Are You Eligible?
The CIRI Foundation provides scholarships and grants exclusively for CIRI original enrollees, their lineal descendants, and qualifying CIRI voting shareholders. Review the categories below to determine your eligibility.
Who Can Apply?
TCF serves three primary categories of applicants. Your eligibility depends on your relationship to Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI).
CIRI Original Enrollees
Individuals who were granted original shares under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. You are automatically eligible for all TCF scholarship and grant programs.
Lineal Descendants
Biological and legally adopted children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and subsequent generations of CIRI original shareholders. You are eligible for all TCF scholarship and grant programs.
CIRI Voting Shareholders (Raven Fund)
Alaska Native voting shareholders who are NOT original enrollees or direct descendants may apply through the Raven Fund, which covers scholarships, CTE funding, and Jump Start Awards.
Find Your Funding Match
Answer two quick questions to see which TCF programs you may qualify for.
1What is your relationship to CIRI?
What is CIRI?
Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) is one of 13 Alaska Native Regional Corporations created under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. CIRI represents the Cook Inlet region of Southcentral Alaska, which includes Anchorage, and serves a diverse shareholder base of Alaska Native peoples including Dena'ina, Ahtna, Tlingit, Haida, Yup'ik, Iñupiat, and more.
The CIRI Foundation was established by CIRI in 1982 as a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit to invest in the educational futures and cultural heritage of its shareholders and their descendants. Since then, TCF has awarded over $46 million in scholarships and grants.
Documentation Required
When applying for any TCF scholarship or grant, you'll need to provide documentation to verify your identity, eligibility, and enrollment status. Have these ready before starting your application.
- State-issued birth certificate establishing connection to a CIRI original enrollee
- Written statement or enrollment card from your village corporation (for village programs)
- Proof of enrollment at an accredited post-secondary institution
- Current academic transcripts meeting GPA requirements
- Acceptance letter (for new students)
- Class schedule or course registration confirmation
CIRI Descendant Registry
CIRI encourages all descendants to register with the corporation. This process confirms your eligibility for various programs and ensures you receive communications about available opportunities. You can register by submitting a form and proof of your relationship to a CIRI shareholder.
CIRI Descendant RegistrationEligibility for Village Scholarship Programs
TCF administers scholarship programs on behalf of the following village entities within the Cook Inlet Region. If you are approved for village eligibility, you are automatically considered for village funding when you apply through TCF — no separate application needed.
Eklutna, Inc.
Original enrollees and their lineal descendants (natural or adopted).
Ninilchik Native Association, Inc.
Original enrollees and their lineal descendants (natural or adopted).
Salamatof Native Association, Inc.
Original enrollees, their lineal descendants (natural or adopted), and spouses.
A written statement or enrollment card will be requested to verify your eligibility for village-specific programs.
Important Rules & Exceptions
Family members of current board directors — including spouses, ancestors, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — are not eligible for awards during the director's term.
Current award recipients are not eligible to serve on the TCF Board of Directors. However, past recipients are encouraged to apply for board membership.
CIRI encourages descendants to register with the CIRI Descendant Registry. This helps confirm eligibility and ensures you receive communications about available opportunities.
Downloadable Resources
Official TCF guides, forms, and application materials — hosted locally for fast, reliable access.
TCF Eligibility Guide
Complete step-by-step guide to determining your eligibility for all TCF programs.
Scholarship FAQ
Frequently asked questions about scholarship applications, deadlines, and requirements.
Fund Your Future Guide
Overview of all TCF funding pathways — scholarships, CTE, Jump Start, grants, and more.
Class Schedule & Transcript Attestation Form
Required form for verifying your current enrollment and course schedule.
Release of Information Consent Form
Authorization form allowing TCF to verify enrollment and academic standing.
Scholarship Strategies
Tips and strategies for building a strong scholarship application.
Ready to Apply?
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, create an account on the TCF portal to begin your application. Our team is here to help every step of the way.
Questions? Call 907-793-3575 or email tcf@thecirifoundation.org