Grants in response to pandemic Sitka Legacy Foundation, Alaska Community Foundation award grants in response to pandemic

Sitka Legacy Foundation (SLF), an Affiliate of The Alaska Community Foundation, is pleased to announce three grants to support local economic resiliency.

The Alaska Community Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to Betty Eliason Childcare Center to support ongoing operating expenses while the organization works on a plan to re-open in accordance with guidelines to protect the health of children and the community. “Everyone wants life to get back to normal,” says Erika Apathy, Executive Director. “Childcare is a critical part of that, so we appreciate the help with paying our expenses until it’s safe for everyone to get back to work and play.”

Sitka Legacy Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to Sitka Health Summit Coalition to support its Safe Stores, Shoppers, and Workers Initiative. The Coalition will work in partnership with the Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce and the State of Alaska Division of Public Health Nursing to provide information and supplies to local businesses that request the assistance to re-open and operate safely during the pandemic. The Health Summit invites Sitkans to learn more about the project and fill out a survey at safestoresitka.com.

The Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust also received a $5,000 grant from Sitka Legacy Foundation to support its local fish donation project, which is operating in cooperation with the Sitka Mutual Aid project with support from Sitka Conservation Society. The project is providing locally-caught fish to Salvation Army, Sitkans Against Family Violence, and households in need in Sitka. Local fishers donate the fish; the grant will pay for processing fees, delivery, administrative expenses, and supplies.

All three grants were made possible by generous support from Rasmuson Foundation. United Way of Anchorage and The Alaska Community Foundation, with support from Rasmuson Foundation, have partnered to offer a statewide opportunity to support Alaska’s COVID-19 response, called AK Can Do. The campaign has raised more than $1,588,000 to date, with support from many of the state’s largest employers. To make a gift that will benefit organizations and programs in Sitka, please visit sitkalegacy.org.

Sitka Legacy Foundation is accepting informal proposals for grants to fund projects that respond to pandemic-related needs over the summer through May 20. For more information, please contact program manager Robin Sherman, rsherman@alaskacf.org.