The Discovery Grants Program is an initiative by the Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF), designed to support Alaska-based grassroots nonprofit organizations in their conservation efforts. The foundation is dedicated to preserving Alaska’s natural environment and the lifestyles it supports. Through Discovery Grants, ACF aims to build a stronger, more effective, and sustainable conservation movement by offering financial assistance for strategic opportunities. These opportunities are intended to enhance leadership, foster collaboration, and support organizations in adapting to evolving political and economic contexts.
Funding provided by the Discovery Grants ranges from $500 to $2,000 per award. Grants are reviewed and evaluated every two months, allowing for periodic intake and decision-making. The scope of funded activities includes staff and board training, meeting facilitation, legal assistance, travel expenses, conference fees, outreach and advocacy initiatives, strategic program expansion, and administrative fees up to 10%. However, the program strictly excludes operating expenses such as staff salaries, equipment purchases, land acquisition, research, ongoing program costs, educational programs or scholarships, capital campaigns, and applications from for-profit organizations or individuals.
Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations operating in Alaska or with Alaska-based programs. Qualified entities include those designated under 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6), as well as federally recognized tribes. Current grantees from ACF must be in good standing with respect to grant reporting requirements. Preference is given to grassroots organizations with annual operating budgets below $400,000, reflecting ACF's commitment to supporting smaller, community-focused initiatives.
Applications must align with ACF’s conservation priorities and contribute meaningfully to the goals of the Discovery Grants Program. The submission process is straightforward, with applications reviewed bi-monthly. Time-sensitive proposals are encouraged to contact ACF staff in advance. Applications are submitted online through a designated portal, accessible via a link provided by ACF.
For additional information or clarifications regarding eligibility and suitable activities, applicants are advised to contact ACF staff directly. The contact email is grants@alaskaconservation.org, and the phone number is 907-276-1917.
