The Vocational Fund for Alaska’s Future grant program, managed by the Alaska Community Foundation (ACF), provides funding for projects aimed at developing a skilled workforce in Alaska’s natural resource sectors. This grant supports initiatives that enhance career pathways, employability skills, and cross-sector skill acquisition, with a particular emphasis on the oil, gas, and mining industries. Projects that demonstrate leveraged funding from additional sources and those that benefit rural Alaska, especially the Bristol Bay Region, will be prioritized. The grant period for this funding opportunity runs from November 1 to December 16, 2024, and successful applicants can plan for project activities to start as early as January 1, 2025, with completion expected by December 31, 2025. Grantees may request an extension if necessary.

Eligible applicants must meet ACF’s standard requirements and show a commitment to serving Alaskan communities. While applicants from outside Alaska may apply, they must demonstrate a significant contribution to the state, either directly or through a partnership with a local organization. A broad range of entities can apply, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, organizations with a fiscal sponsor holding 501(c)(3) status, Tribal entities, K-12 schools, city governments, and nonprofit-public agency collaborations. Projects from religious organizations are eligible only if they serve broader community needs without regard to religious affiliation. Ineligible applicants include 501(c)4 organizations, and the foundation maintains a non-discrimination policy across all projects while respecting Tribal preferences for Alaska Natives and Native Americans.

Funding amounts typically range between $10,000 and $50,000. These grants cover only post-award expenses, and pre-award costs are not eligible for reimbursement. Additionally, funds from this program cannot be used for lobbying, electoral activities, capital projects, endowment building, or property acquisition. Activities must align with ACF’s timeline to ensure that awarded funds are used exclusively for eligible project expenditures within the stated project period.

Selection criteria for this grant are under development. However, applicants can improve their chances by proposing projects that align with Alaska’s workforce needs in resource development, particularly those that incorporate partnerships, reach rural areas, and utilize resources from multiple funding sources. The ACF Grants Team is available for additional guidance and support throughout the application period.