Supporting hope, healing and connection in Alaska through GCI Suicide Prevention Fund
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — GCI has opened applications for its 2025 Suicide Prevention Fund, continuing its commitment to mental health support across Alaska. The $100,000 annual grant program has awarded approximately $900,000 to nearly 100 nonprofits since its launch in 2016. Designed to address Alaska’s ongoing suicide prevention crisis, the fund supports local initiatives focused on reducing the state’s suicide rate — one of the highest in the nation.
“The impacts of suicide are felt deeply not just by families, but by entire communities,” said Tiffany Vassar, senior program manager of GCI Gives, GCI’s corporate philanthropy program. “This fund helps support the people and organizations doing the vital work of prevention and healing across Alaska. By empowering local groups that know their communities best, we can deliver more culturally relevant support. This year we are also prioritizing organizations that are including an element of expanding training so more Alaskans are equipped to make a difference in their communities.”
In partnership with The Alaska Community Foundation, GCI distributes these grants to nonprofits and organizations across the state, including rural and underserved areas. The fund prioritizes training more Alaskans to be able to respond and take action in suicide prevention. In 2024, grantees included a diverse range of programs that used the funding to connect youth, elders, and community members through culturally grounded activities and mental health initiatives.
In Aniak, Alaska, the Kuspuk Empowers project used its 2024 grant funds to provide evidence-based telehealth programs to approximately 150 school staff members focused on historical trauma, fostering resilience, and promoting physical and emotional safety. The program strengthened relationships among staff, students, and the broader community while integrating trauma-informed practices into daily routines.
“The Kuspuk Empowers program provided our teachers with the tools to address students’ needs holistically, blending trauma-informed practices with culturally responsive teaching,” said Kuspuk School District Superintendent Dr. Madeline Aguillard. “We’ve seen our students’ experiences transform with a sense of belonging and safety, and have seen academic performance and engagement improve.”
Big River Public Broadcasting in Galena, Alaska, started the Big River Futures – “Life is Your Big River. Let’s Go!” project to produce and broadcast radio bilingual PSA announcements in English and Athabaskan three times daily to share positive messaging and spread awareness for the 988 suicide prevention hotline. KIYU also began hosting community events to fight loneliness and promote health care.
“We've learned a bit about ourselves and about striving for empathy toward others,” said KIYU Station Manager David Patty. “The struggle to find a message that resonates and doesn't sound cliche or unwelcome was a challenge, and I hope the messages reach the intended ears.”
Eligible applicants include nonprofits and equivalent organizations such as Tribal entities, schools, churches, and municipal programs that are actively working to support mental wellness and prevent suicide. Organizations and individuals seeking more information about suicide prevention efforts can find additional resources and free trainings listed on the GCI Suicide Prevention Fund webpage. The application period is open now through June 13 at 5 p.m. Interested organizations can find more information and apply at: https://alaskacf.org/funds/gci-suicide-prevention-fund/.
About GCI Gives
GCI is one of Alaska’s leaders in corporate philanthropy, donating approximately $2 million each year in cash, products and connectivity to organizations across the state. GCI is committed to giving back to the communities it serves and provides employees with 16 hours of paid leave to volunteer with local organizations. In 2023, nearly 500 GCI employees volunteered more than 5,000 hours. For more information about GCI Gives, visit www.gci.com/gcigives.
About GCI
Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, video, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested $4.7 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 Broadband Corporation (Nasdaq: LBRDA, LBRDK, LBRDP). Learn more about Liberty Broadband at http://www.libertybroadband.com.