Rapid Response Grants

ACF’s Rapid Response Fund exists to respond quickly to fast-breaking, unforeseen environmental issues of statewide and/or national importance. The maximum request for a Rapid Response Fund Grant is $15,000 and maximum term is three months.

Grant requests are by invitation only on an as-needed basis. If you believe your project fits within our guidelines (see below), please contact ACF program staff via e-mail or phone to discuss your project before submitting a proposal.

Grantmaking Focus

Rapid Response requests must focus on unforeseen Alaskan issues of statewide and/or national significance that need attention immediately. Good examples might be fighting off an unexpected rider in Congress or responding to a surprise administrative action.

Priority Areas of Interest

Climate Change
Energy
Marine Conservation
Mining
Rainforest Conservation

Compelling projects will tangibly realize one or more of the following priorities:

Address conservation issues from a statewide, regional, or big-picture perspective
Leverage a relatively small investment for a potentially large return
Organize advocacy campaigns on emerging issues
Promote citizen participation in public process

Ineligible Requests

Operating expenses, including existing staff salary and overhead
Expenses/Activities that have already occurred
Land acquisition
Equipment Purchases
Capital campaigns
Literary and/or Film Projects
Endowments
Scholarships
Special Events
Research

Who May Apply

501(c)3 nonprofit organizations (preferred)
Non-incorporated organizations
Individuals

How to Apply

After receiving an invitation to submit a proposal from ACF program staff, Please complete the Rapid Response Grant Application. Proposals must be submitted via e-mail in MS Word format to grants@akcf.org with “Rapid Response Grant Proposal” and the date submitted for consideration, in the subject line (e.g., Rapid Response Proposal – April 21, 2009).

When to Apply

The deadline for Rapid Response Fund Grants is on an as needed basis. ACF will strive to announce decisions within 3 business days.

Reporting Requirements

ACF requires that all grantees submit an evaluation at the end of the grant term. Please complete the attached Rapid Response Fund Grant Report. Reports must be submitted via email in MSWord format to grants@akcf.org with “Final Report - Rapid Response Grant” in the subject line. If the grant has not been completed by the end of the grant term, please contact the appropriate ACF program officer.

This final report assists ACF not only in learning about the grant’s outcomes, but also in helping ACF raise funds by sharing your stories with our funders. As such, we appreciate the timely, concise, and candid evaluation of your ACF grant.