Cultural Collaborations Project Grants

The Cultural Collaborations Project Grants are administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts, with support from the Rasmuson Foundation. These grants are designed to foster high-quality arts and cultural programming for youth in Alaska. Emphasizing skill development and active participation, the grants target projects taking place outside the traditional school day or academic calendar, reflecting a commitment to community-based arts education and engagement. The purpose of the Cultural Collaborations Project Grants is to promote youth access to culturally enriching experiences through sustained, hands-on programming. Eligible projects must consist of regularly scheduled sessions that extend over a significant period, rather than one-time or short-term events. The grant encourages programs that allow youth to actively create and learn, supporting their personal and artistic development in informal education environments. Grants are awarded as matching awards of up to $6,000. This means applicants must contribute equivalent or greater funding or in-kind support to be eligible. The matching component is intended to deepen local investment in youth arts programming and strengthen community partnerships. The funding is to be used strictly for programming expenses related to these arts and cultural activities, and grantees must comply with all usage requirements outlined by the Council. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, schools, and school districts operating within the state of Alaska. Collaboration is encouraged, and proposals demonstrating partnership across organizations or institutions are welcomed. The program does not specify additional geographic limitations beyond statewide eligibility, and no stipulation is made regarding specific cities, towns, or boroughs. Applications are accepted twice annually, aligning with a biannual submission cycle. The two deadlines each year are June 1 and December 1. Applications submitted by June 1 must be for projects that begin no earlier than July 1, while those submitted by December 1 must be for projects beginning no earlier than January 1. Awards are typically announced within two to three weeks following each application deadline, allowing for a relatively quick turnaround for project planning and implementation. For technical assistance and grant inquiries, applicants may contact Laura Forbes by phone at 907-269-6682 or via email at laura.forbes@alaska.gov. Additional guidance, including detailed application instructions and final report forms, is available on the Alaska State Council on the Arts website. Applicants are encouraged to review these materials carefully and to reach out early in the process to ensure compliance with all requirements and to increase the likelihood of a successful submission.