Welcome to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority’s quarterly update. We appreciate this opportunity to share information with you about Trust grant and programmatic activities, news from the Trust Land Office, resources for our beneficiaries and partners, and more. | |
The Trust Announces $7.2M in Grants Awards
The Trust recently awarded $7.2M in grants to beneficiary-serving organizations in the second quarter of FY26.These grants to partners are a part of the Trust’s $25+ million annual grant program through which we support capacity building, direct service, planning, capital, and other beneficiary-related projects. You can find details about the 22 grants awarded last quarter through our latest quarterly grant report.
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Charting our Path Forward: The Trust's New Strategic Framework
In December we shared the news that our board of trustees adopted a new strategic framework While much of the groundwork for this plan has been laid through internal collaboration and beneficiary outreach, we are now working to operationalize these priorities and commitments into motion across the state. The framework connects our beneficiary-focused work with the responsible management of Trust land and assets to drive lasting, positive change.
This plan is more than just a document. It is a shared commitment to improving beneficiary outcomes through smart investments and deep collaboration. We invite you to explore the details of the plan and join us in our mission to support Alaskans today and into the future.
You can view or download the full Strategic Plan on our website:
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New Parcels Added to our Over the Counter (OTC) Land Sale Program
Earlier this month the Trust Land Office (TLO) has released new inventory for its Over-the-Counter (OTC) Land Sale program. Unlike the competitive fall land sale auction, OTC parcels are sold at a fixed price on a first-come, first-served basis—meaning if you see a piece of land you want, you can secure it immediately.
The OTC inventory include unique parcels on the road system, in remote locations, as well as island, and river, ocean, and lakefront parcels. Visit our land sale webpage to view our new interactive OTC parcel map and for information about how to purchase. On the webpage you will also find photos, maps, survey details, parcel access, and the purchase price for each OTC parcel.
Policies and procedures for purchasing an OTC parcel, which includes additional details about the sale, can be found on the OTC webpage referenced above. Purchasers may elect to either make a lump sum payment for payoff or eligible purchasers may use TLO financing. All proceeds from the sale of Trust lands support the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority's work on behalf of Trust beneficiaries.
| | | | Trust Microenterprise Grant Program | |
The Trust's Microenterprise program strives to increase access to Microenterprise and self-employment opportunities for Trust Beneficiaries. this grant program's funds may be used for costs associated with starting a new business, expanding a current business or acquiring an existing business. The business must meet the definition of a microenterprise, which is a business with total capital needs no more than $35,000, and fewer than 5 employees.
Grantee Highlight
Steven Davis, a Microenterprise program grantee, is an avid artist and small business owner who utilizes his creative talents to sell original artworks, prints, buttons, and stickers. However, living with a dual diagnosis created specific physical barriers to his success — particularly the chronic pain associated with setting up heavy displays at markets.
Through Trust Microenterprise grant, Steven was able to purchase professional display equipment designed for easy setup and teardown. The grant also funded a stock of essential art supplies, directly boosting his creative output. Steven highlights exactly how practical this support has been:
"[The grant] gave me a good way to display a lot of art... it's very easy to set up and easy to take down which has relieved a lot of pain... and it also helped me get a section of art supplies that allowed me to create more artwork that I likely wouldn't have been able to afford on my own which was amazing."
Trust Microenterprise grants are administered through our partners at UAA's Center for Human Development (CHD). Microenterprise grant applications are accepted twice a year; the next deadline is noon on March 11, 2026. Application support is available through UAA CHD.
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Trespass: Costly Impacts to Trust Lands
As the stewards of the Trust's land assets, the Trust Land Office has a responsibility to maintain the value and integrity of Trust lands so they can generate revenue to support Trust beneficiaries. Trespass issues such as dumping hazardous waste and trash, the theft of resources, encroachments, or unauthorized utilities consume staff time and can be costly to resolve.
Trespass is identified through the diligent work of TLO staff, and with the help of recreational and other Trust land users. If you see trespass on Trust lands, please reach out to the TLO office at mhtlo@alaska.gov.
| | | | January is National Winter Sports TBI Awareness Month | |
While January is wrapping up, winter sports season in Alaska is still going strong. Alaskans experience some of the highest rates of traumatic brain injuries (or TBI) in the nation. Many TBI preventative measures are simple, such as wearing protective gear or ensuring safety rules are followed in your favorite winter sports.
TBI can have a profound impact on individuals and families. The impacts of TBI can be temporary or lifelong, though early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. The Trust works to help ensure Alaskans affected by TBI have access to vital services and resources.
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Meet Sallye, Trust Partner
"If you know one person who has Alzheimer's, you know one person who has Alzheimer's."
In this touching video, we hear from Sallye, who shares a powerful perspective on navigating life caring for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia. She candidly discusses the heavy weight of stigma and how it often silences families and prevents them from getting the support they desperately need. Her advice? Shift the focus away from loss and towards connection: "Focus on what's still here, not what's gone."
Thank you, Sallye, for sharing your story as a part of our "See Beyond the Stigma" campaign to combat the stigma faced by Trust beneficiaries.
| | | | The next deadline for Trust partnership grant applications is February 15, 2026! | | |
Update on the Crisis Now Initiative
The Trust continues to support its multi-year Crisis Now initiative that is transforming how we respond to individuals experiencing a behavioral health emergency.
The Trust is supporting communities as they deliver and launch crisis response and stabilization services, both through grantmaking and through initiative leadership and project management support.
Check out the December 2025 Crisis Now Update, highlighting community collaborations and successes!
Related: interested in data related to this initiative's community impact? Check our our latest Crisis Now Annual Implementation Report.
| Upcoming Trust Meetings & Public Comment Opportunities | |
The next regular meeting of our board of trustees will be on February 18-19 in Anchorage. All regular board meetings include an opportunity for public comments, which can be provided in person, virtually, or in writing. We'd love to hear from you.
Visit our website for more information about upcoming trustee meetings.
To stay up-to-date on issues important to Trust beneficiaries and those who serve them, you can also tune in to the meetings of our statutory partner boards, click on the links below for more information:
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Looking for Grant Funding?
Make Sure You're Reviewing Our Bi-Monthly Grant Opportunity Report
In addition to serving as a grant-maker ourselves, the Trust also supports beneficiary-serving agencies in pursuing other, non-Trust grant funding.
As a part of this work, we regularly share a curated list of federal, state, and foundation grant funding opportunities specifically relevant to organizations that serve and support Trust beneficiaries through our bi-weekly Opportunity Report.
If your organization is looking for funding, this report is a valuable resource designed to help connect you with opportunities that fit with your mission.
To learn more about how the Trust can support your grant proposal development, visit our grant proposal development resources webpage.
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