Advocacy for Children, Youth, and Families Grant

The Advocacy for Children, Youth, and Families Grant, offered by Alaska Children's Trust, aims to strengthen advocacy efforts for children and families in Alaska. With up to ten grants available, each worth $3,000, eligible nonprofit organizations can engage in advocacy during the 2026 legislative session. This initiative supports activities that defend existing laws, propose new legislation, and prevent harmful policies, ultimately striving to safeguard the welfare of Alaskan children and families.

As the statewide lead organization focused on the prevention of child abuse and neglect, Alaska Children’s Trust (ACT) recognizes that policies and systems exert a profound effect on children, youth, and families. Policies and systems can either perpetuate or reduce risk factors leading to child abuse and neglect (CAN). Therefore, advocacy is a critical pathway toward safeguarding Alaskan children and families and building resilience at a community-wide level.
To grow and strengthen advocacy for children and families in Alaska, ACT will award up to ten grants, at up to $3,000 each, to support eligible organizations to engage in advocacy in the 2026 legislative session focused on issues impacting children, youth, and families. Advocacy activities may include defending existing statutes or funding, proactively developing and moving new legislation forward, making a budget request, and actively preventing legislation that would harm children, youth, and families.

Eligibility

Eligibility Applications will be accepted from qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Organizations that have received past awards and are in good standing are eligible to apply.  Applicants with open ACT grants must be current on all grant reporting.  If an organization does not have 501(c)3 status, they are required to obtain their own fiscal sponsor who has 501(c)3 status by the time of award. ACT will not be able to serve as the fiscal sponsor for any grant recipients. Allowable Activities Advocating for Alaska specific legislation and state budget items that directly impact children, youth, and families. Travel to Juneau Development of outreach materials Lobbying (it is the responsibility of each awardee to ensure they comply with all IRS and State of Alaska requirements regarding lobbying activities) Compensation for lived experience participation Constituent outreach or engagement activities

Ineligibility

Applications from organizations with outstanding grant reports will not be accepted.Ineligible Activities Advocating for non-Alaska specific legislation and state budget items or legislation/state budget items that do not directly impact children, youth, and families. Endorsement of candidates Electoral activities Activities focused on local or federal policies or systems