Posted on December 7, 2011

Rasmuson Foundation Announces $8.4 Million in Recent Grants

The Anchorage-based Rasmuson Foundation has announced Tier 2 grants and other investments totaling some $8.35 million.

The foundation's Tier 2 program provides grants of at least $25,000 twice a year in support of capital projects, projects of demonstrable strategic importance, and the expansion or start-up of innovative programs that address issues of broad community or statewide significance. Recipients of capital grants include the Tanana Chiefs Conference, which received $450,000 to purchase a housing facility for homeless alcoholics and medical patients visiting Fairbanks for treatment; the city of Togiak, which was awarded $354,282 to renovate its old school building for use as a community learning center and library; and the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which was awarded $100,000 to purchase modular shelving and art racks for its fine art collection.

Other grant recipients include the Alaska Sealife Center, which was awarded $200,000 for a marine debris expedition and art exhibition in collaboration with the Anchorage Museum; the Anchorage-based Great Land Trust, which received $100,000 for continued infrastructure development of the Campbell Creek Estuary; and the Institute of the North, which was awarded $100,000 to produce the film Alaska, the World and Wally Hickel.

This funding round also included $2 million in support for an ongoing philanthropy initiative and $500,000 for costs associated with program-related investments.

"We are thrilled with this announcement," said Rasmuson Foundation president Diane Kaplan, who noted that the grant total for this funding round was the highest approved by the foundation's board since 2008. "It's taken a few years, but through planning and careful management of our funds, we are able to increase the amount of support we can provide to important community organizations. If things stay on course with the markets and the economy, the foundation will be positioned to provide funding opportunities at levels higher than we've seen in the past couple of years."

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