Rasmuson Foundation

We're pleased to share that Sydney Copley is taking on a new role as Partnership Manager. In this role, she will support the Foundation's mission by developing strategic relationships.

Thanks, Chris, we agree. The arts do make life better! Thank an artist today by nominating them for the Distinguished Artist Award at rasmuson.org.

Our CEO Gretchen Guess reflects on the resilience, creativity, and strength that define communities in Alaska. Read her letter rasmuson.org: https://lnkd.in/gjtgMspb We’re here to help. Our grants are open and available. Learn more: rasmuson.org/find-funding/. Want to connect with a program officer? Schedule a chat: https://lnkd.in/gDzUG_py or call us at (907) 297-2700.

We are now accepting nominations for the 2025 Distinguished Artist Award! One Alaska artist will receive $50,000 in recognition of their dedication to the arts and contributions to the state’s artistic landscape. Nominations close on March 14: https://lnkd.in/g2w9fbWW Nominees must be a full-time Alaska resident, have at least 20 years of artistic experience and continues to produce art. An Alaska-based panel will assist in the selection, with the award announced in August. Don’t wait! Nominate an artist today!

This past week has been especially challenging for organizations across the state. As we work to make sense of the implications of recent Presidential administration executive orders, it is important to know where to get the most up-to-date information and tools. We’re thankful to our partners at The Foraker Group for supporting nonprofits, the Alaska Municipal League for supporting our cities, and the Alaska Federation of Natives for supporting our tribes. Read more about available resources in our most recent letter from Gretchen Guess, our president and CEO: https://lnkd.in/gnrPjxaS We encourage all nonprofits and tribal governments to fill out Alaska’s Federal Funding Impact Survey before Feb. 7. The information gathered will be an important tool to establish an informed picture of how the executive orders would impact Alaska: https://lnkd.in/gzfeMqBe

Federal policy changes can have real impacts on Alaska’s nonprofits and Tribes. The Foraker Group is helping organizations stay ahead with a new resource page tracking executive orders, directives, and laws. Information will be updated as new and verifiable information becomes available: https://lnkd.in/gJN4wUGt Foraker has also launched a new survey to better understand the impact that federal funding changes have on Alaska. Deadline to complete the survey is Friday, Feb. 7: https://lnkd.in/gzfeMqBe Identifying information will only be shared with your consent.

Pa?lagikpi? siqi?iq “Welcome back the sun!” I?isa?vik College students, staff and faculty celebrated the welcoming of the siqi?iq (sun) through sayuq/motion dance. The motions of the song depict the sun’s rays, the sun, walking outside to welcome the sun, and dancing. We are so elated the sun has returned! ?? #siqiniq #welcomebackthesun #thesunisback #sun #ilisagvikcollege #sayuun #sayuq #unapologeticallyinupiaq #alaskastribalcollege

Want to learn more about our strategic grantmaking approach? Start here.

We’re hiring a Program Officer – Strategy to join our team and help shape impactful initiatives at Rasmuson Foundation. This role will support strategic grantmaking, manage partnerships, and contribute to innovative solutions to benefit Alaska communities. We’re looking for mission-driven individuals who value collaboration, respect, and responsibility. If you’re passionate about strategy and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. More information and how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/g3BYkPJb

Exciting updates from Rasmuson Foundation! We are pleased to welcome our new program officers: Janie Caq’ar Ferguson, Lindsay Hammer, Sheryl Saturnino, and Jeannette Lee. Additionally, we’re proud to announce the promotion of Carmen Goodwin, a valued team member since 2009, to director of talent management. Congratulations to all! Read our full press release on our website: https://lnkd.in/gSqs8z5E