The local non-profits receive JSFC/BP Challenge grant

Three Talkeetna non-profit organizations are about to receive grants from the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation through the BP Mat-Su Valley Challenge grant. The Denali Arts Council, Talkeetna Community Radio and Classroom With a View were three of eighteen non-profits to be awarded grants. The Jessica Stevens Community Foundation, in collaboration with BP Exploration Alaska awarded $98,000 in matching funds to the organizations. Ruth Wood, grant committee member and spokesperson for the Talkeetna-based Jessica Stevens Community Foundation, said that the BP Challenge grant was open to applicants from the entire Mat-Su Valley. Out of 26 grant applications, 20 were selected and in the end, 18 were awarded. Wood explained that the purpose of the BP Challenge grant was to build capacity for non-profits in the valley. Although the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation focuses on capacity-building in the upper Susitna Valley north of Willow, BP stipulated that its challenge grant include the Mat-Su Borough. Wood said the checks are going to be mailed out before the end of the year.

Grantees:

Palmer Arts Council $7250

Family Promise Mat-Su (Mat-Su Valley Interfaith Hospitality Network) $5000

Friends of Mat-Su $6500

Denali Arts Council $7000

Valley Arts Alliance $6250

Matanuska Community Health Care (The Children’s Place) $7500

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge $5000

North America Outdoor Institute $5250

Radio Free Palmer $6500

Classroom With A View, Inc. $3000

Talkeetna Community Radio, Inc. $7250