Investing in Our Communities Since 1922
Making a difference in the communities we serve is essential to shaping a brighter tomorrow for all Alaskans. Review the information and FAQs below if this is your first time applying or if you have questions about the application process.
Submit a Donation Request
Guidelines and Requirements
- We encourage donation requests that align with our three primary charitable giving focus areas:
- Youth
- Education
- Basic emergency services
- Requests from the following secondary focus areas are also considered but would preferably be for programs aligning with a primary focus area, i.e. an arts organization seeking consideration of scholarship funding for students to attend a performance.
- Economic development
- Community development and public service
- Arts and humanities
- Health
- Seniors and disabled citizens
- Military and veterans
- Applications will only be considered after all required documentation is received.
- Your organization must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Alaska or a national organization with licensed activities in the state.
- First National concentrates donations within the communities where we have branch locations and offices or to organizations located in Alaska whose services include our communities and also provide broader regional or statewide impact. If your organization is based in an area with a First National branch or office, consider reaching out to the local branch manager to help support or focus your request.
- Organizations must maintain a status of Good Standing with the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing as a nonprofit corporation with the State of Alaska.
- All charitable organizations must be properly registered with either the Department of Law or the Department of Revenue, depending on whether the organization maintains gaming permits or is exempted from registration.
- Complete requests should be received by First National at least 90 days before the funds are needed. Incomplete donation requests may be delayed or ineligible. When submitting an urgent request, with less than 60 days from the date of submission to the date the donation is needed, please indicate “RUSH” on the Donation Request Application. We will attempt to meet the timeframe for response for these special requests. Requests are reviewed year-round in the order received on a first-come first-served basis.
- First National reserves the right to deny incomplete requests without any follow-up or notice.
- A request will not be considered without these supporting documents:
- Current active Alaska business license and completed IRS form W-9
- Current expense statement and current budget
- Current list of board of directors
- Most recent annual report and IRS 990 filing (if no annual or financial audit report is available)
- For event sponsorship requests, also provide all of the following, if applicable:
- A listing of all available sponsorship levels and associated benefits
- A list of current funder commitments
- Any pending requests with other funders
- For annual events: list of previous year’s funders and, if available, historical information on event goal versus actual funds raised (optional)
- Any other documentation your organization would like considered (optional)
By submitting a donation request, the requesting organization agrees that First National has the right to disclose its contribution – donation amount and recipient – to the public, in print and online.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I drop off our donation request at a branch?
Paper donation request forms and supporting documentation are accepted at any First National branch. Download our donation request form. We encourage applicants to use our online donation request form.
-
Why would a request not be funded?
First National retains the right to decline a donation request for any reason. First National’s Donations Committee will review and consider all formal, written requests according to bank policies and procedures.
First National’s policies of non-discrimination apply to all charitable donation requests. Donation requests will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, physical handicap, familial status or other prohibited bases.
-
What organizations/entities are ineligible to receive a donation?
- Individuals
- Organizations without 501(c)(3) certification (fiscal sponsors with 501(c)(3) certification may be considered)
- For-profit organizations
- Fraternal organizations
- Employment unions
- Individual religious organizations, churches, synagogues, other religious sects or houses of worship
- Any organizations that require participation in religious activities/ceremonies to receive services
- Political organizations, campaigns, political candidates, or lobbyists
- Organizations whose primary purpose is to influence legislation
- Organizations associated with demonstrated or perceived criminal action, hate speech, political or social bias, etc.
- Those requesting funding of general operations or unrestricted funds
- Federal, state, or local governments (excluding public educational institutions or universities)
- Organization capital projects, campaigns or pledge drives for projects with no specific program or public benefit
- Organization capital projects, campaigns, or pledge drives for projects with less than 75% of the total project development costs raised
- Book, magazine, or web-based publishing
- Film, TV, radio, or video projects
- Organizations whose mission or primary goal is to re-grant funding
- Endowments
- Organizations that discriminate, such as based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, physical handicap, familial status or other prohibited basis
- Organizations based outside of Alaska that do not have a local chapter offering programs that benefit First National’s communities
-
Our request was not funded. Is there any way to appeal the decision?
No, there is no appeal process. However, your organization is welcome to make another request in a subsequent calendar year.
-
What should we do if we sent a letter, Save the Date card or other request for our organization or event but did not hear back?
First National cannot respond to all newsletter, fundraising letters, direct mail, save the dates or other informational opportunities shared with us. For your organization’s program or event to be considered you must submit a donation request using First National’s standard Donation Request form along with all required supporting documentation.
-
Is there a limit on the number of donation requests an organization can submit?
Organizations should submit only one request per calendar year. Those wishing First National to consider multiple events, programs or opportunities should submit one consolidated request. In such instances, our consideration may require up to, but not limited to 180 days, before a decision is available.
-
Can individuals apply for a donation?
No. First National will neither contribute to nor make pledges on behalf of any individual. Only authorized representatives of a nonprofit organization may submit a donation request.
-
Are there any other excluded purposes for donations?
First National will not contribute toward travel expenses for any individual or group, or towards any expense for an event being held outside Alaska. First National will never contribute funds to support illegal activities or for purposes that do not align with all local, state, and federal laws.
-
How will I know the result of my organization’s donation request?
Organizations will be notified in writing following First National’s decision to award funding. Your organization may also receive a phone call or email regarding your request. Please make certain the correct contact information is listed on your Donation Request.
-
What is a contribution acknowledgment and when is it due?
Each organization approved for a donation will be forwarded a contribution acknowledgment receipt for each donation awarded. The completed contribution acknowledgment receipt should be immediately returned to First National no later than 21 calendar days after receipt. Please note that any organizations with outstanding contribution acknowledgment receipts for previous awarded donations may have future donations requests pended or declined until the missing contribution acknowledgment receipts have been returned.