Below are some stories and quotes from donors, grantees, scholarship recipients, Board members and staff. 

“Being part of ACF has given me a front row seat to observe the growth of philanthropy and community engagement across Alaska. The foresight and generosity of many individuals and communities has altered the giving culture in our state and addressed real problems. By growing our capacity to address needs at the community level, we empower people to solve local problems with local giving.”
- Rick Nerland, Former ACF Board of Directors

“The community foundation enables people to leave a legacy that will forever benefit their community. Community Foundation fund advisors are local residents very much involved in their community. They see the needs of the community, and respond with funding solutions in a manner most benefiting the community.”
- Paul Rupple, Seward Community Foundation

 

“The power of community is a part of The Alaska Community Foundation’s DNA.  Through ACF, Alaskans guide the future of our state with funds that are protected from outside influence or control. The Alaska Community Foundation is a way for Alaskans to demonstrate their love for Alaska:  its people, villages, towns, cities, and regions.  It’s where Alaskans invest in Alaska’s future.”
- Susan Behlke Foley, ACF Board of Directors

 

“I was so grateful to find a scholarship that recognized first-generation college students,” Diep said. “My parents mean the world to me. They escaped from the Vietnam War and started out with nothing, but worked hard enough to be able to send me to a good college. I think receiving this scholarship makes them very proud and definitely relieves financial stress.”
–Jennifer Diep, Neal O. Thorpe Scholarship Recipient

“The Alaska Community Foundation is an important catalyst in promoting philanthropy in our state and providing a vehicle that allows for our personal philanthropic mission to continue into the future!”
-Jo and Peter Michalski, ACF Donors

 

“At ACF, we know that philanthropy can transform lives and communities. We are so proud of the many ways Alaskans who believe in the power of philanthropy are making a difference in our great state. This week, we are particularly thankful to those who support ACF as we continue to grow positive changes throughout Alaska.”
- Candace Winkler, ACF President & CEO

 

"Setting up a fund that helps the community of Haines had a big impact on how I view philanthropy in Alaska. A small fund can make a big difference."
- Suzanne Yack, Ashley and Heather Call Family Fund

 

“We would be unable to provide hundreds of students with musical education each year without the support of our community. The Alaska Youth Orchestras (Anchorage Youth Symphony) is thrilled that with the ACF’s help, we will be able to ensure the continuation of musical education for south central Alaskan youth far in to the future. Ensuring our children have the best opportunities available has always been a community effort. We are proud to work with the ACF to ensure that despite our small population, south central Alaskan youth have opportunities to perform music at the highest levels.”
- Lynn McConnell, Executive Director, Alaska Youth Orchestras

 

“I care about what happens in Alaska and in my community.  Leaving a legacy gift with ACF is my way of giving back to a state that has provided me with many wonderful opportunities.  I want to do more than just give now.  As a legacy member I can make a real and meaningful impact on the future of Alaska and its nonprofits.  It is gratifying to know my gift will keep giving long after I’m gone.”
- Kris Norosz, ACF Board of Directors & Legacy Society Member

 

“I think Community Foundations are a win/win for communities and for people who care about communities. Just as we’re learning it’s better for all of us if we “Eat Local” and “Buy Local,” we’re figuring out it’s better to “give local” and – from a recipient’s perspective – to “receive local.” When I explained my idea for a statewide suicide prevention project to the Alaska Community Foundation, they immediately “got” what I was going for and connected me with people committed to suicide prevention. Some of those folks were willing to donate funds. The money has been incredibly helpful, but even more important is that I now know I have friends and allies who believe with me in my project. Thanks to ACF and to the Northstar Community Foundation, my nonprofit fiscal agent, I am able to stand on the shoulders of many generous, optimistic people who believe as I do that we can change the climate of hopelessness that breeds suicide in our communities and in our State.”
- Anne Hanley, Playwright & Producer, The Winter Bear Project

 

"It's a matter of giving back. I did very well here so why not share it? I'm glad I can do it."
-Edmund Schuster

 

"Who knows where Alaska's next hockey star will come from? We're committed to helping make sure that every young player at least gets a chance to pursue the dream that my son is living right now."
- Carlos Gomez, father of NHL player Scotty Gomez

 

"The place where we are in our lives, we may not be able to give a lot, but collectively, we can make an impact."
- Tlisa Northcutt, Founder of Alaska Women’s Giving Circle