How to Stay Safe Before, During, and After an Ashfall Event

Volcanic ash can be dangerous to people, animals, and buildings. Volcanic ash is mostly made up of tiny pieces of rock, minerals, and glass. It can cause breathing problems, damage roofs, and make water unsafe to drink. Individuals most at risk are Elders, children, and those with pre-existing respiratory issues.

Possible health risks of ashfall:

  • Cough or wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heightened respiratory and cardiovascular issues
  • Discomfort and irritation of eyes, nose or throat

Follow these simple steps to stay safe.


Before an Ashfall Event

  • Stay Updated: Listen to local news and emergency alerts about the volcano.
  • Prepare a Safety Kit: Pack N95 masks or dust masks, goggles, duct tape, plastic sheeting, water, food, and any necessary medicine.
  • Protect Your Home: Seal windows, doors, and vents with plastic and tape.
  • Store Water: Keep clean drinking water in sealed containers. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days, including additional water for pets.
  • Plan for Power Loss: Have flashlights, batteries, and a backup power source.

During an Ashfall Event

  • Stay Inside: If possible, avoid going outside.
  • Prevent Ash from Entering Your Home: Keep windows, doors, vents, and woodstove dampers closed. Turn off the HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). Seal gaps where ash can enter, and use a damp towel at the base of external doors. Turn off house fans.
  • Electronics: Turn off electronics and cover with plastic sheets.
  • Wear Protection: If you must go outside, wear a proper fitting N95 mask, goggles, long sleeves, pants, and gloves. Clear ash from clothing, shoes and pets before going indoors.
  • Take Care of Animals: Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Brush or vacuum them when coming back inside.
  • Do Not Drive: Ash can make roads slippery and damage car engines.

After an Ashfall Event

  • Clean Up Safely: Wear a mask and goggles when cleaning up ash. Use a damp cloth or wet mop to clean surfaces.
  • Air Safety: Change furnace and ventilation filters. Use a HEPA air cleaner/filter.
  • Dispose of Ash Correctly: Do not wash ash into drains; bag it and throw it away.
  • Check Your Roof: Remove heavy ash to prevent roof collapse.
  • Clean Your Car: Change air filters and wipe off ash from the engine and windows.
  • Stay Alert: Ash may continue to settle, so follow updates from local authorities.

Health Risks of Volcanic Ash

  • Breathing Problems: Ash can make it difficult to breathe, especially for individuals with pre-existing lung conditions.
  • Eye Irritation: Ash can cause itchy, red eyes and even scratches on the surface of the eye.
  • Skin Issues: Direct contact can cause dryness and irritation.
  • Water Contamination: Ash can make water unsafe, so always filter and boil water before drinking.

State of Alaska Volcanic Eruption Resources:

For more information, visit:

If you have any respiratory concerns or need medical guidance after an ash fall event, don’t hesitate to contact your local clinic. Your health and safety are our top priorities.  

Attention Families in Nanwalek!

We have an exciting drone (UAV) training opportunity for youth in 8th through 12th grade! It will be held on April 28-30 in Nanwalek. Reserve your spot today by filling out the application below! Send the form to ACE@Chugachmiut.org or call (907) 562-4155 or (800) 478-4155 and ask for Angelina or Millie.

Join us at the Prince Williams Sound Health Fair in Chenega on March 19-20! 🌿Enjoy exciting activities, including health and safety information, a cooking demonstration, a community meal, health screenings, and special activities for men and women. If you have any questions, contact Joe Nyholm, a Registered Dietitian with the Chugachmiut Diabetes Program, at (907) 224-4904 or JosephN@Chugachmiut.org.

Join us at the Prince William Sound Health Fair in Tatitlek on March 17-18! 🌿 Enjoy exciting activities, including health and safety information, a cooking demonstration, a community meal, health screenings, and special activities for men and women. If you have any questions, contact Joe Nyholm, a Registered Dietitian with the Chugachmiut Diabetes Program, at (907) 224-4904 or JosephN@Chugachmiut.org.

