Rasmuson Foundation

Rasmuson Foundation (www.rasmuson.org) supports both nonprofit organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for people throughout Alaska. Grants are provided to nonprofits working in the areas of arts, culture, humanities, health, housing and community development. By providing grants to nonprofits and by supporting the growth of philanthropy, Rasmuson Foundation contributes to healthy, enriched and productive lives for all Alaskans.

The Foundation was established in 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson with an initial investment of $3,000 to seed an endowment. Her son, Elmer Rasmuson, then President of the National Bank of Alaska, believed strongly in the ability of Alaskans to solve their state’s problems and sought to create a Foundation that could become a steadfast partner to people and organizations who seek to make Alaska better. From these beginnings, Rasmuson Foundation has grown to become the largest private funder in the state of Alaska. The Foundation Board comprises Rasmuson family members and other talented leaders across Alaska who, together with staff, utilize best practices of both independent and family foundations.

Grantmaking

Rasmuson Foundation’s grant program include responsive grantmaking through its Tier 1 and Tier 2 programs, and program-related investments to increase availability of credit and capital for affordable housing, community and economic development, and historic preservation. The foundation also operates grant programs to support the arts, nonprofit and tribal organizations through capacity building grants and a leadership sabbatical program.

Initiatives

The Foundation engages in initiatives to address systemic issues as needed, including homelessness and housing, youth camps, helping to make connections to personal protective equipment and supplies during the coronavirus outbreak, oral health, and the Recover Alaska coalition focused on the harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption in Alaska. In 2015, the Foundation launched Plan4Alaska, a state fiscal responsibility campaign to educate all Alaskans about the urgent need to advise find solutions to state budget issues.

Several initiatives concentrate on growing individual giving and investments in Alaska’s social sector, including a Community Affiliate partnership with Alaska Community Foundation to promote local giving, and an annual week-long Grantmaker’s Tour, an introductory tour of the state for select foundation leaders from across the country to understand where opportunities for partnerships may exist. The purpose of the Tour is to elevate the national profile of Alaska as a philanthropic destination. Data shows that since 2003, nearly $110 million has been granted to Alaskan nonprofits from foundations who participated in the tour.