The Chilkat Valley Community Foundation has $11,000 to give away to local nonprofits this year, including a $600 technology grant and $400 for a project that benefits youth of the Chilkat Valley.
Eligible organizations must apply by Sept. 30 to be considered. Organizations can apply for operating support grants, new program and special projects grants, or capital grants.
Foundation chair Ann Myren said because many community needs in Haines are met by nonprofits, supporting the organizations through grants is a way to ensure those services can continue to be provided here.
National and statewide organizations with local chapters or offices, like the Venturer Scouts and Southeast Alaska Independent Living, can apply for grants, as well. “They can still apply but they need to follow our procedures, and that organization has to promise that all that money comes to Haines,” Myren said.
The foundation is holding a grant writing workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19 that will include a presentation on how to write an effective grant application. Myren said attendees are encouraged to bring ideas or partial applications so they can benefit from one-on-one help.
Winners will be announced in November and funds will be distributed in December.
The foundation also is conducting its first “Businesses Building Community” campaign, which aims to raise $20,000 from local businesses in order to secure a $10,000 matching grant from the Rasmuson Foundation.
This is the first time the foundation is going to the business community for donations. “We felt when we started the foundation, we needed to build a reputation. We feel that we have a little bit of a track record now and the businesses can see what we’re doing and that we’re getting support from the community, so we felt like it was a good time to approach them.”
If the $20,000 goal is reached and the $10,000 matching grant attained, the money will be put in the foundation’s endowment fund. The interest earned by the fund is what allows the foundation to offer annual grants, Myren said.
“It gives people – individuals and families and businesses – the chance to give back to the community in a broad way. That gift will keep on giving for the long term,” she said.
If the goal is met, the Rasmuson Foundation will also provide $1,000 to be re-granted out to a local nonprofit.
For more information, contact the Chilkat Valley Community Foundation Advisory Board at [email protected] or call 766-6868.