Did you know the University of Alaska powers a growing grant writing network?
October 15, 2025
Launched in 2024 through the UA faculty Initiative Fund (FIF), the Alaska Grant Writing Network was created to strengthen grant-seeking capacity across the state. Led by UAA faculty member Andrew Harnish, the network serves as a centralized, low-barrier resource for both aspiring and practicing grant writers working in nonprofits, tribal organizations, public agencies, and higher education.
The network provides a curated database of funding opportunities, tools for proposal development, professional development webinars, and a statewide grant writing job board. These were designed to support Alaska-specific needs.
“There’s not a lot in the way of resources for folks who are just getting started... and the cost of national networks is prohibitive,” said Harnish. “We wanted to build something that would support Alaskans directly.”
Since its launch, the network has been building momentum. This fall, there will be several events for grant writers to connect with each other and with resources.
Course Connection: Harnish teaches WRTG A280: Introduction to Grant Writing, offered at UAA. This class is key to the network's outreach and development. The course guides students through the full grant writing process, from prospecting and program design to submission and stewardship. Over several semesters, students have collectively secured more than $200,000 dollars in grant funding.
“Every time I’ve taught this course, a student has secured funding,” Harnish said. “We’ve had strong outcomes across different campuses and sectors.”
Student Impact: One recent example includes a $68,000 dollar grant awarded for an Indigenous arts project in Nome. The project, Uŋalaqłiq Inupiaq Artist Takes the Lead, will support Inupiaq master artist Donna Erickson as she teaches ten apprentices to sew traditional hard-soled maklaks using ugruk, or bearded seal, skin. The project is designed to pass on technical knowledge that, for now, only one community member possesses.
UAF student and advisor Naomi Jones co-authored the proposal as part of her enrollment in the UAA grant writing course. She will present at the October 16 webinar alongside other collaborators.
“As flexible as this particular grant was, I still felt like I needed a small grant writing team behind me,” Jones said. “The class gave me the foundation, and I had help from others to get it across the finish line.”
Upcoming Event: A Collaborative Grant Writing Success Story
Date: October 16, 12 to 1 p.m. AKST
Speakers: Naomi Jones, Carissa Hauck, and Donna Erickson
Topic: How they secured a Supporting Indigenous Arts Mastery (SIAM) grant for the
project “Uŋalaqłiq Inupiaq Artist Takes the Lead”
Register for the event here.
Systemwide Collaboration: The Alaska Grant Writing Network is supported by a systemwide team that includes faculty and staff from multiple universities and community campuses and key partners:
- Dr. Andrew Harnish, UAA (Project Lead)
- Dr. Amy May, UAF
- Dr. James Ryan, UAS
- Dr. Peter Praetorius, Mat-Su College
- David Leiva, Arctic Domain Awareness Center
- Chris Silides, UAF (Student Assistant)
The team maintains the online resource hub, plans training events, and contributes to the development of practical tools and guides that reflect the needs of Alaska communities and organizations.
The long-term vision is to build a statewide community of practice that supports learning, mentorship, and peer connection among Alaskans navigating a complex and changing funding environment.
How to Join: To explore resources, sign up for the mailing list, or view upcoming webinars, visit www.alaska.edu/writegrants
The website includes:
- Searchable grant opportunities
- Key topic guides and sample proposals
- Entry-level resources for new writers
- A statewide job board for grant-related positions
- Links to courses and professional development events
Go Deeper: