The CIRI Foundation administers village scholarship and grant programs for Eklutna, Inc., Ninilchik Native Association, Inc., and Salamatof Native Association, Inc. We are pleased to support their members, descendants, and original enrollees.
Did you know?
If your eligibility has been approved by Eklutna, Ninilchik, or Salamatof, you’re automatically considered for scholarship funding from those villages—in addition to The CIRI Foundation’s scholarship.
There’s no need to submit a separate application. As long as your eligibility documentation is on file and funding is available, your application through TCF helps connect you to additional support from our partner villages.
Scholarship & Grant Program
Empowering Lifelong Learning & Cultural Connection
Overview
The Eklutna, Inc. Scholarship & Grant Program supports original enrollees and their lineal descendants with education, training, and cultural learning funding. Established by the Eklutna, Inc. Board of Directors, it is administered in partnership with The CIRI Foundation.
The EI Program is committed to:
- Supporting lifelong learning and workforce advancement
- Respecting Alaska Native values and cultural self-determination
- Offering responsive, user-friendly access to funding
Applicants may qualify for multiple awards depending on their educational goals and needs. Some awards require academic enrollment or a minimum GPA, while others fund short-term learning or urgent employment needs.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, you must be:
- An original enrollee of Eklutna, Inc. under ANCSA, or
- A lineal descendant (child, grandchild, great-grandchild, etc.) of an original enrollee
Applicants must also be:
- At least 18 years old, or
- A legally emancipated minor, or
- A minor applying with the signature of a parent or guardian
You do not need to be a shareholder or enrolled in the Native Village of Eklutna (NVE), but NVE may offer additional educational support. We encourage all applicants to check with NVE for potential resources.
You may apply for one EI award at a time. Reapply at each deadline or when additional needs arise until the maximum is reached.
How to Apply
All EI Program applications are submitted through The CIRI Foundation’s online platform at thecirifoundation.org.
Step-by-Step
Review Award Options
- Visit the EI Program webpage to explore award types.
- Confirm eligibility and funding details.
Select Your Application
- Choose the form that fits your educational plans (scholarship or grant).
Note: The Eklutna Scholarship is part of TCF’s Higher Education and Career Training Education Scholarship programs. If you’re approved for either and we have your Eklutna, Inc. eligibility documents on file, you’ll automatically receive Eklutna scholarship funding—no extra application needed.
Complete and Submit
- Complete the application online.
- Upload all required documents (see below).
- If your info changes, call TCF.
Waiting for Notification
Please monitor your email closely, as all communication regarding your application—including updates, approvals, or required changes—will be sent there.
Required Documents
Document Type | Who Needs It | Description |
Proof of Eligibility | First-time applicants | Verification letter from Eklutna, Inc. for original enrollees, or birth/adoption certificates + verification letter for lineal descendants |
Name Change Document | If applicable | Legal proof of name changes since the last application |
Statement of Purpose | All grant applicants | Up to 300 words on your goals and how the award helps you |
Transcripts or Certificates | All applicants | Most recent transcript or certificate of completion. Unofficial transcripts are accepted. |
Price Quotes | Grant applicants | For tuition, fees, books, or urgent job-related needs |
Photo | Optional | May be used in TCF or EI Program communications |
Award Types & Details
Award Name | Purpose | Amount | Frequency & Deadline | Requirements |
Higher Education Scholarship | Scholarship for undergraduate or graduate students | $200 per credit, up to $3,000/year | Twice per year (June 30 & Dec 31) | 2.0 GPA; enrolled in an accredited degree program |
Career Training Education Scholarship | Support for technical skills and certificate programs | Up to $3,000/year | Rolling; apply anytime | 2.0 GPA; enrolled in an accredited career training program |
Child to Adult Development Grant | Learning and enrichment for youth and adults not in degree programs | Up to $500/child; $1,500/adult per year | Monthly, based on availability | Learning activity not funded by the school/employer |
Urgent Access Grant | Immediate needs for job training or tools/supplies for employment | Up to $1,000/year | Monthly, based on availability | Documentation of employment/training needs and price quotes |
General Fellowship Grant | Continuing education, workshops, or community learning | Up to $500/year | Monthly, based on availability | Participation in non-degree educational opportunities |
Cultural Fellowship Grant | Supports Alaska Native cultural and arts education | Up to $500/year | Monthly, based on availability | Participation in cultural learning or creative events |
Use of Funds
EI awards may be used for:
- Tuition and registration fees
- Course-required books or materials
- Tools, clothing, or supplies required for a job or training
- Travel or housing is tied to your educational program
After You Apply: Responsibilities & Follow-Up
Award Notification
- TCF will email award decisions and provide instructions on the next steps.
Disbursement
- Checks are issued directly to your school or training provider.
- In some cases, reimbursements or payments for supplies may be made to vendors.
- Gift cards may be issued for job-related expenses and must be documented with receipts.
Proof of Completion
- Submit final grades, certificates, or other proof within 60 days of program or term completion.
- Missing documentation may affect future eligibility.
Keeping in Touch
- Keep your contact information up to date.
- Respond to any follow-up requests from TCF.
Questions?
3201 C Street, Suite 506, Anchorage, AK 99503
8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday
907-793-3575
tcf@thecirifoundation.org
www.thecirifoundation.org
Thank you for your interest in the Eklutna, Inc. Scholarship & Grant Program. We are here to support your success!
NNAI’s scholarships are available to Original Shareholders of NNAI and their lineal descendants (natural or adopted).
Deadlines
- Academic Scholarship Applications: June 30 and December 31
- Career Technical Education Scholarships: Open
Award Amount
- Up to $1,500 per academic year for full-time students
Requirements
- A written statement or enrollment card will be requested to verify your eligibility for these programs.
- High school diploma or GED
- Enrollment in an undergraduate, graduate, or career technical education (vocational training/certificate) program
- Attendance at an accredited institution
- Minimum term GPA of 2.0
Award Details
- Eligible students may receive up to:
- $1,500 per academic year for full-time scholarship students
Award Terms
- Maintain eligibility requirements to stay in good standing with TCF
- Funds cover direct educational expenses, including tuition, student registration fees, course-required books and supplies, and campus housing and meal plans
Established in 1992, the Salamatof Native Association, Inc. scholarship program is available to SNAI original enrollees, their lineal descendants (natural or adopted), and their spouses. Eligible applicants can be considered for both an SNAI and TCF award.
Deadlines
- Academic Scholarship Applications: June 30 and December 31
- Career Technical Education Scholarship Applications: Open
Award Amounts
- Full-Time Students: Up to $3,000 per term
- Part-Time Students: $200 per credit
- Maximum Cap: $15,000 per student
Requirements
- Proof of eligibility as SNAI original shareholders, their lineal descendants, or a shareholder’s spouse (written statement or enrollment card)
- High school diploma or GED
- Enrollment in an undergraduate, graduate, or career technical education program
- Attendance at an accredited institution
- Minimum term GPA of 2.0
Award Details
- Eligible students may receive up to $3,000 per term for full-time study or $200 per credit for part-time study, with a $15,000 cap per student
Award Terms
- Maintain eligibility requirements to stay in good standing with TCF
- Funds cover direct educational expenses, including tuition, student registration fees, course-required books and supplies, and campus housing and meal plans
How to Apply
Provide proof of eligibility for SNAI scholarships through the online application when applying for TCF general and career technical education scholarships.