Posted on May 1, 2010

Rasmuson Foundation Announces $1.4 Million in First-Quarter Grants

The Anchorage-based Rasmuson Foundation has announced twenty-eight grants totaling more than $1.4 million, including a $900,000 program-related investment.

CDI-Alaska was awarded the PRI for the construction and development of affordable, low-income housing in Fairbanks. In addition, grants of less than $25,000 were awarded to a number of organizations for capital projects, including $24,999 to the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank to purchase a utility vehicle, $15,000 to Bristol Bay Native Association to furnish its newly expanded headquarters building, and $11,572 to the Palmer Arts Council for portable sound equipment and seating for indoor and outdoor musical productions, plays, and readings.

Other grants were awarded for strategic projects or to help organizations start or expand established projects. Recipients included the Alaska Community Foundation, which was awarded $10,000 to engage in strategic planning for its affiliate, the Anchorage Schools Foundation; and Anchorage Faith and Action — Congregations Together, which received $9,945 to explore congregation-based community organizing in the Yukon-Kuskokwim area.

A number of organizations received grants through the foundation's Harper Touring Arts Fund, which is designed to offset costs associated with bringing high-quality arts experiences to rural and underserved communities. They include the Asian Alaskan Cultural Center, which received $10,000 to transport performers to Alaska for Asian Cultural Night; and the Greater Sitka Arts Council, which was awarded $3,544 to transport the cast and crew of The Marriage of Figaro from Juneau to Sitka for a performance.

For a complete list of first-quarter grants, visit the Rasmuson Foundation Web site.