PHILANTHROPY IN ALASKA SPECIAL SECTION
Philanthropy in Alaska Businesses giving back to the community BY TRACY BARBOUR
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ith more than 73,500 licensed businesses, Alaska has a considerable base of philanthropic resources to support its communities. These corporate citizens provide substantial financial donations for nonprofit organizations that include religious, artistic, cultural, social and recreational groups. Many Alaska businesses also donate time and other resources, which are equally as valuable to the community. Their generosity not only provides vital support for Alaska’s 6,000 or so registered nonprofits, but also fosters good will that strengthens the state as a whole. This article presents only a minuscule sampling of how various businesses are giving back throughout Alaska.
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The YMCA’s “Toss Your Boss” fundraiser which involved rappelling off the J.L. Tower appealed to two sides of Nerland Agency: the desire to give back – and the quest to be brave. “Brave:works is the Agency’s mantra – a way to uniquely engage Alaskans and others in the advertising they create. And being involved in the community is mentored at Nerland. President Karen King is involved directly with at least seven nonprofit organizations in Alaska, on boards or other committees, and other staff at Nerland are equally active. www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • December 2011
Azimuth Adventure Photography/www.azimuthadventure.com
GIVING BACK FINANCIALLY One of the most common ways Alaska businesses give back to the community is by donating funds to diverse charities and worthy causes. For example, First National Bank Alaska supports a variety of Alaska-based nonprofit organizations and charitable causes in four main areas: community or public service; health and education; arts and humanities; and youth and senior citizens, according to Senior Vice President Branch Lending and Administration Division Doug Longacre. First National donates funds, as well as volunteer hours and expertise, to many nonprofit organizations in the communities where it operates. “Our employees live in these communities,” Longacre said. “They own homes, raise their families and pursue their dreams of success in Alaska communities. They are eager to help make those communities safe, healthy and friendly places to raise their families and pursue their banking careers.”