General Grant
General Grant
About Us
The Arctic Slope Community Foundation (ASCF) stands as a pillar of support for the Arctic Slope region in Alaska. The mission of ASCF is to strengthen a culture of giving and improve the quality of life for the people of the Arctic Slope. ASCF bridges gaps, inspires hope, and fosters resilience in the most remote and challenging landscape of the United States. But what is ASCF, and how does this organization contribute to the communities within the Arctic Slope? This blog explores ASCF's history, mission, and impactful work while highlighting opportunities for individuals and organizations to support its mission.
History and Formation of the Arctic Slope Community Foundation
The Arctic Slope Community Foundation (ASCF) was founded in 2009 as a way to strengthen the culture of giving and improve the quality of life for residents in the Arctic Slope region of Alaska. Incorporated as a nonprofit with roots in the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, ASCF became a public 501(c)(3) organization in 2010, enabling it to serve as the region’s only public charity dedicated to addressing the unique challenges of its eight remote communities.
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The Arctic Slope region is home to approximately 10,500 residents living in eight remote communities scattered across Northern Alaska, accessible only by airplane or barge. The Arctic slope is predominantly comprised of the indigenous people of the Arctic, the Iñupiat. The culture of the people is a direct reflection of the unique environment of the Arctic, and it is an integration of a deep-rooted cultural heritage blended with modern living.
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Recognizing the need for a dedicated organization to address critical issues like food security, education, and cultural preservation, ASCF was established. It was born out of a shared purpose to support these close-knit, yet geographically isolated communities, ensuring that they thrive economically, culturally, and socially. Since its inception, the organization has worked tirelessly to address systemic challenges such as high poverty rates, limited infrastructure, food insecurity, and a pressing need to preserve Iñupiaq culture and language.
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Inspired by the deeply ingrained values of sharing and community in the Iñupiat culture, ASCF fosters collaboration among donors, residents, and stakeholders to tackle these challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are ASRC and ASCF the same thing?
No. While the Arctic Slope Community Foundation (ASCF) was “born” out of the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) in 2009, ASCF is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ASCF is led by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of five leaders from the Arctic Slope region. -
Who is eligible to receive grants from ASCF?
ASCF provides grants to tribes, cities, nonprofits, and churches whose work benefits the people of the Arctic Slope region. Individuals, for-profit companies, non-formal entities, and organizations barred from receiving charitable funds are not eligible. -
What types of grants does ASCF fund?
ASCF funds programs that are charitable in nature and aim to improve the quality of life in the Arctic Slope region. Typical areas of focus include food security, healthy communities, education, and the preservation of the Iñupiaq language and culture. -
As an ASRC shareholder running a nonprofit in Anchorage, am I eligible to apply for ASCF grants?
No. ASCF grants are limited to projects and programs that directly benefit the residents of the Arctic Slope region. Organizations outside of this geographical area are not eligible. -
Does ASCF grant funds to start-up businesses?
No. ASCF only grants funds for charitable causes and do not distribute funding for start-up businesses. For more information on start-up funds for small businesses please contact the Small Business Development Center of Alaska or Alaska Growth Capital.
We are a people-focused community foundation working to improve the quality of life in the Arctic Slope of Alaska. We operate under the guidance of traditional Inupiaq values that continually enhance our modern ways of life. We offer grant programs and services to our eight arctic communities, fund innovative initiatives, and advocate for healthy and vibrant communities.
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We have a history of community support and expanding our operations quickly and strategically. Our programs, services, and initiatives have impacted communities across the Arctic Slope. And our passionate team is putting all hands on deck to make a real difference.
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The Challenge
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The Arctic Slope has been home to the Inupiaq people for millennia. Our residents have cultural and spiritual ties to the land they call home. Because of the geographic remoteness of the Arctic Slope, the cost of living and availability of basic products and services is more than double the price of the same products and services in other areas in Alaska and the lower 48. We work to ensure our community members have the resources available to lead quality lives and carry forward the cultural practices and values of our ancestors before us.
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Our Solution
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We provide funding to entities operating in our communities that promote healthy and human services, Inupiaq arts, culture, and language preservation, and education.
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Where We Work
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We work in the eight communities within the Arctic Slope region of Alaska:
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Wainwright;
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Barrow (Utqiaġvik)
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Atqasuk
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Anaktuvuk Pass
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Nuiqsut
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Kaktovik
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Point Hope
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Point Lay
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