Do you love playing online games? Ever wondered how games are designed and built? Now’s your chance to learn from experts! Join our Game Design Workshop, where you’ll create your own game concepts with professional guidance.

Join us for virtual meetings! This workshop is open to students in 7th to 12th grade.

What You’ll Learn

  • Game Design & Creative Thinking – Bring your ideas to life!
  • Future-Ready Skills – Problem-solving and teamwork.
  • Systems Thinking – How games work behind the scenes.
  • Community Connections – Build stories that matter.

Your work will become part of Nunaka: My Village, expanding the game with four new episodes!

RSVP

Spots are limited to 30 students from the Chugach region, including Chenega, Cordova, Nanwalek, Port Graham, Seward, Tatitlek and Valdez. Students must be an enrolled member of a Tribe or Alaska Native/American Indian living within the Chugachmiut Service Area. Email ACE@chugachmiut.org or call (907) 334-0179 or (907) 334-0119 to reserve yours!

Contact
Are you interested in learning more about enrollment or applying to become a service provider? Contact us below for more information.

Email: ACE@chugachmiut.org
Phone: (907) 562-4155
Toll-free: (800) 478-4155
Toll-free Fax number: (800) 793-2891 for ACE Program

Angelina “Kalunka” Roehl
ACE Program Manager
Extension 119
Millie Taylor
ACE Administrative Assistant
Extension 179

Chugachmiut requests proposals from qualified individuals or firms (henceforth referred to as the “consultant”) to partner in an update and expansion of the “Nunaka: My Village” educational app. This expansion aims to create a new game-based experience for preschoolers to explore within “Nunaka” based on goals inspired by conversations with community elders.

This game-based experience must also be developed using a design workshop program attended by teens in the Chugachmiut region, with the goal of helping teens find their voice and bridge a gap between Sugpiaq generations.

We invite consultants to submit a proposal for consideration by 5 PM March 6, 2025. The expected contract amount is $1 million over six months, but proposals may be considered above this amount if added costs are necessary. If proposing a larger budget, please contact Chugachmiut staff before submitting a proposal.

Key contacts for information you may seek in preparing your proposal are:

Paul McDonogh
Education Director
paul@chugachmiut.org
(907) 562-4155
Andrew Garner
Director, Administrative Services
andrewg@chugachmiut.org
(907) 334-0133

Download the RFP for Consultant below.

Cama’i. Explore this week’s Money Monday Funding Opportunities newsletter from the Chugachmiut Grant Department for Feb. 4! Discover the latest grant opportunities available. If you find a grant you’d like to pursue, please get in touch with us at grants@chugachmiut.org or (907) 562-4155.

MONEY MONDAY NEWSLETTER

NOTE: Grants listed below are at least 6 weeks away from deadline to allow adequate time to prepare an application. If you see a grant you would like to pursue or want more information, email us at grants@chugachmiut.org.

Firewood Banks
Alliance for Green Heat
DUE DATE: open September 1, 2024; no due date announced
AWARDS:
New Applicant Grant Form. Existing firewood banks that have not received funding previously through the AGH Firewood Bank Assistance Program  up to $15,000 on a sliding scale.
Start-up Grant Form. These grants are aimed at individuals or organizations that are launching new firewood banks in 2024-2025 and plan to deliver 5 cords of wood or more are eligible for grants up to $10,000. Documentation needed for the Start-up Grant application includes such things as:

  • If you are a established non-profit, church, town or tribe, you just need a bank account and a UEI
  • If you are applying as an individual, company, tree service, or firewood business we do require you to have a partnership agreement with an established non-profit, church, town, or tribal administration
  • A mission statement that explains your motivation to start a firewood bank, how it expands on the heating needs in your community, and your ability to start a firewood bank
  • A safety plan that can ensure the safety of your volunteers/workers

