GCI Suicide Prevention Grant

The GCI Suicide Prevention Grant is a private philanthropic funding opportunity administered by the Alaska Community Foundation in partnership with GCI. The initiative was established by GCI in 2016 to address Alaska’s disproportionately high suicide rates and to strengthen mental wellness through community-driven prevention efforts and support systems. The Alaska Community Foundation manages the application and grant administration process while GCI provides financial support for the program. The 2026 grant cycle is currently open, with applications due by June 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM AKST. The opportunity is focused exclusively on organizations serving communities within Alaska and supports projects intended to reduce suicide risk, strengthen community connections, and improve access to mental wellness resources. The purpose of the grant program is to support organizations and projects that advance suicide prevention awareness, improve mental wellness, and promote community resilience. The fund prioritizes projects that empower Alaskans to work collaboratively to improve community wellness and strengthen personal support networks. Preference is given to applicants demonstrating measurable outcomes, accountability, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based or innovative approaches to suicide prevention. Organizations serving communities with limited access to suicide prevention resources or mental health infrastructure are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants are also encouraged to integrate suicide prevention training into their proposed activities, with the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health offering several free training programs to support implementation. Funding requests may range from $1,000 to $15,000 per organization, with the average award anticipated to be approximately $5,000. The Alaska Community Foundation expects to award approximately $75,000 total across 10 to 15 organizations during the 2026 funding cycle. Both project-based and operational support requests are eligible for consideration if they align with the objectives of the program. All funded activities are required to be completed within one calendar year from the award date. The guidelines do not identify any mandatory cost-sharing, matching fund requirement, indirect cost limitation, or subaward restriction. Award announcements are expected in August 2026 after the review process has been completed. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charitable organizations classified under sections 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including qualified faith-based organizations that provide social services to the broader community. Federally recognized Tribes, Tribal nonprofit organizations, city governments, borough governments, and K-12 schools located in Alaska are also eligible to apply. The program specifically excludes individuals, state and federal government agencies, for-profit organizations, and private nonprofit organizations that do not hold qualifying public charity status. Requests involving discriminatory activities or religious indoctrination are also prohibited under the funding guidelines. Applications must be submitted through the Alaska Community Foundation online grant management system. Organizations that are new to the platform must first create an online account before beginning the application process. Applicants may save drafts and return later to complete submissions; however, once submitted, applications cannot be edited. The process begins with a review of eligibility requirements, and organizations uncertain about alignment with the program are encouraged to contact Alaska Community Foundation grant staff before applying. The application process does not include a required letter of intent, concept paper, or preliminary application stage. Evaluation criteria include mission alignment with suicide prevention and awareness goals, anticipated community impact, ability to address root causes of suicide, and the use of evidence-based or innovative strategies. The grant program places significant emphasis on suicide prevention education and workforce development. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate training opportunities such as Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality, CAMS4Teens, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention, Question Persuade Refer training, Assisting and Managing Suicide Risk training, Lethal Means Reduction workshops, and Connect Program initiatives. The guidelines also recommend evidence-based programs such as Sources of Strength, the AK-ECHO Program, and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium resources tailored to Alaska Native communities. Award recipients are required to complete two progress reports containing project documentation images and signed photo releases, as well as a final report due within 30 days after project completion and no later than one year plus 30 days after the award date. Failure to comply with reporting requirements may affect eligibility for future Alaska Community Foundation funding opportunities. The GCI Suicide Prevention Grant operates as a recurring annual funding opportunity serving Alaska communities. The 2026 cycle opened on May 1, 2026 and closes on June 15, 2026. Based on the annual nature of the program, the next anticipated cycle is expected to open in May 2027. Organizations seeking additional information or clarification may contact the Alaska Community Foundation by email at grants@alaskacf.org or by phone at 907-334-6700.

Demonstrate measurable outcomes and accountability. Emphasize culturally sensitive and community-centered programming. Include evidence-based or innovative suicide prevention approaches. Projects serving communities with limited access to support services may receive stronger consideration. Including suicide prevention training components may strengthen competitiveness.