Mission:
To ensure that basic human needs are met and that the quality of life for all Alaskans is enhanced.

Background:
The Rasmuson Foundation was created by Jenny Rasmuson in May 1955 to honor her late husband, E.A. Rasmuson, a Swedish immigrant who kept his personal diary in Greek, learned law and banking through correspondence courses, and became head of the Bank of Alaska. He died in 1949. Rasmuson's son, Elmer, also a banker, was the driving force behind the family foundation. When he died in December 2000 at age 91, he left much of his personal fortune, more than $400 million, to the foundation. Today, his three children and daughter-in-law serve on the foundation's ten-member board. The foundation gives all its money to Alaska charities and expects to award $22 million in grants in 2004. Its primary program areas are health and human services, and arts and culture, but it also awards grants in education, recreation, and community and economic development.

Outstanding Features:
The foundation's Web site contains a thorough explanation of its grant application process, which is different for projects under $25,000 from those over $25,000. The site links to two projects funded by the foundation: the Art Acquisition Initiative, which provides grants for Alaska museums to purchase current work by practicing Alaskan artists, and the Harper Performing Arts Touring Fund, which awards travel grants to organizations that present the performing arts to underserved communities in the state. Don't overlook the biography/eulogy of Elmer Rasmuson.