Community Grants

Community Grants

Funder: Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area (KMTA)

Mission: KMTA awards grants to community projects that recognize, preserve, and interpret the historic, scenic, and natural recreational resources and cultural landscapes of the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm historic transportation corridor. Projects promote and facilitate public enjoyment of these resources.

Geographic Scope: Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area (Alaska's only designated National Heritage Area)

Focus Areas:

Trail restoration and maintenance

Interpretive signage and education

Historic building restoration

Museum exhibits and development

Citizen science programs

Cultural and historical preservation

Outdoor recreational resource enhancement

Eligible Applicants:

Community organizations

Non-profit organizations

Government agencies

Private individuals/businesses (must partner with a community, non-profit, or government organization as sponsor)

Organizations that have not previously received KMTA funding: up to $10,000 limit

Organizations with prior KMTA funding that performed well: up to $24,500 limit

Match Requirements:

Cash contributions

Volunteer hours

Donated equipment rentals

What KMTA Funds:

Leave No Trace education

Wilderness area information and recreation opportunity signage

Historical information including indigenous history

Trail work and improvements

Interpretive kiosk placement

Community-based conservation programs

What KMTA Does NOT Fund:

Interior work on private residences (exterior work only, must maintain historic appearance)

Projects outside KMTA NHA region (unless directly addressing KMTA issues and aligned with NHA mission)

Special Requirements:

For signage placed in ground: must communicate with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to adhere to Section 106 requirements

If signage on land not owned by applicant: requires letter of support from landowner

Historic property renovations must partner with community, non-profit, or government organization

Projects on non-owned property require expressed approval of applicable landowner

Contact: Amanda Sassi, Grants Program Manager - amandasassi@kmtacorridor.org