Alaska Science and Technology Grants

The Chilkat Valley Community Foundation (CVCF), an affiliate of The Alaska Community Foundation (ACF), is offering grants to qualified, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations (or equivalents like Tribal entities, schools, and faith-based organizations) that support charitable programs in the Chilkat Valley area. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address a broad range of community needs. Grants are available in three categories: Operating Support, New Program and Special Project, and Capital Grants. The typical grant awards range from $500-$3,500, with an overall grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The target beneficiaries are organizations serving the Chilkat Valley, with an emphasis on local, sustainable organizations for operating support, and those undertaking new or special projects. The impact goals are to support various community needs including health and wellness, education, the great outdoors, arts and culture, and community development. Capital grants are also available for construction, remodel, renovation, technology, furniture, and equipment, aiming to enhance the infrastructure and resources of community organizations. The program prioritizes organizations that are tax-exempt 501(c)(3) or equivalent. Capital Grant applicants receive extra scoring points if they have previously applied for other grants for the same project. Ineligible organizations include individuals, for-profits, specific non-profits (501(c)(4), 501(c)(6)), non-Alaska based organizations, private foundations, government agencies, and ad hoc groups. Activities such as religious indoctrination, endowment building, fundraising, lobbying, and political activities are also ineligible. Exceptions are made for faith-based organizations or governmental units whose proposals broadly benefit the community, and ineligible organizations can apply through fiscal sponsorship. Expected outcomes include the completion of grant projects within one year of the award, subject to the grantee completing an online grant agreement. The measurable results are tied to the successful implementation of supported programs and projects, contributing to the health, education, cultural enrichment, environmental preservation, and overall development of the Chilkat Valley. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster a vibrant community by supporting a diverse array of charitable initiatives, operating under the theory that targeted financial assistance to qualifying organizations will lead to improved community well-being and sustained local development.

The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) is a discretionary reimbursement grant established by the City of Soldotna in 2012. Its primary goal is to revitalize commercial areas within Soldotna by stimulating private investment, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall visual appeal and vitality of the city's commercial districts. This program aligns with the City's long-range plan, Envision Soldotna 2030, specifically addressing goals such as promoting downtown development, encouraging redevelopment in key areas like the river and major highways, supporting diverse local businesses for a healthy economy, and improving the streetscape along major routes. The SIP targets property owners and business lessees within Soldotna’s commercial areas, with the aim of boosting traffic, increasing property values, and improving the city's aesthetic. The program prioritizes exterior improvements to business facades visible from the street, including elements like storefronts, windows, exterior lighting, canopies, awnings, painting, masonry work, permanent landscaping, decorative signs, and accessibility improvements. The emphasis is on transformative changes, and projects incorporating multiple elements receive greater weight during the competitive application process. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and attractive commercial landscape, increased foot traffic for local businesses, and an uplift in property values. By sharing the cost of beautification, the program seeks to empower local business owners to invest in their properties, contributing to a more prosperous local economy. While routine upkeep, maintenance, or required updates (e.g., signage due to change in ownership) are not eligible, the program encourages proactive improvements that enhance the architectural character and functionality of commercial buildings. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of beautified storefronts, a rise in new business openings or expansions in commercial areas, and potentially an increase in sales tax revenue for the city. The program's theory of change posits that by directly incentivizing aesthetic and functional improvements to business exteriors, the city can create a more inviting environment that attracts both residents and visitors, thereby stimulating economic activity and supporting the long-term health of its commercial sectors. The competitive application process ensures that funding is directed towards high-impact projects that best align with the program's objectives.

The U.S. Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner to assist in developing datasets for predictive relationships between florescence of dissolved organic matter (FDOM) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in freshwater types of SE Alaska. Surface water from large rivers is currently being collected and characterized, but from a limited variety of water types. Assistance in developing continuous monitoring surrogates and documenting the relationship between surrogates and measured water quality parameters, such as FDOM and dissolved carbon and organic matter, is sought. These studies will augment and inform current USGS efforts at characterizing dissolved carbon in glacially dominated large rivers and help evaluate USGS standard methods to new water types. It will also foster a collective understanding of the DOC concentrations and characteristics of SE Alaska streams and inform their sensitivity to pollutants.

This grant provides funding to agricultural professionals and organizations in the Western U.S. to implement educational and demonstration projects that promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices based on previous research findings.

This funding opportunity is designed for research institutions within the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit to investigate deep-sea volcanic systems and hydrothermal environments in the Aleutian Island Arc, enhancing understanding of submarine volcanism and its environmental impacts.

This grant provides funding for organizations to assist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in managing cultural and natural resources at military installations in Hawaii, ensuring compliance with environmental and historic preservation laws.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions for initiatives that improve earthquake safety and awareness across multiple states or nationally.

This program provides funding to universities in eligible states to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering that support the needs of the Department of Defense.

The US Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in co-production of knowledge about Pacific salmon populations and habitats in the Koyukuk, Nowitna Innoko National Wildlife Refuges and Gana-AYoo managed freshwaters.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the University of Alaska's Coastal Marine Institute to facilitate environmental research and resource management decision-making related to offshore energy and mineral resources in Alaska.

This grant provides funding for projects that develop workforce skills in Alaska's natural resource sectors, particularly benefiting rural communities and emphasizing partnerships in the oil, gas, and mining industries.

This grant provides funding to support projects that enhance the well-being and food security of Alaska Native communities located west of the 156th Meridian.

This grant provides $10,000 to Alaska-based nonprofit organizations and tribal governments to support storytelling projects that highlight underrepresented narratives and foster community connections in Alaska.

This funding opportunity supports research and projects that enhance Alaska's marine and coastal ecosystems, focusing on collaboration among local universities, nonprofits, and Tribal entities to address community needs and promote sustainable practices.

This program supports for-profit climate tech companies ready to deploy innovative solutions in Alaska's energy, transportation, and industrial sectors, helping them connect with local markets and stakeholders.

This grant provides funding to museums and related organizations across the U.S. for projects that enhance public education, community engagement, and the stewardship of collections.