★ Large Firewood Banks (100+ cords): up to $10,000
Your firewood bank was funded in FY1 or FY2 (between January 2023 and May 2023 or September 2023 and March 2024) AND distributes 100+ cords.
★ Small/Medium Firewood Banks (15-99 cords): $2,500 to $7,500
Your firewood bank was funded in FY1 (between January 2023 and May 2023) AND distributes between 15-99 cords.
50-99 cords: up to $7,500
49-25 cords: up to $5,000
15-24 cords: up to $2,500
ELIGIBILITY: existing and new firewood banks

Eligible expenses include chain saws (electric or gas), splitters, tarps, moisture meters, conveyor belts, trailers, wheelbarrows, safety equipment, first aid kits, equipment repair, building materials for firewood sheds or tool sheds, educational materials/activities, sales tax, signage, travel, gas money, and miscellaneous supplies like small tools that cost less than $20.

An important document to review is our guidelines:  click here for a list of the things we need firewood banks to agree to, in order to receive funding.  https://www.firewoodbanks.org/applynow

Social and Economic Development Strategies – SEDS FORECAST
Department of Health and Human Services
ESTIMATED POST DATE: January 13, 2025 (Estimated application deadline: April 15, 2025)
AWARDS: From $100,000 to $900,000,000; match required
ELIGIBILITY: Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

This program is focused on community-driven projects designed to grow local economies, strengthen Native American families, including the preservation of Native American cultures, and decrease the high rate of current challenges caused by the lack of community-based businesses, and social and economic infrastructure in Native American communities.  https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ana

Social and Economic Development Strategies – SEDS-AK FORECAST
Department of Health and Human Services
ESTIMATED POST DATE: January 13, 2025 (Estimated application deadline: April 14, 2025)
AWARDS: From $100,000 to $900,000,000; match required
ELIGIBILITY: Eligible applicants under the SEDS-AK announcement are: Federally-recognized Indian tribes in Alaska, as recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA); Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or non-profit village consortia; Non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with village-specific projects; Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based Indian organizations (including Urban Indian Organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. § 1603)(29)); Urban Indian Centers; Native Community Development Financial Institutions (Native CDFIs); Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multipurpose, community-based organizations; Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations in Alaska with village-specific projects; or Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or tribal governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or Traditional Councils) as recognized by the BIA. If the applicant is not a Federally recognized Alaskan Native tribal government, applicants must provide proof that a majority of the governing board of individuals are representative of the Alaskan Native community to be served. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ana

This program promotes economic and social self-sufficiency for Alaska Natives and is intended to respond to the unique governmental structures and needs in Alaska. The SEDS-AK supports the principle that social and economic development is interrelated and essential for the growth of thriving Native communities. ANA is interested in supporting community-driven projects that build and strengthen core governmental capacity in the areas of administration and project management at the Alaska Native Village level.

Energy Technology Deployment on Tribal Lands – 2025
Department of Energy
DEADLINE: Feb. 28, 2025
AWARD: $100,000 to $2,500,000 or from $250,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the Area of Interest; 20% match required
ELIGIBILITY: (1) an Indian Tribe; (2) Intertribal Organization, or (3) Tribal Energy Development Organization; and (4) on whose Tribal Lands the project(s) will be located. Applications from a consortium of Indian Tribes (Tribal Consortium) will be accepted but must be submitted by a single Indian Tribe acting as the Applicant and representing the Consortium
DOE Office of Indian Energy plans to solicit applications from Indian Tribes to: 1. Install energy generating system(s) and/or energy efficiency measure(s) for Tribal Building(s) (Area of Interest 1); or, 2. Deploy community-scale energy generating system(s) or energy storage on Tribal Lands (Area of Interest 2); or, 3. Install integrated energy system(s) for autonomous operation (independent of the traditional centralized electric power grid) to power a single or multiple Essential Tribal Buildings during emergency situations or for tribal community resilience (Area of Interest 3); or, 4. Power unelectrified Tribal Buildings. See grant synopsis here.

Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia
Environmental Protection Agency
DUE DATE: March 14, 2025
AWARDS: $100,000-$1,500,000; no match
ELIGIBILITY: Federally recognized tribes or intertribal consortia

This program has the goal of funding projects that:
-Focus on encouraging environmentally sound post-consumer materials management;
-Decrease the generation of municipal solid waste and/or an increase in the diversion of municipal solid waste from landfills and incineration; and/or
-Provide or expand access to source reduction, reuse, recycling, backhaul, anaerobic digestion, and composting for Tribal communities.

