Greater Sitka Legacy Fund announced $12,242 in grants to nine organizations in Sitka at the Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce meeting on November 15. The awards include:
- $3,000 to Alaska Arts Southeast, LLC for financial aid to assist Sitka students with the cost of Fine Arts Camp
- $2.000 to Sitka Sound Science Center for education classroom improvements
- $1,665 to Betty Eliason Childcare Center to pay for tuition for early childhood education for staff
- $1,500 to Artchange, Inc. for 14 Miles
- $1,500 to Sitka Historical Society for the new Sitka History Museum
- $1,000 to Mt. Edgecumbe Preschool for purchase of early childhood education resource materials
- $577 to the SEER School for Art to Lift a Senior’s Spirit
- $500 to Fireweed Dance Theater for costs associated with The Nutcracker
- $500 to Sitka Health Summit Coalition to support the new student activities and health equity fund
GSLF received grant applications from 13 organizations requesting a total of $27,809.96. The awards announced on November 15 are in addition to $6,000 in grants that GSLF made earlier in 2017. The total of $18,242 in grants made in 2017 significantly exceeds the value of awards made between 2013, when GSLF was established, and 2016.
GSLF makes grants using income from its permanent endowment, which is supported by donations from Sitka residents, friends of the community, and matching contributions from Rasmuson Foundation and The Alaska Community Foundation. The large number and higher value of grants made in 2017 is a direct result of the generosity of individual and business donors and GSLF’s relationship with ACF and Rasmuson Foundation.