The Ciri Foundation
The CIRI Foundation is a private foundation established by Cook Inlet Region, Inc. that provides scholarships and heritage/project grants for Alaska Native original CIRI shareholders and their descendants. The site includes program descriptions, eligibility information, application portals, and contact details.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Alaska Native individuals (CIRI original enrollees or direct descendants), tribal organizations, or nonprofits proposing education or cultural-heritage projects that directly benefit CIRI beneficiaries.
Good Fit
- • Applicants are CIRI original enrollees or their direct lineal descendants, or projects directly serving those beneficiaries.
- • Requests focus on post-secondary scholarships, vocational training, or Alaska Native cultural heritage projects.
- • Project budgets fit typical award sizes (roughly $3K–$25K, with many awards around $5K–$10K).
- • Applicants can complete the foundation's required online or paper application and provide the listed supporting documents.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year reached recipients in 34 states, indicating a multi-state footprint, although nearly two-thirds of grant dollars were concentrated in Alaska.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded 247 distinct recipients in the latest year with very high turnover (231 new recipients in 2024), showing a broad and diverse recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence supports newcomer access: 94% of 2024 recipients were new to the portfolio and the foundation publishes application materials and contact routes; multi-year repetition is minimal (16 repeat grantees observed).
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
