Alaska Conservation Foundation

Description

Alaska Conservation Foundation is a nonprofit grantmaking organization dedicated to protecting Alaska’s wild lands, waters and wildlife.

It funds and builds the capacity of grassroots conservation organizations and individuals across Alaska, raising money from individuals, businesses and other foundations and awarding it as grants. It has awarded tens of millions of dollars in grants over several decades to organizations working to protect and manage Alaska’s natural resources. Grantees typically work on issues such as public lands, climate change, pollution and habitat protection, including efforts around Bristol Bay, the Tongass National Forest and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Beyond grantmaking, the foundation runs a conservation internship program to develop future conservation leaders, and supports Alaska Native priorities for protecting land and ways of life through its Alaska Native Fund. It also participates in the Arctic Youth Ambassador program and hosts staff for the Northern Latitudes Partnership, which works with organizations in Alaska and western Canada on indigenous-led solutions to arctic issues.

The foundation was founded in 1980 by Celia Hunter and Denny Wilcher, veterans of the campaign that led to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. It is based in Anchorage, Alaska, and is described as the state’s only public foundation dedicated to conservation.