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GCI Suicide Prevention Fund

Alaska's suicide rate is more than twice the national average — and even higher in rural areas. GCI is committed to doing something about it.

 

As of 2022, all Americans can dial 988, the mental health version of 911. The other lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) is still available.


About the GCI Suicide Prevention Fund grant application

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit or equivalent organizations located in the state of Alaska. Equivalent organizations may include tribes, schools, churches, local government agencies, and programs. 

Eligible projects:

Preference will be given to projects that:

  1. Empower Alaskans to work together to promote community wellness
  2. Demonstrate measurable results, accountability, cultural sensitivity, and unify communities
  3. Will impact communities that might not have easy access to suicide prevention support programs

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Mission: Organizations or projects focused on advancing suicide prevention and awareness.
  • Impact: Organizations or projects that address the root causes of suicide prevention and promote meaningful and lasting change. 
  • Approach: Organizations or projects that use evidence-based and/or innovative approaches to driving this work. 

View the full grant application guidelines.

The grant application window is open May 1 - June 14. Click here to apply

Get involved

Do you want to contribute to suicide prevention in Alaska? Make a donation to the GCI Suicide Prevention Fund through the Alaska Community Foundation.

 

For more information or to add to the fund:
info@alaskacf.org | (907) 334-6700 | www.alaskacf.org.

GCI has awarded grants to the following organizations

1. Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance – Addressing the Blind Spot
2. Aleut Community of St Paul Island – Living Our Culture
3. Gold Star Peak, Inc. – A project connecting veterans and their families with nature through outdoor excursions, yoga, and self-care.
4. Kuspuk School District – Kuspuk Empowers
5. Maniilaq Association – Carry The Cure / Commited to Life, Village Outreach
6. NAMI Juneau – Collaborating with Remote Southeast Communities to Create Sustainable Suicide Prevention Plans 
7. Native Village of Buckland – Celebration of Life
8. Native Village of Scammon Bay – Qungasvik: Toolbox, Reasons for Life
9. Norton Sound Health Corporation – NSHC Native Connections
10. Polynesian Association of Alaska, Inc. – Pacific Island Suicide Prevention Awareness 
11. Railbelt Mental Health & Addictions – Cultural Community Night 
12. The American Legion Jack Henry Post 1 – Esports veterans program
13. YoungLife – LyfePact Expansion
1. Alaska Children's Institute for the Performing Arts (Triumvirate Theatre)
2. Center for Safe Alaskans
3. Camp Fire Alaska
4. Challenge Alaska
5. Choosing Our Roots
6. Gold Star Peak, Inc. 
7. Kenai Peninsula Borough School District 
8. Maniilaq Association 
9. NAMI Juneau 
10. Native Village of Kwigillingok 
11. Native Village of Scammon Bay 
12. Southeast Regional Resource Center 
13. United Service Organizations, Inc. 
14. Women In Safe Homes

GCI awarded grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for a total of $114,000. The following nonprofits received funding:

  • Alaska Council of School Administrators - Share your Story, Make your Mark 
  • Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance - Empowering families and health care providers to treat eating disorders and reduce suicide risk
  • Aleut Community of St. Paul Island - Re-imagining Hope Through Reunifying Community
  • Bethel Community Services Foundation, Inc. - Healing through Music and Dance (HMD)
  • Camp Fire Alaska - Camp Fire Rural Alaska Program
  • Choosing Our Roots - COR GCI Suicide Prevention Project Proposal
  • Community Connections - Sensory Room & Art Room Equipment
  • Kuspuk School District - Student Health Intervention Program (SHIP)
  • NAMI Juneau - "Why I Stay" Oral History Project
  • Native Village of Buckland - Native Village of Buckland Suicide Prevention Program
  • Native Village of Tanacross - Tanacross Wellness Team
  • Native Village of Unalakleet - Youth Cultural Education
  • OPT-In Kiana - Cultural and Leadership Development 
  • Team Red, White & Blue - Supporting Veterans in Rural Alaska Through Events and Virtual Engagement 
  • Women in Safe Homes - Ketchikan Peer Education Program 
National Suicide Prevention Graphic
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889.

Learn more about other GCI Gives Programs:

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