Examples of a projects that aligns with program goals would be ones that improve infrastructure, such as facilities for reuse, recycling, or composting; collection and storage bins for recyclable or organic material, purchasing and maintaining equipment or supplies such as scales, crushers, balers, and sorting equipment, trucks, forklifts, and safety equipment.

Note: This program will not fund constructing, improving or operating landfills; incineration; burn units; waste-to-energy (except anaerobic digestion); chemical and thermal recycling; biofuels; and environmental cleanup.

Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program NOFO
Department of Transportation
DEADLINE: April 3, 2025
AWARD: $200,000-$750,000; no match
ELIGIBILITY: Grants will support hiring staff or expert firms to provide technical, legal, or financial assistance to advance transportation projects that would be reasonably expected to be eligible for select Department of Transportation discretionary grant or credit programs. See grant synopsis here.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
Department of Homeland Security – FEMA
DEADLINE: April 18, 2025
AWARD: Up to $150,000,000; 25% match required
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal organizations (Federally recognized AND other than Federally recognized tribal governments), local governments
The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program makes federal funds available to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized tribal governments , and local governments for hazard mitigation activities. It does so recognizing the growing hazards associated with climate change , and the need for natural hazard risk mitigation activities that promote climate adaptation and resilience with respect to those hazards. These include both acute extreme weather events and chronic stressors which have been observed and are expected to increase in intensity and frequency in the future. The BRIC program’s guiding principles include supporting communities through capability and capacity-building; encouraging and enabling innovation, including multi-hazard resilience or nature-based solutions including the use of native plants; promoting partnerships; enabling large, systems-based projects; maintaining flexibility; and providing consistency. See grant synopsis here.

Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program for Indian Tribes
State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Home Energy Rebates, U.S. Department of Energy, State and Community Program, Golden Field Office
DEADLINE: Rolling and open until May 31, 2025
AWARDS: Allocated by formula
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal governments (both federally recognized and other than federally recognized), non-profits, a consortium of tribes, or a tribally authorized third-party agent

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs has up to $225 million to grant to Tribal governments and Alaska Native entities for Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates. This program will provide up to $14,000 per eligible household for energy efficiency and electrification home upgrades. Submitting a letter of intent to apply by May 15, 2024 is recommended. To learn more about the program and see a list of allocations, visit https://shorturl.at/mtBLX.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program
Department of Energy
DUE DATE: May 31, 2025
AWARDS: Formula grants (roughly $10,000). DOE is providing local and Tribal governments applying for an EECBG Formula Program award with the option to select a grant or voucher.; cost match is not required
ELIGIBILITY: States, local governments, and Indian Tribes. The list of eligible entities and funding allocations are attached to the ALRD and available on the EECBG Program website at: https://www.energy.gov/clean-energy-infrastructure/energy-efficiency-and-conservation-block-grant-program

The EECBG Program assists eligible states, units of local government, and Indian Tribes, as described below in implementing strategies to:
• Reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and, to the maximum extent practicable, maximizes benefits for local and regional communities;
• Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities; and
• Improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, the building sector, and other appropriate sectors.
• Build a clean and equitable energy economy that prioritizes disadvantaged communities and promotes equity and inclusion in workforce opportunities and deployment activities, consistent with the Justice40 Initiative Department of Energy.

Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas – Fiscal Year 2025 Release
Department of Energy
DEADLINE: Aug. 28, 2025: concept paper due Feb. 27. 2025
AWARD: $2 million-$50 million; with match
ELIGIBILITY: Indian Tribes, state and local governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations. This program serves rural and remote communities with 10,000 people or fewer.

Applicants must propose projects that support at least one of these eligible activities: A. Improving overall cost-effectiveness of energy generation, transmission, or distribution systems; B. Siting or upgrading transmission and distribution lines; C. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation in rural or remote areas; D. Providing or modernizing electric generation facilities; E. Developing microgrids; and F. Increasing energy efficiency. Applications may include any technology that meets these eligible activities, as long as those technologies are commercially available.

Bureau of Land Management Alaska Invasive and Noxious Plant Management
Department of the Interior
DEADLINE: March 17, 2025
AWARD: $5,000-$1,000,000; no match
ELIGIBILITY: State governments and local governments; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized and other than Federally recognized), institutions of higher education, nonprofits

BLM Alaska Invasive and Noxious Plant Management Programs work to prevent, detect, inventory, control, and monitor weed populations on public lands. (Noxious weeds are particularly aggressive plants legally designated by states as being injurious to public health, the environment or the economy.). See grant synopsis here.

IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Alaska Good Neighbor Authority
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
DEADLINE: March 17, 2025
AWARD: $10,000-$400,000; no match
ELIGIBILITY: State governments and local governments; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized and other than Federally recognized), institutions of higher education, nonprofits

Strategic goals of this program include: Restoring landscape connectivity and function; conserving and restoring lands to combat climate change; improving water resources and restoring legacy disturbances. Examples of Alaska projects include but not limited to: Noxious weeds and invasive species treatments, mechanical treatments (e.g. thinning, piling, mastication, mowing), forest management and more. See grant synopsis here.

NEA Challenge America, FY 2026
National Endowment for the Arts
DEADLINE: April 24, 2025
AWARDS: $10,000 with a 1:1 match
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized only), non-profits, state and local governments, school districts and institutions of higher education

Challenge America offers support for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities. Project activities may include but are not limited to: arts programming; audience and community engagement, including educational activities; marketing and promotional activities; and organizational planning. For more details, see the project synopsis here.

NAGPRA Repatriation Grants
Department of the Interior, National Park Service
DEADLINE: May 8, 2025
AWARDS: $1,000-$25,000; no match
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), nonprofits, institutions of higher education, state and local governments

NAGPRA Repatriation grants assist museums, Indian Tribes, and NHOs to defray costs associated with the packaging, transportation, contamination removal, reburial, and/or storage of NAGPRA human remains or cultural items. Project activities may include, but are not limited to: Travel, Transportation, Testing or decontamination, Building containers for transport, Ceremonial materials, or Staff time. See Program Overview for more details on project activities. For more details, see the project synopsis here.

NAGPRA Consultation/Documentation Grants
Department of the Interior, National Park Service
DEADLINE: March 31, 2025
AWARDS: $5,000-$150,000
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), nonprofits, state and local governments, others

NAGPRA Consultation and Documentation grants assist museums, Indian Tribes, and NHOs to undertake projects leading to the repatriation of Native American human remains or cultural items. Project activities may include, but are not limited to: Consultation, Training and Conferences, Coalitions and Partnerships, Duty of Care, or Other projects. Grant funds must be used for consultation and/or documentation projects under NAGPRA. Consultation projects support efforts related to determinations of cultural affiliation and making or responding to requests for repatriation. Documentation projects support determining the geographical origin, cultural affiliation, and other basic facts surrounding the acquisition of Native American human remains or cultural items. Consultation and documentation projects should lead to determining control, treatment, and repatriation of NAGPRA human remains or cultural items. For more details, see the project synopsis here.

Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants
Institute of Museum and Library Services
DEADLINE: April 1, 2025
AWARDS: $50,000-$150,000; no match
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

The NAE program supports Native Communities across the country to address their individual information needs and priorities. NAE projects may involve, but are not limited to, activities such as: • educational programming for all ages; • oral history collection and documentation; • digital media and technology enhancements; • institutional planning and policy development; • professional training, internships, and mentorships; • supporting and engaging with cultural practitioners and scholars; • research and development of language and cultural material and tools; • digitization and digital preservation, and • furnishing of library spaces for staff and public, within existing constructed spaces (please note that IMLS funds are not allowed for construction). For more details, see the project synopsis here.

Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families – ANA
DEADLINE: April 14, 2025
AWARDS: $100,000-$900,000; with match
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal organizations (Federally recognized AND other than Federally recognized tribal governments), non profits

This program provides funding for projects to support assessments of the status of the native languages in an established community, as well as the planning, designing, restoration, and implementing of native language curriculum and education projects to support a community’s language preservation goals. For more details, see the project synopsis here.

Publishing Historical Records in Collaborative Digital Editions
National Archives and Records Administration
DEADLINE: Nov. 5, 2025
AWARDS: Up to $125,000; no match

ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), non-profits, state and local governments, institutions of higher education

The National Historical Publications and Records Commission seeks proposals to publish online editions of historical records. All types of historical records are eligible, including documents, photographs, born-digital records, and analog audio. Projects may focus on broad historical movements in U.S. history. Projects that center the voices and document the history of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are especially welcome. For more details, see the project synopsis here.

Archival Projects
National Archives and Records Administration
DEADLINE: Nov. 5, 2025
AWARDS: Up to $150,000; no match
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), non-profits, state and local governments, institutions of higher education

The NHPRC seeks archival projects that will significantly improve online public discovery and use of historical records collections. The Commission encourages projects focused on collections of America’s early legal records, such as the records of colonial, territorial, county, and early statehood and tribal proceedings that document the evolution of the nation’s legal history. Collections that center the voices and document the history of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are especially welcome. For more details, see the project synopsis here.

FORECAST: Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions
National Endowment for the Humanities
ESTIMATED POST DATE: Oct. 8, 2025
ESTIMATED DEADLINE: Jan. 8, 2026
AWARDS: Up to $15,000; no match required
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), nonprofits, state and local governments, institutions of higher education

The Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions help small and mid-sized institutions improve their ability to preserve and care for their humanities collections. The program encourages applications from small and mid-sized institutions that have never received an NEH grant. For more details, see the project synopsis here.

FORECAST: Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections
National Endowment for the Humanities
ESTIMATED POST DATE: Oct. 9, 2025
ESTIMATED DEADLINE: Jan. 9, 2026
AWARDS: Up to $420,000; no match required
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), nonprofits, state and local governments, institutions of higher education

This program helps cultural institutions meet the complex challenge of preserving large and diverse holdings of humanities materials for future generations by supporting environmentally sustainable preventive care measures that mitigate deterioration, prolong the useful life of collections, reduce energy consumption, and strengthen institutions’ ability to anticipate and respond to disasters. For more details, see the project synopsis here.

OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program
Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women
DEADLINE: April 8, 2025
AWARDS: $400,000-$1,200,000; no match
ELIGIBILITY: Indian Tribal governments, authorized designees of Indian Tribal governments, and Tribal consortia

This program assists Tribal governments (or their authorized designees) to respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking in Tribal communities. Funds can be used for purposes including: government strategies, tribal capacity, education and prevention, supervised visitation and safe exchange, legal assistance, youth services and more. For more details, see the project synopsis here.

AmeriCorps State and National Native Nation Planning Grants
AmeriCorps
DEADLINE: April 9, 2025
AWARDS: Up to $240,000; no match
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal organizations (Federally recognized AND other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

AmeriCorps planning grants provide support to eligible organizations that develop an AmeriCorps program that will engage AmeriCorps members in solving community problems. Grant recipients are awarded up to $240,000 for a 12-month planning period and are encouraged to compete for an AmeriCorps program grant in the following grant cycle if they deem the fit with AmeriCorps to be of use to their community. For more details, see the project synopsis here.

Rural Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Planning and Development
Department of Health and Human Services
DEADLINE: April 17, 2025
AWARDS: Up to $500,000; no match required
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal organizations (Federally recognized AND other than Federally recognized tribal governments), for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, others

The purpose of this Rural Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Planning and Development program is to improve health care in rural areas, including expanding access to medical care and long-term services, for rural aging populations by expanding PACE programs into rural areas. For more details, see the project synopsis here.

OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) Grant Program
Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women
DEADLINE: April 29, 2025
AWARDS: $1 million-$1,500,000; no match
ELIGIBILITY: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

The Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction (STCJ) Grant Program supports Tribal governments in preparing to exercise or exercising STCJ over non-Indians who commit “covered” crimes within the Tribe’s jurisdictional boundaries. “Covered crimes” are: assault of Tribal justice personnel; child violence; dating violence; domestic violence; obstruction of justice; sexual violence; sex trafficking; stalking; and violation of a protection order. For more details, see the project synopsis here.

Weatherization Assistance Program
Alaska Community Development Corporation

Weatherization helps low-to-moderate-income households who own or rent eligible homes: apartments, cabins, condominiums, houses, mobile homes, and multi-family dwellings (duplexes and larger).

Thousands of qualified Alaskans have received free home weatherization to bring their homes up to safe, healthy, and energy-efficient standards. Weatherization adds years of life to buildings in Alaska’s harsh arctic climate. It also benefits energy conservation, saving homeowners on their previous heating bills. The Weatherization Assistance Program is available to renters and homeowners throughout the state. A home may be weatherized once every 15 years.

Alaska CDC accepts applications year-round. However, there always is a wait list, as most work is done during the construction season. Applying early may help expedite the process. See the application packet here.

ABOUT THE MONEY MONDAY NEWSLETTER

The Money Monday newsletter is a weekly publication by the Chugachmiut Grants Department that highlights funding opportunities that may be relevant to tribes in the Chugach Region. Subscribe by contacting us at grants@chugachmiut.org. You can also download the newsletter at chugachmiut.org or check out our Facebook page.

Water and mountains near Cordova Alaska. Chugachmiut logo

Chugachmiut received a $249,636 Tribal Climate Resiliency award from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This funding will support the creation of a Tribal Climate Justice Commission to guide the growth of Chugachmiut’s climate education initiatives. This Commission, led by Chugach Tribal leadership, will play a vital role in integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with climate science to foster new approaches to understanding and addressing climate challenges.

The Chugachmiut Tribal Education Department will manage the grant and will support the development of its education and leadership programs by emphasizing the harmony between TEK and climate science. Commission members and regional leaders will convene in Anchorage to study and address climate issues in our communities. Their work will include analyzing existing research, collecting new data, and preparing a strategic report to identify opportunities for advancing climate education.

Elders will play a central role as knowledge-keepers and advisors, ensuring that cultural wisdom and traditional practices guide our climate resiliency efforts. This approach honors the fundamental connection between Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship.

Chugachmiut will also collaborate with organizations and partners who have recently completed climate resiliency studies, leveraging their insights and expertise for the commission’s success. Upon completing this project, Chugachmiut may qualify for additional funding opportunities as part of a broader effort to secure federal and state climate justice grants.

Chugachmiut is excited to announce that our Education Department has received a $5.8 million Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This five-year grant will fund the Chugach Identity Project to support Alaska Native high school students in grades 9-12. By fostering resilience and cultural identity through social-emotional learning activities, the project will serve 75 students in rural and remote schools, including those in the Native Village of Nanwalek and Qutekcak Native Tribe in Seward, Alaska.

The Chugach Identity Project will adapt the Identity Project curriculum and educator program using Sugpiaq and Eyak traditions. Materials from this project will be openly available to the public to encourage educational innovation and equity. Students enrolled in these classes will strengthen their cultural connections, enhance their academic engagement, and develop storytelling skills rooted in their heritage.

We are excited to collaborate with the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and the Identity Project to deliver this program. Additionally, we are working with Dr. Heather Gordon and the Alaska Technology Development Group to evaluate its effectiveness.

Cama’i! Chugachmiut’s Higher Education Scholarship application deadline is approaching. Download the Applications for Services application below and fill out the “Higher Education Scholarship” section. Then email it to 477applications@chugachmiut.org. The application deadline for the fall 2025 semester is June 30.

Application for Services – This application includes:
• Child Care
• General Assistance
• Vocational Tuition Assistance
Higher Education Scholarships