Small grants support needs of Alaska Native non-profits

The UAF Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy awarded grants up to $50,000 each to four regional non-profit organizations. The groups will use the funding to enhance capacity for resilience and climate adaptation in Alaska Native and rural communities. 

The awards were granted to the Chugach Regional Resources Commission, Copper River Native Association, Kodiak Area Native Association and Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council.

• CRRC plans to assess climate change effects on marine ecosystems, marine mammals and Tribal users. This information will help update resource management plans and other climate adaptation needs.  
• CRNA plans to hire a coordinator to focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation activities, as well as projects that improve the climate resilience and preparedness of Copper Valley communities.
• KANA plans to develop a locally based and regionally-driven economic development strategy focusing on energy, fisheries, agriculture/food security, broadband, mariculture and tourism. The association will also continue an ongoing water quality monitoring program.
• YRITWC plans to hire a tribal climate resilience coordinator to enhance the resilience of Yukon River Watershed tribal communities. The position will build the capacity of the YRITWC for strong partnerships, improved grant writing and adaptation planning skills to address water-related challenges.

The U.S. Arctic Research Commission is collaborating in the effort by funding one of the four awardees.  

For more information about the Small Grants Program and this year’s awardees, please visit the ACCAP Small Grants page.