Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) today announced that more than $3.3 million in relief and recovery funding has now been deployed to communities across Western Alaska impacted by the October storm systems, including ex-Typhoon Halong. These funds are supporting local Tribal councils, regional nonprofits, and community-led efforts working on the front lines of response and recovery.
From new school clothing for displaced students, to emergency repairs for damaged homes, to transportation support for host families, to the replacement of subsistence foods lost in the storm—this funding is moving quickly and directly to the places where Alaskans said it was needed most.
Locally Led. Community Directed. Making a Difference Now.
Since launching in October, the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund has worked closely with leaders in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Bering Strait, and Northwest Arctic regions to identify urgent needs and provide flexible funding to address them.
The vast majority of grants have been awarded directly to Tribal councils and city governments in the communities most affected. These organizations are uniquely positioned to identify community needs and provide timely support.
Community-identified impact include:
- Direct relief to Tribal Councils and city governments in Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Chefornak, Napakiak, Napaskiak, Nightmute, Quinhagak, Bethel, and Tuntutuliak that is supporting home repairs, temporary housing, essential supplies, and emergency assistance for families.
- Replacement of vital subsistence foods, distributed in partnership with the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Bethel Food Bank, and SeaShare. → Read more about these efforts.
- ATVs, snowmachines, and winter gear were delivered for cleanup, debris removal, and safe travel in several communities where floodwaters destroyed essential equipment.
- Support for more than 140 evacuated students through the Lower Kuskokwim School District’s reimbursement program for school clothes, shoes, backpacks, and winter gear.
- Culturally grounded care for evacuees provided by organizations such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
- Mental health and youth suicide-prevention support led by Teens Acting Against Violence under the Tundra Women’s Coalition.
- Local journalism and information access, including support for KYUK’s on-the-ground reporting.
“These resources are moving because local leaders are steering the process,” said Alexandra McKay, President & CEO of the Alaska Community Foundation. “ACF’s role is to listen, respond, and take care of the administrative load so communities can focus on caring for their people, not paperwork.”
Responding to Urgent Needs While Supporting Long-Term Recovery
To date, deployed funding includes:
- $2.9 million in direct relief grants to Tribal Councils, city governments, and regional organizations
- Over $225,000 in emergency equipment purchases, including ATVs, snowmachines, and essential winter supplies
- $130,000 in subsistence food relief
- $50,000 in school supply reimbursements
- $30,000 for youth mental health and violence-prevention programs
- Support for ongoing local reporting and community communication
“The needs are still significant,” said Megan Cacciola, Vice President of Programs & Grants at ACF. “Families are still displaced. Homes need repair. Subsistence harvests were lost. And winter is long. What makes this fund special is that it fuels locally chosen solutions, giving Tribal and local leaders the flexibility to decide—day by day—what their communities need most.”
A Statewide Effort Rooted in Local Leadership
The Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund continues to be guided by regional advisors and partners representing Tribal, nonprofit, and Alaska Native organizations.
More than 20,537 donors from across Alaska, the Lower 48, and around the world have contributed $5.8 million through online gifts, envelopes filled with small bills, stock transfers, retirement distributions, and foundation grants.
“Every gift moves through this fund with the same goal,” McKay said. “Helping Western Alaska families recover and making sure generosity reaches them with speed, dignity, and care.”
ACF continues to coordinate with regional and local leaders to determine where help is needed. The group, which meets regularly, will convene in December to assess gaps in other available funding sources. Based on their knowledge of the needs at that time, the next round of grants will be awarded.
How to Help
The Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund continues to accept contributions:
Online: alaskacf.org/westernalaska
Mail: Alaska Community Foundation, 3201 C Street, Suite 110, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: 907.334.6700
All donations support communities affected by the 2025 Western Alaska storms.
Media contact:
Ashley Ellingson
Director of Communications and Marketing
Alaska Community Foundation
aellingson@alaskacf.org | 907.334.6700