Alaska Conservation Discovery Grants

The Alaska Conservation Foundation administers the Discovery Grants Program to provide targeted funding for grassroots organizations based in Alaska. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s broader mission to support conservation work that delivers enduring impacts across Alaska’s unique natural environment and the traditional lifestyles it supports. The program is designed to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of conservation efforts throughout the state by offering small but strategic grants to organizations focused on advocacy and environmental protection. The primary aim of the Discovery Grants is to foster leadership development, support strategic collaboration, and equip organizations with tools to navigate dynamic political and economic conditions. Grant funds may be used for a variety of activities, such as staff or board training, travel, conference fees, meeting facilitation, legal assistance, outreach and advocacy efforts, and strategic program expansion. An administrative fee of up to 10% is allowed. However, funding cannot be used for ongoing operating expenses such as salaries, equipment, land acquisition, research, education programs, scholarships, or capital campaigns. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) status, as well as federally recognized tribes. Applicants must either be based in Alaska or run Alaska-focused programs. Organizations already receiving support from the Alaska Conservation Foundation must be in good standing with their reporting requirements. Preference is given to grassroots organizations with annual budgets under $400,000, especially those aligning with ACF's conservation priorities. Applications for the Discovery Grants are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed every two months. Organizations are advised to reach out to the Foundation in advance if their proposals are time-sensitive. The streamlined application process requires submission via an online portal, with guidance available to assist with the submission steps. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult the Discovery Grants Guidelines before starting their application. The grant review cycle occurs bimonthly, and although no pre-application steps like Letters of Intent are required, applicants should ensure their proposal fits within the Foundation’s stated priorities. Awards are expected to be modest, ranging from $500 to $2,000. Due to the rolling nature of the program, there is no fixed application window, allowing organizations to apply when they are ready and when strategic opportunities arise. For additional support or questions regarding eligibility or application procedures, applicants may contact the Alaska Conservation Foundation at grants@alaskaconservation.org or by phone at 907-276-1917.

Review program guidelines before starting application; ensure eligibility, including budget threshold and conservation alignment.