Tier 1 Grants

The Rasmuson Foundation offers Tier 1 Grants aimed at supporting small capital projects and one-time investments for Alaska-based nonprofits and local government entities. With a maximum award of $35,000, these grants are intended for one-time expenses such as technology upgrades and renovations. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis, typically resulting in a decision within 90 days. Strong community support and Alaska-specific context are essential for eligibility.

NOTE: Applications are accepted year-round, reviewed on a rolling basis, and often receive a decision within 90 days.
Rasmuson Foundation
We invest in people, nonprofits, communities and tribes through grants large and small, and we explore ways of making Alaska a healthier and more vibrant place through convenings and close collaborations with those in the know. Since our beginnings in 1955, the Foundation has given more than $500 million toward this mission.
What is Tier 1?
This program primarily supports small capital projects and one-time investments for Alaska-based nonprofits, Tribes, state and local government entities actively serving Alaskans. Applications are accepted year-round, reviewed on a rolling basis, and often receive a decision within 90 days. The maximum award amount is $35,000, with most awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
What We Fund
These grants are great for one-time expenses or things that an organization can buy, build, fix or create. Think technology upgrades, renovation work, vehicles, furnishings, and other small capital investments.
Tier 1 grants are intended to assist with capital needs and one-time investments. These are typically things that you can build, buy, fix, or create. Contact a program officer if you have any questions.
Some examples include:
Construction and renovationEquipment and tools (including medical, musical, scientific, and sports)Technology upgradesHistoric preservation projectsLibrary collections Office furnishings and appliancesPlayground, park, and trail improvementsVehicles, including 4-wheelers and snowmachines
On a limited basis, the Foundation will consider nonprofit or local government sponsored creative works, such as an Alaska-focused film, research, books, exhibits, and other cultural projects. Applications must demonstrate a strong Alaska-specific context, significant community impact, and, when applicable, a well-developed distribution plan.
Shipping, installation, and contracted labor costs may be included in project budgets. Up to 15% of a Tier 1 grant award may be allocated toward indirect and administrative costs.
There is no match requirement for Tier 1 grants. We do look for strong community support of the organization overall, and applicants often include additional funding sources such as local contributions, other grants, or organizational savings.

Eligibility

Organizations must be actively working in Alaska. Eligible organizations will either be an established 501(c)(3) (and classified as “not a private foundation”), or a local or Tribal government. Faith-based organizations may be eligible if their project has broad community impact. For nonprofit organizations, the 501(c)(3) status must have been obtained at least one year prior to the date of application, and at least one completed fiscal year of financials should be available.

Ineligibility

Individuals are not eligible.Rasmuson Foundation generally does not fund:projects associated with core government functions such as roads, utilities and public safety, K-12 education, deficits or debt reduction, endowments, scholarships, fundraising events, sponsorships, and reimbursement for items already purchased. Rasmuson Foundation does not fund organizations that discriminate against any individual or class or individuals based upon any characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law.