TRUST GRANTS SUPPORT BENEFICIARIES ACROSS ALASKA

Anchorage, Alaska – The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (Trust) awarded more than $430,000 in grants to organizations across the state in the first quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2022.

This quarter’s grants, part of the Trust’s approximately $25 million annual grant program, fund beneficiary-supporting programs and initiatives that align with the Trust’s mission and values. Trust grants are awarded throughout the year to Alaska nonprofits, Tribal entities, state and local government agencies, and service providers that serve Trust beneficiaries. Beneficiaries include Alaskans who experience mental illness, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, and traumatic brain injuries.

“Trust efforts to improve access to service and our system of care would not be possible without our network of partners across Alaska,” said Mike Abbott, CEO of the Trust. “We are pleased to be able to provide grant funding to our partners and appreciate their continued passion for improving the lives and circumstances of Trust beneficiaries.”

Many of the projects that are awarded Trust grants will also receive funding from the philanthropic community, private donations, earned revenue, and other community support. The total value of the projects funded by the Trust this quarter is approximately $1.9 million.

Among the grants awarded in the first quarter of FY 2022:

Dementia Care at End-of-Life

Hospice of Anchorage: $27,634

Hospice of Anchorage serves as a community resource for patients with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD) who are navigating their end-of-life journey. Through their Resource Center, free tools and resources will be distributed to patients and their caregivers to support them during this time. Environmental interventions are the most successful types of interventions for advanced ADRD and Trust funds will support this important service in the continuum of care.

Mat-Su Reentry Housing Project

Valley Charities, Inc.: $50,000

Many Trust beneficiaries who are exiting the criminal justice system have difficulty accessing a safe and stable place to live. In order to overcome barriers to housing, Trust funds will support the Mat-Su Reentry Coalition in providing Trust beneficiaries with housing supports and peer support services to ensure those participating in the program have safe and secure housing, aiding in their successful reentry into society.

Lower Yukon Youth Agriculture Project

Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association: $30,000

This resilience-building project leverages multiple funding sources, including Trust funds, to establish a new employment and community engagement opportunity for beneficiary youth in Emmonak to develop an agriculture farm. Engaging youth in activities such as this builds self-esteem, work ethic, well-being, and provides a positive atmosphere for youth to grow. These are all protective factors that can result in reduced negative/harmful behaviors – or prevent them entirely. This project will provide an integrated employment and engagement opportunity to area youth, including local Trust beneficiaries.

Below is a complete list of Trust grants awarded in the last quarter. You can learn more about the grants in a quarterly grant report posted online.

Organization NameProject TitleGrant Amount
Yukon Delta Fisheries Development AssociationLower Yukon Youth Agricultural Project$30,000.00
Alaska Family Services, Inc.Behavioral Health Treatment Center Sustainability$87,350.00
St Vincent De Paul Society Diocesan of Southeast Alaska, Inc.Parking lot Reconstruction as Part of Teal Street Shelter Renovation$40,000.00
Community Connections, Inc.Family Focused Treatment Association$10,000.00
LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource Center, Inc.High Utilizer Mat-Su (HUMS) Program$100,000.00
Special Olympics Alaska, Inc.2021 Annual Disability & Aging Summit$2,500.00
State of ReformSponsorship of the 2021 Alaska State of Reform Virtual Health Policy Conference$2,500.00
Valley Charities, Inc.Mat-Su Reentry Housing Project$50,000.00
Hospice of AnchorageDementia Care at End of Life$27,634.00
Mat-Su Health FoundationMarketing and Integrated Fund Management Plan For Alaska’s SHARP Program$21,550.00
All Alaska Pediatric PartnershipEarly Childhood Governance Outreach Coordination$50,000.00
Rasmuson FoundationRasmuson Foundation National Funders Tour$10,000

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