Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund
In response to the severe October 2025 storms — including Typhoon Halong — that devastated Alaska’s western coast, local organizations and regional partners have joined together to create the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund, housed at the Alaska Community Foundation (ACF).
“This response is an example of Alaska at its best. When disaster hits, we don’t hesitate. We come together across communities and regions, listen to local leaders, and act quickly. ACF’s role is to support this work and move resources into the hands of the people who know their communities best.”
– Alexandra McKay, President & CEO, Alaska Community Foundation
Through this collaborative effort, the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund will provide support to affected communities for immediate relief, recovery support, and long-term resilience, including disaster preparedness initiatives.
Distribution decisions will be guided by advisors, including regional leaders and stakeholders, to ensure that resources reach affected communities based on locally identified needs.
The Alaska Community Foundation is honored to serve as the home for this initiative, providing administrative support and ensuring transparent distribution of resources to the most affected communities.
In the first two weeks, the fund has distributed $575,000 in direct relief, supporting urgently needed equipment and flexible grants for front-line organizations leading disaster response and recovery efforts.
Recent grants include:
- Association of Village Council Presidents – $75,000
- Maniilaq Association – $75,000
- Alaska Native Heritage Center – $25,000
- Kipnuk Traditional Council – $100,000
- Kwigillingok Traditional Council – $100,000
In addition, ACF has purchased laptops for the Kipnuk Traditional Council and is partnering with Coastal Villages Region Fund to purchase and transport ATVs for cleanup and recovery—totaling roughly $200,000 in direct expenses.
The advisory committee, composed of regional and statewide leaders, meets regularly to evaluate requests and guide the strategic deployment of resources. With the Yukon-Kuskokwim region now declared a federal disaster area, the committee is coordinating closely with local and federal partners to maximize impact and prevent duplication of aid.
Grantees represent a cross-section of Alaska’s response:
- AVCP and Maniilaq are providing coordinated support across multiple affected Tribal communities.
- Alaska Native Heritage Center is offering culturally grounded care for more than 1,000 evacuees relocated to Anchorage.
- Kipnuk and Kwigillingok Traditional Councils are addressing immediate, on-the-ground needs in two of the hardest-hit communities
Learn More
Every donation strengthens local efforts to rebuild, restore, and prepare for the future.
For other ways to support Western Alaskan relief effort and to find relief resources visit:
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from individuals, families, and organizations across Alaska and beyond. Your generosity is making an immediate difference in the lives of those affected by the storms.
We would especially like to recognize donors who have contributed $2,500 or more. Your leadership and commitment are helping provide essential relief and support to communities in need.
Community of Giving and Donors $50,000+
Community of Giving and Donors $25,000+
Community of Giving and Donors $10,000+
Marston Foundation Fund
Hotel Captain Cook
Community of Giving and Donors $5,000+
Gregg and Puyong Brelsford
Paul Daggett
The Randich Family Fund
Community of Giving and Donors $2,500+
David, Frances, and Ethan Masterman
Sadler Family
The Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund emerged from urgent conversations among leaders and organizations across western Alaska’s affected regions, including the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Bering Strait, and Northwest Arctic regions. Recognizing the immediate and long-term needs facing their communities, these local partners initiated a collaborative response to support recovery efforts. The fund was launched with endorsements from local, regional, and statewide partners, including:
- Association of Village Council Presidents
- Alaska Federation of Natives
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
- ANCSA Regional Association
- Bethel Community Services Foundation
- Calista Corporation
- Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation
- First Alaskans Institute
- Kawerak, Inc.
- Maniilaq Association
- Native Peoples Action
- Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation