GCI Suicide Prevention Fund awards grants to nine Alaska organizations supporting mental wellness
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Across Alaska, communities are building hope, strengthening connections, and creating support systems that help save lives. Today, GCI announced nine organizations selected to receive support this year through the GCI Suicide Prevention Fund, an initiative that has invested more than $1 million in community-led mental wellness and suicide prevention efforts across Alaska since 2016.
Administered by the Alaska Community Foundation, the GCI Suicide Prevention Fund helps turn local ideas into local action. Since its launch in 2016, the fund has supported schools, Tribal organizations, nonprofits, and community groups working to address the factors that can contribute to suicide while strengthening the relationships, cultural connections, and support networks that help people thrive.
"The impact of this work extends far beyond any single program," said Tiffany Vassar, GCI Senior Program Manager of Contributions & Events. "These organizations are creating opportunities for connection, mentorship, cultural engagement, and support in ways that reflect local culture and priorities. Through their work, they're strengthening relationships, expanding access to resources, and helping build stronger communities across Alaska. We're proud to support their efforts and help expand their impact."
2026 GCI Suicide Prevention Fund Recipients
Alaska Behavioral Health
Funding will support Alaska Behavioral Health's Mental Health Lunch & Learn series. The virtual program provides educational sessions focused on mental health, suicide prevention, and related community resources.
Alaska Children's Institute for the Performing Arts (Triumvirate Theatre)
Funding will support Moving To Mend, a student-focused program offered through Triumvirate Theatre. The project uses movement and performing arts activities to engage youth and was proposed in response to recent tragedies that have affected students in the community.
Gold Star Peak, Inc.
Grant funding will support programming for veterans, active-duty service members, and military families. Activities include peer connection opportunities, outdoor recreation, and wellness-focused events.
Ketchikan Indian Community
Funding will support suicide prevention training, community healing activities, talking circles, and other wellness-focused programming. The project was developed in response to community needs identified locally.
Lake and Peninsula School District
Funding will support expansion of the district's Sources of Strength program for students across Southwest Alaska. The program includes peer leadership and youth-focused suicide prevention activities.
Maniilaq Association
Grant funding will support the Maniilaq Prevention Carnival, a community event focused on suicide prevention awareness, education, and engagement in Northwest Alaska. Activities include training opportunities, resource sharing, and community outreach.
Native Village of Port Lions
Funding will support Project Cama'i Connection, which integrates mental wellness and suicide prevention activities into the community's Tribal Family Activities Program. Project activities include community engagement, cultural learning opportunities, and training.
Norton Sound Health Corporation
Grant funding will support Native Connections programming in the Bering Strait region. Activities include suicide prevention training, cultural programming, mentorship opportunities, and community wellness outreach.
Village of Bill Moore's Slough
Grant funding will support a youth program that incorporates Sources of Strength activities, peer leadership opportunities, and elder mentorship. The project includes culturally grounded programming for youth in the community.
Together, this year's projects show the range of ways Alaska organizations are working to support mental wellness at the community level — from school-based peer leadership and suicide prevention training to cultural programming, mentorship, wellness education, and community events. Each project is shaped by the needs of the people and places it serves.
The GCI Suicide Prevention Fund is awarded annually through a competitive grant process administered by the Alaska Community Foundation. Since 2016, the fund has supported Alaska-based organizations working to expand prevention resources, strengthen community connection, and support mental wellness across the state.
For more information about the GCI Suicide Prevention Fund, visit the Alaska Community Foundation grants webpage.
About GCI
Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested more than $5 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 45+ years. Through a combination of ambitious network initiatives, GCI continues to expand and strengthen its statewide network infrastructure to deliver the best possible connectivity to its customers and close the digital divide in Alaska. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: GLIBA, GLIBK). Learn more at https://www.libertycapitalcorp.com/.