A Journey To What Matters:
Increased Alaska Native Art & Culture
The Journey to What Matters (JWM) Grant was made possible with generous support from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP). This program helps sustain and expand tangible Alaska Native art traditions through projects that strengthen cultural knowledge and intergenerational learning.
Funding Priorities
The CIRI Foundation (TCF) is honored to administer this grant, which supports tribes, villages, and Alaska Native artists in preserving and sharing tangible cultural traditions. While the program celebrates diverse cultural practices, priority is given to projects that focus on tangible arts—ensuring these traditions are actively practiced, taught, and passed down.
Tangible Art Perpetuation
Expand and sustain tangible Alaska Native art traditions (skin sewing, bentwood box carving, beadwork, ivory carving, regalia, tool making), ensuring cultural practices are actively taught, practiced, and shared.
Intergenerational Learning
Encourage the transfer of hands-on artistic skills through dedicated mentorship and apprenticeships connecting Elders and youth across Alaska Native communities.
Traditional Techniques & Materials
Support Elders, Master Artists, and culture bearers in sharing traditional gathering methods, processing techniques, and natural material preparation.
Hands-On Practice Over Conceptual
Prioritize active, hands-on artistic creation and community skill-building over conceptual, purely academic, or intangible research projects.
Recent JWM Projects
Examples of supported community initiatives
Required Application Documents
Please submit all application materials prior to posted deadlines. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed.