A Propos

Awesome Foundation: Alaska Chapter will be going on hiatus after the September 2021 round of applications.

Awesome Alaska: Making Alaska an even more awesome place one $1000 grant at a time.

We’re here to help. Ten awesome individuals, artists, writers, entrepreneurs, business wizards, and all-around smart folks want to get behind your idea. We’re the names, brains, and money to catalyze your fabulous project.

Who we are:

• Ken Castner - Proximity theorist
• Anne Hanley - Playwright, Producer of The Winter Bear Project, first-time grandmother, fan of awesomeness in all forms
• Owen Hanley - Pulmonary physician (ret), skier, biker, runner and clean air advocate.
• John LeClair - Wildland Firefighter (ret), lover of nature and food, practicing tinkerer
• Claire Holland LeClair - ardent supporter of strong communities and public lands
• Nancy Lord - Environmental writer
• Paula Martin - entomologist, educator, consultant and writer
• Joe Martin - mariner, bicyclist, and fixer of things
• Dorli McWayne - flutist, teacher of flutists from 6 to 60+, conductor, four-season runner.
• Jo Michalski - Retired entrepreneur, community activist, parent, grandmother and 46 year Alaskan.
• Peter Michalski - lawyer, mediator, former judge, believer in community
• John Mouw - lover of food, reading, community and life.
• Rika Mouw - artist and passionate advocate for nature and wild places.
• Kesler Woodward - painter, art historian, curator, and token artist on boards, commissions, panels, and task forces in Alaska and the West.
• Kyra Wagner - an enthusiastic person of place
• Anne Wilkas - Lifelong learner, eater, conservationist and outdoor enthusiast
• Erin Hollowell – dean – poet first and foremost, planter/nurturer of seeds and ideas, champion for the written word

Who we fund:

• Do you qualify for a PFD? (And if you don’t know what a permanent fund dividend is, you’re not an Alaskan – in other words, we only fund current Alaskans who qualify for a dividend.)
• Folks with absolutely awesome ideas that have impact, surprise, and ingenuity.
• Note: we reserve the right to not award a grant during any period during which the Trustees do not receive a proposal that fits their standards.

Things to consider in your application:

• Proposals are due on the 15th of the month, decisions are rendered by the end of the month. All unsuccessful proposals are then deleted.
• How is $1000 going to make a difference to your project, you as an individual, and Alaska as a community?
• What makes your project unique?
• If your idea is time-sensitive, please apply at least 60 days in advance and make sure that you let us know your “deadline.”

Got a question? Contact us directly at alaska@awesomefoundation.org and ask away!