Three organizations located on the Kenai Peninsula recently received funding from the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, an April 12 press release announced. The Seldovia Village Tribe, the Seward Prevention Coalition and the Kenai Peninsula Homelessness Coalition each received a $50,000 grant in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, according to the release, is a state corporation that operates like a private foundation to administer the perpetual Mental Health Trust to ensure that Alaska has a comprehensive mental health program. Trust beneficiaries include Alaskans who experience mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance-related disorders, Alzheimer’s and related dementia, and traumatic brain injuries. Fully self-funded, the trust is overseen by a seven-member board of trustees.

The Seldovia Village Tribe received a grant that will fund upgrades to community health care equipment. According to the quarterly grant report, SVT will use the funds to replace two outdated dental chairs that have been in use for 18 years.

“By upgrading dental equipment, SVT will improve patient comfort and access, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges. The new chairs will enhance patient experience and reduce the risk of ergonomic injuries among healthcare workers, supporting a healthier work environment,” the project description states.

SVT and the Rasmuson Foundation were listed as other funding partners for the project.

The grant awarded to the Seward Prevention Coalition will support a youth mental health stigma campaign targeting Seward, Moose Pass and Lowell Point to “educate parents about mental health conditions to support parental consent for youth access to mental health services,” according to the quarterly report.

“This project … will help ensure accurate identification and support of social-emotional needs for children and their families, congruent with their cultural identification,” the project description states. “The Seward Prevention Coalition believes that increased access to mental health services will decrease the need for parents to allow services only when the youth is in crisis, normalizing accessing mental health care.”

Other funding partners named for the project include Recover Alaska, SeaView Community Services, Seward Prevention Coalition, Seward Community Health Clinic, the Rasmuson Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Seward Community Foundation, the GCI Foundation and the Alaska Network for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

Funds awarded to the Kenai Peninsula Homelessness Coalition will help to upgrade the Nikiski Shelter of Hope building. The shelter is a 12-room, 22-bed facility that provides emergency and transitional shelter to families and individuals experiencing homelessness. According to the grant report, the trust funds will “provide significant repairs and/or system replacements necessary to ensure the facility’s safe and sanitary operation.”

KPHC and the Rasmuson Foundation were also listed as funding partners.

Third-quarter grants totaling more than $2.1 million were awarded to 24 organizations located in Anchorage, Juneau, Bethel, Palmer and Kodiak, as well as the Kenai Peninsula. Trust grants are awarded year-round to support Alaska organizations, including nonprofits, service providers, tribal entities, and state and local government agencies, that serve Trust beneficiaries, the release states.

For more information, visit alaskamentalhealthtrust.org/about/grants/.