DHSS and ACF Announce $18.5 Million of Coronavirus Nonprofit Relief Grant Awards

The Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) have announced the first round of Coronavirus Nonprofit Relief Fund (CNRF) grantees. Grant funds are from Alaska’s share of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are to be distributed to eligible nonprofit and faith-based organizations to aid in their continued efforts to combat the adverse effects of COVID-19 in Alaska. The total grantmaking allocation for this program is $35 million, with $18 million available in the first round, up to $12 million in the second round, and the remaining balance in the third round.

“Thank you to ACF and DHSS staff that have diligently worked to build a brand-new process to ensure these designated funds are distributed to nonprofits around the state,” said Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum. “Nothing about the COVID response has been simple, but we are grateful for the organizations and groups that have continued to serve Alaskans in their time of need, and we hope these funds can help.”

The first round of grants saw a massive response: 175 applicants from across the state, with requests totaling over $60 million. After careful consideration, ACF and DHSS have awarded $18.5 million of CNRF funding to 90 organizations that provide a variety of essential services to their communities. Dillingham City School District has received $300,000 for critical access to internet connectivity and distance-learning devices. The Nenana Volunteer Fire/EMS Department has been awarded $260,000 to purchase a COVID equipped ambulance for safe patient transport over long distances. United Way of Southeast Alaska has received $800,000 to partner with local restaurants and Juneau’s nonprofit relief programs for the distribution of food to our most vulnerable populations. thread has been granted $1 million for its regranting program to fund childcare programs throughout the state.

“It has been a collaborative effort with DHSS and fellow funders to ensure that the grants awarded will have a meaningful impact across the state.” said ACF President and CEO Nina Kemppel. “Our goal is to support the nonprofit sector in a time in which their services are critical to the COVID-19 response in Alaska. We believe that the ninety CNRF grants awarded will allow our nonprofit sector to make a significant difference in the communities they serve and provide critical resources to those in need.”