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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.

 

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress. It also offers prevention and crisis resources for you and your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call, text, or chat 988.


About the GCI Suicide Prevention Fund grant application

Preventing suicide starts with making meaningful connections. Our nonprofit partners create life-saving suicide prevention programs that promote mental wellness through strengthened community and personal connections.

Each year, we provide $100,000 in grants administered by the Alaska Community Foundation. Through our grand funding, we strive to build a stronger, more resilient future for all Alaskans by strengthening community and personal connections.

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. Include an element of suicide prevention training in the project plan. Applicants can reference the Resources section below for free training programs.
  4. 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 13 each year. The 2025 application window is closed.

Resources for Suicide Prevention Training

Applicants are encouraged to include suicide prevention training in their projects. Below are training programs to support this requirement. They are offered free of charge by the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health.

UAA Center for Human Devleopment Training
Available programs include:

  • Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS)
  • CAMS4Teens
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention
  • QPR Institute Training: Question, Persuiade, and Refer (QPR)
  • Be Sensitive, Be Brave

Assisting and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR)
Training tailored for direct staff providing inpatient and outpatient care.

  • Format: Virtual or in-person (In-person only available in Anchorage)
  • Contact: Mya Robinson at mya.robinson@alaska.gov to request a free enrollment coupon code.

Lethal Means Reduction
Focused on collaborating with families to create safer environments for students at risk of suicide.

Connect Program
A community-based intervention program available upon request. Options include:

  • Connect Online Training: Specialized curricula designed for mental health providers, healthcare providers, school staff, and community members
  • Connect Youth Leaders: A youth-led training initiative tailored for high school audiences
  • Building a Safety Net: A two-day interactive training designed to develop a community-wide suicide prevention plan using national best practices
  • Developing a community Suicide Postvention Plan: Participants collaborate to create a comprehensive community response plan during this two-day session
  • Contact for all Connect trainings: Sheli DeLaney at sheli.delaney@alaska.gov

Suggested Suicide Prevention Programs and Resources

Want to make a difference but unsure what kind of program to implement? Below is a list of evidence-based programs that have proven to be successful in Alaska. Applicants can use these as inspiration and include program details in their application.

Sources of Strength
This program has been used successfully by past fund recipients and offers a variety of programs tailored to different audiences, including:

  • Elementary, middle school, and high school programs
  • Community-based initiatives
  • Staff wellness training

If you're interested in learning more about program options or have questions about costs, contact Sources of Strength to discuss the best fit for your community. Mention your organization is interested in applying for the GCI Suicide Prevention Fund.

AK-ECHO Program
Uses technology to expand access to expert knowledge and best practices in health care across Alaska, including suicide prevention. Learn more or join virtual learning communities through the program's website.

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC)
Provides resources specifically for Alaska Native communities, including:

  • A store order form for suicide prevention materials tailored to Alaska communities
  • Information and request forms for various training and education opportunities

 

Download list of local and national suicide intervention resources (PDF)

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

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 

Learn more about other GCI Gives Programs:

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