The Palmer Community Foundation (PCF), an affiliate of The Alaska Community Foundation (ACF), administers an annual grant program to support nonprofit organizations and programs in the greater Palmer area and the Matanuska River watershed communities, including Butte, Sutton, Chickaloon, and Glacier View. The goal of this grant program is to enhance the quality of life for residents by funding initiatives in areas such as health and wellness, education, the outdoors, arts and culture, and community development. PCF seeks applications that demonstrate broad community impact, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with other organizations.

The 2025 PCF grant application period opens on March 1, 2025, and closes on March 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM AKST. Applications must be submitted online through the provided grant portal. Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with an average grant amount of $2,500. Projects funded through this program must be completed within one year of the award date unless an extension is approved by the PCF Advisory Board. A required online grant agreement must be completed before funding is disbursed.

Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations and equivalent entities such as tribal organizations, schools, and faith-based organizations that provide broad community benefit. Ineligible applicants include individuals, for-profit entities, certain nonprofit classifications (501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6)), non-Alaska-based organizations, private or family foundations, government agencies, and organizations without tax-exempt status. Additionally, funding will not be awarded for activities related to religious indoctrination, political campaigns, fundraising events, deficit financing, or discriminatory programs. However, faith-based organizations that provide services beyond religious activities may be eligible.

Grant applications will be evaluated by the PCF Grants Committee, composed of volunteer Advisory Board members and other community representatives. Selection criteria include the clarity and feasibility of the proposed project, measurable outcomes, financial sustainability, community impact, and budget alignment with the project goals. Priority will be given to projects that reach a broad audience and organizations that have not previously received funding from PCF.

Applicants must submit a final grant report within one year of receiving funds. Organizations with overdue grant reports from prior funding rounds are ineligible for new grants until they complete their reporting requirements. Fiscal sponsorship is available for organizations that do not qualify directly for PCF funding. A fiscal sponsor must provide a formal letter of agreement accepting legal and financial responsibility for managing the funds.

For general inquiries, applicants can contact Ashley Kincaid at (907) 982-9189 or via email at amiles3051@gmail.com. Questions regarding eligibility or the online application system should be directed to ACF’s Affiliate Program staff at affiliate@alaskacf.org or (907) 334-6700.