The Sitka Alaska Permanent Charitable Trust is a grantmaking entity managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., with a mission to support cultural enrichment, general community betterment, educational assistance, and the advancement of scientific knowledge related to marine and terrestrial flora and fauna in Sitka, Alaska, and its surrounding areas. The trust was established to prioritize programs that serve the specific needs of the Sitka region, emphasizing both environmental and cultural domains.

The foundation considers grant applications on an annual basis, with the application period open from January through April. The final deadline for submission is April 25 each year. Organizations will receive an email confirmation upon submitting their applications, and funding decisions are typically communicated within three months of the deadline. Projects that receive funding may be required to submit periodic progress reports and final reports detailing the outcomes of the funded work.

Grantmaking focuses on two primary program areas: education, especially scientific education related to Sitka’s marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and public/society benefit programs that promote cultural initiatives and improve community well-being. The trust gives preference to organizations located in Sitka, Alaska, though applications are accepted from across the state. While not explicitly excluding other regions, the geographic limitation effectively narrows eligibility to those serving Sitka and its surrounding communities.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations that qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. While the average total giving per year is approximately $90,000, the trust does not specify minimum or maximum award amounts, and the number of grants awarded annually is not stated.

Applications must be submitted online. Specific instructions for application submission, including formatting or supporting documentation, are not detailed in the available overview, but applicants are advised to prepare a strong case for alignment with the trust’s program priorities, particularly if their work is grounded in Sitka’s unique environmental and cultural context.