inc's largest grantees?
Kawerak Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Stebbins Community Association ($4,968,481), Native Village of Koyuk ($3,034,356) and Native Village of St Michael ($2,049,106), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 57% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Kawerak Inc?
Kawerak Inc reported $97.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $86.9M.
What does Kawerak Inc fund?
Kawerak states its mission as promoting the social and economic welfare of members of IRA and traditional councils. Its organizational statement is, “Advancing the capacity of our People and Tribes for the benefit of the region.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Kawerak Inc?
Kawerak Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check kawerak.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Kawerak Inc's EIN?
Kawerak Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 92-0047009. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 28, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS September 28, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 16, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Kawerak Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/kawerak-inc-morg_257b6e62cc4243cebb4efbe5143969bf
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_920047009_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Kawerak Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/kawerak-inc-morg_257b6e62cc4243cebb4efbe5143969bf},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Kawerak Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Kawerak Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?