Competitive Scholarships & Designated Endowments
These prestigious scholarships are made possible by visionary donors who established named endowments with The CIRI Foundation to support high-achieving Alaska Native scholars.
Competitive Award Tiers
Offered annually to full-time degree-seeking students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership, and community service.
Achievement Annual Scholarship
Recognizes strong academic performance and community contribution for full-time students in a 4-year undergraduate or graduate degree program.
Excellence Annual Scholarship
Recognizes exceptional academic achievement and community impact for full-time students in a 4-year undergraduate or graduate degree program.
Special Excellence Scholarship
Recognizes the highest level of academic achievement and leadership for full-time students in a 4-year undergraduate or graduate degree program.
Award Evaluation & Payment Terms
Applications are evaluated based on your Statement of Purpose, academic transcript, demonstrated community service, and intent to contribute to Alaska Native communities.
Awards are paid in two installments. Recipients must maintain continuous full-time enrollment and minimum GPA requirements to receive their second disbursement.
Funding covers direct educational expenses (tuition, required books, fees) and living expenses if tuition is covered by other sources.
The 18 Named Endowment Funds
Browse donor-established funds supporting specialized fields of study across Alaska and nationwide.
Charles “Chuck” G. Anderson, Jr. Fund
Supports students pursuing education and training in law enforcement, public safety, justice, cybersecurity, homeland security, or related fields.
Established in 2022 in recognition of Charles “Chuck” G. Anderson, Jr., who served as Chief of Police in Anchorage and on the CIRI Board of Directors for nearly 30 years.
Fields of Study:
Margaret L. Brown Scholarship Fund
Supports students pursuing studies related to land use, conservation, environmental science, and education policy.
Fields of Study:
John N. Colberg Endowment Scholarship Fund
Supports students pursuing a professional degree in law.
Fields of Study:
Roy M. Huhndorf Endowment Scholarship Fund
Supports students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate major within the healthcare field.
Fields of Study:
Peter Kalifornsky Memorial Endowment Fund
Supports full-time students pursuing Alaska Native Studies and indigenous cultural heritage.
Fields of Study:
Carl H. Marrs Scholarship Fund
Supports students pursuing business administration, finance, management, or similar fields.
Fields of Study:
Penny Carty Scholarship Fund
Supports Alaska Native women pursuing business-related education, executive leadership roles, or service on educational boards.
Fields of Study:
Susie Qimmiqsak Bevins Endowment Fund
Supports Alaska Native students pursuing studies in the visual, performing, and literary arts.
Fields of Study:
Howard Keck / Westmin Ltd. Endowment Scholarship Fund
Supports students with an approved TCF scholarship award across all degree programs.
Fields of Study:
Lawrence Matson Memorial Endowment Scholarship Fund
Supports students pursuing studies in language, education, social sciences, arts, communications, and law.
Two-thirds of yearly fund earnings support scholarships; one-third supports heritage project grants.
Fields of Study:
Kirby McDonald Education Endowment Scholarship Fund
Gives preference to students pursuing technical and professional fields in culinary arts, engineering, and business administration.
Fields of Study:
George Miller Jr. Management Leadership Endowment
Supports students, trainees, and interns focused on business management and executive leadership development.
Fields of Study:
William D. Phillips Scholarship Fund
Supports students pursuing studies in public policy, government, public administration, and related fields.
Fields of Study:
Cap Lathrop Endowment Scholarship Fund
Supports undergraduate or graduate students pursuing telecommunications, broadcasting, or digital media careers in Alaska.
Fields of Study:
Daniel Alex Scholarship Fund
Supports full-time students enrolled in degree, vocational, or certificate programs at accredited institutions.
Fields of Study:
Chester and Dorothy Mavis Cone Endowment Scholarship Fund
Supports applicants with an approved TCF scholarship award.
Fields of Study:
Dr. Tamara Pickett Endowment Scholarship Fund
Supports programs focused on human and animal well-being, integrative medicine, behavioral health, and veterinary studies.
Fields of Study:
Monroe E. Price J.D. Scholarship Fund
Supports students pursuing law school degrees and legal studies programs.
Fields of Study: