There are several foundations in Alaska focused on preserving and promoting the values and heritage of Alaska Natives, including the Alaska Conservation Foundation and the CIRI Foundation. The First Alaskans Institute (FAI) is another organization to know in this regard if your nonprofit serves Alaska Native people and their communities. This is an especially important funder to know for groups that work with youth in Alaska, and here’s why.
Early childhood through high school education
Education is a top priority for FAI, starting with the very youngest students in Alaskan communities. FAI often supports efforts to improve early childhood capacity for children under age five and to boost high school graduation rates.
This is all part of FAI’s community engagement commitment and Community Investment Awards funding initiative, which dates back to 2007. The commitment involves highlighting what works and funding projects that promote thriving and healthy communities.
Connections between youth and seniors
Another big priority for FAI is strengthening the links between young people and elders in Alaska. Cultural learning and the sharing of ideas lie at the heart of this FAI commitment, which seeks to bring multiple generations together in uncommon and positive ways.
Youth leadership
FAI seeks to build a strong leadership base among Alaskan youth so they can serve their communities close to home or represent their communities in government. The First Alaskans Institute Elders & Youth Conference encourages people both young and old to speak out and create change, building up their own self-confidence in the process. There’s also a summer internship program for Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students, and a public policy fellowship program that places Alaska Native youth in legislative offices in Juneau.
Changing and improving policy
Policy change to benefit Alaska Natives is very important to FAI. The organization’s policy center works with data on Alaska Natives at a regional and statewide level, to measure the impact of programs and policies, facilitate planning and allocate resources. Current policy center projects involve dialogues on racial equity, Indigenous research, sustainability in a post-oil economy and efforts to increase public understanding of Native governing structures.
Funding opportunities
The First Alaskans Institute is a lot more than just a traditional grantmaker, but it does that too. Organizations in the state can apply to the First Alaskans Culture Camp Support Fund, for example, to secure funding for cultural camp programs for youth. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated. Check FAI’s opportunities page for information about other ways to secure financial support.
Learn more about this organization’s grantmaking and local involvement in IP’s full profile of the First Alaskans Institute, which is part of our Northwest funding guide.