The Rapid Response Grant Program is administered by the Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF) to provide timely financial support for conservation advocacy initiatives that address urgent or unforeseen environmental threats or opportunities with statewide or national relevance. This funding mechanism is designed to contribute to the advancement of more effective environmental policies and achieve long-term conservation benefits in Alaska. Priority consideration is extended to proposals with well-defined timelines and critical decision-making junctures.
The grant program offers awards of up to $15,000 and accepts applications on a rolling basis. Applicants can expect a final decision within 12 business days from the date of submission. Only nonprofit or equivalent organizations engaged in conservation advocacy are eligible. These entities must either be based in Alaska or manage a program rooted in the state. In addition, applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activity addresses a pressing or unexpected environmental challenge. Organizations currently receiving other ACF funding must be in good standing with required reporting to qualify.
Rapid Response grants are intended to support advocacy that results in reduced environmental harm, the creation or strengthening of environmental laws and policies, enhanced enforcement and regulation of such policies, more robust environmental protections, and the promotion of sustainable economic development practices. Eligible activities for funding include legal support, grassroots advocacy, outreach and communications, meetings with decision-makers, scientific or technical support, travel, contracted services, and a capped administrative fee of up to 15 percent.
Certain expenses are explicitly ineligible for funding under this grant. These include operating expenses like staff salaries, educational programs or scholarships, equipment or land purchases, capital campaigns, literary or film projects, conference attendance fees, and any projects located outside of Alaska.
Interested organizations can apply at any time and are encouraged to consult with ACF staff before submission to ensure project alignment with program goals. A final report detailing grant outcomes must be submitted using the foundation’s online reporting template as specified in the grant agreement. For more information or to discuss a project’s fit, applicants can reach out via email to grants@alaskaconservation.org.
