CIRI Foundation
Contact information:
3600 San Jeronimo Drive, Suite 256
Anchorage, Alaska 99508-2870
Phone: 907-793-3575
Fax: 907-793-3585
Website:http://www.thecirifoundation.org/index.htm
Type of foundation: Private foundation
Types of grants: Scholarships, educational grants
Description: The Foundation was established in 1982 to encourage education and career development of Alaska Native original enrollees of Cook Inlet Region, Inc. and their direct lineal descendants. The mission of the CIRI Foundation is to promote individual self-development and economic self-sufficiency through education and to maintain pride in culture and heritage among Alaska Natives who are original enrollees of Cook Inlet region and their descendants.
The major goal of The CIRI Foundation is to encourage the education and career development of The Foundation's Alaska Native beneficiaries through post-secondary scholarships and grants, research and other education projects.
A second goal is to perpetuate and enhance the heritage of Cook Inlet region's Alaska Native people through programs that foster appreciation and understanding by the general public.
The Foundation supports selected heritage publications and media productions that enhance appreciation and understanding of Alaska Native cultures among all people. Project grants are being awarded on a very limited basis until the economy recovers.
Project grants are made in two categories:
- Education: This funding supports projects that promote learning and education for Alaska Natives (children through adults); expand access to education for Alaska Natives; and foster educational enrichment programs that improve the quality of life for Alaska Natives.
- Heritage: This funding supports educational projects, research, and development of materials that enhance understanding among Alaska Natives and the general public about contemporary Alaska Native history, ethnology, anthropology, philosophy, literature, the arts and other related fields; promote and advance the cultural traditions of Alaska Natives of Cook Inlet Region, Inc.; foster the identification, preservation, curation and interpretation of traditional and contemporary Alaska Native cultural resource materials of Cook Inlet Region, Inc.; support the development and exhibition of traditional and contemporary Alaska Native art, music and literature. Most public media grants appear to be made through this program area.
In addition, the Foundation offers:
- Vocational Training grants to prepare original enrollees of CIRI and their direct lineal descendants for careers in specialized technical skills fields.
- Career Upgrade grants to encourage employment skills upgrades or re-entry into the job market.
Sample grants:
- Grant to Koahnic Broadcast Corporation for Dena'ina Lifeways Radio series (2009).
- Grant to Koahnic Broadcast Corporation for radio series, Spotlight on Alaska Native Heritage Perpetuation (2008).
- Grant to Koahnic Broadcast Corporation for radio series: Reaching for the Stars: the 2008 AFN Convention.
Fit for public broadcasting: There is a reasonable fit for public media focused on the heritage and/or contemporary culture of Alaska Natives.
Eligibility: The Foundation is focused on serving the original enrollees of CIRI and their direct lineal descendants. All projects need to demonstrate how they will "impact and involve" this population. Heritage and Education project grant proposals may be submitted by non-profit organizations, tribal organizations, individuals who are Alaska Native original enrollees to Cook Inlet Region, Inc. and/or their lineal descendants who are sponsored by a non-profit organization.
Deadline:
- Deadlines for the Heritage and Education project grants are: March 1, June 1, September 1, November 1.
- Career Upgrade and Vocational Training grant deadlines are: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 1.
How to apply: Application forms are required. Download each application form below:
- Heritage project grant application
- Education project grant application
- Career Upgrade and Vocational Training grant application
Giving range: Generally $6,000 and under.
Assets: $38,476,531 (2008)
Total giving: $1,615,235 (2008)
