The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) and the Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) have awarded a total of $10.75 million to ninety-nine nonprofits in the first round of ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Fund grants.
The state’s nonprofit sector aids in Alaska’s pandemic response and recovery by delivering programs and services that address the needs of their local communities. The ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Fund grant awards will enable the nonprofit sector to provide ongoing support and critical services to their communities and help mitigate the lingering health and economic impacts of COVID-19.
DCCED Commissioner Julie Anderson:
“Alaska’s nonprofits have worked hard to help our communities get back on their feet. It’s great to see funds reaching these important organizations. I appreciate ACFs experience and enjoyed working with them in the review of applications and distributions of these grant awards.”
Grants were awarded to nonprofits across the state in Bristol Bay, Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, Bering Straits, Interior, Southcentral, and Southeast. The grant distribution prioritized nonprofits supporting public health, food security, housing, and basic needs. The awards will enable the nonprofit sector to better serve vulnerable populations – including youth, seniors, and persons with mental and physical disabilities – now and in the future.
ACF President and CEO Nina Kemppel:
“It has been a collaborative effort with DCCED and philanthropic partners to ensure that the grants awarded will have a meaningful impact across the state. Our goal is to support the nonprofit sector in a time in which their services are critical to the COVID-19 recovery in Alaska. Thanks to the Alaska Legislature for recognizing not only the immediate relief but subsequent recovery assistance needed for nonprofits to serve their communities.”
The ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Fund was launched as a result of the Alaska State Legislature’s appropriation of $20 million from the State’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for grants to nonprofits to address the economic and social impacts due to COVID-19.
The application period for round two of the ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Fund is currently open. Nonprofits are encouraged to contact ACF’s staff with questions or requests for assistance. The deadline to apply for round two is 5:00 pm on February 16, 2022. Nonprofits can find more information, including eligibility criteria, and apply for a grant by clicking here.
