From the President & CEOListening. Learning. Looking Forward.
Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to sit down with people from all across Alaska. Some were former board members who helped lay the foundation for ACF. Some were Alaskans now living in places like Seattle and Palm Springs. Others were donors and fundholders, grantees, Affiliate leaders, state and Tribal partners—and many of you.
These conversations have been honest, hopeful, and deeply personal. The challenges in Alaska are real, but so is the generosity of the people doing the work. I’ve seen people bring forward ideas, give their time and talents, make connections, and move their communities forward. The do-ers. I saw them in my childhood in Alaska, and I see them now as they rally neighbors, solve problems, and imagine what’s possible.
They’re the reason I’m hopeful.
What I have heard is gratitude for what Alaska has offered and a shared sense of responsibility for its future. These conversations are helping shape where ACF is headed: toward deeper connections with communities across the state, and more ways for people to engage, give, and lead. At the same time, our foundation remains steady. You can continue to count on us for careful stewardship, thoughtful grantmaking, and a deep belief in the power of Alaskans to care for each other.
In this issue of our newsletter, you’ll see generosity in action, rooted in community and supported with care:
• In Petersburg, ORCA Camps connect youth to the land and to each other. One of this year’s Camp Initiative awardees, they’re among 40 camps across the state helping young Alaskans gain skills, confidence, and a lasting sense of belonging.
• In Palm Springs John Rubini and Clare Bertucio opened their home for an evening surrounded by Alaskans in the area who shared their reflections on their connections to our state and how it shaped them. John spoke from the heart about how giving back honors all that Alaska has given him.
• On the North Slope, the Arctic Slope Community Foundation is leading efforts to strengthen food security and preserve Iñupiat culture through workshops grounded in traditional knowledge.
• And as Alaska’s nonprofits navigate shifting federal support, we provided support to partners like The Foraker Group, Alaska Municipal League, and RurAL CAP as they led with clarity and coordination in a time of uncertainty.
These stories reflect what we do at ACF, not just in theory but in practice. We support the do-ers, connect the givers, and build the infrastructure so that giving now supports giving in the future.
And sometimes, that future comes to life in the most inspiring ways.
Like two Anchorage teens, Adam and Liam, who launched Youth Philanthropists Alaska. One evening this spring, they gathered over 70 students from 14 schools, each bringing $10, ready to learn and give. They listened to nonprofit leaders, asked thoughtful questions, and made their first collective grant. For many, it was their first time giving—and it won’t be their last.
Moments like these remind me what’s possible when generosity is supported. Building generosity for Alaska—for today and for tomorrow—isn’t abstract. It’s already happening.
Thank you for being part of it.
Warmly,
