Grants for Seniors in Alaska: Updated

If you’re 55 or older and living in Alaska, you can access grants that help pay for home modifications to improve safety and accessibility. These grants cover costs like ramps, grab bars, and other changes that help you stay independent in your own home or a small assisted living facility. Amounts vary based on whether you own or rent and where you live, but income eligibility and documented need are key requirements—so knowing what’s available and how to qualify can make a real difference.

Key Takeaways

• The Senior Access Program in Alaska provides grants up to $15,000 for homeowners and $10,000 for tenants aged 55+ for home accessibility modifications.
• Eligibility requires applicants to be 55+ years old, have a documented need, proof of residence, and household income at or below 100% of area median income.
• The Senior Benefits Program pays monthly cash benefits to Alaskan seniors aged 65+ with low to moderate income, with amounts based on income limits tied to poverty guidelines.
• Application for Senior Access grants is handled locally by non-profits like Alaska CDC and RurAL CAP, with early application recommended due to limited funding.
• Other grant programs for seniors in Alaska include rental and accessible housing assistance through Alaska Housing Finance Corporation for those 62+ with income limits at 80% of median income.

Senior Access Program (SAP)

If you’re a senior living in Alaska and need help making your home safer and more accessible, the Senior Accessibility Program (SAP) can provide a grant to cover qualifying modifications.

You can receive up to $15,000 if you own your home or up to $10,000 as a tenant, based on income guidelines for those aged 55 and older.

SAP focuses on accessibility improvements that boost senior well being by enhancing home safety and allowing you to live more independently.

The program covers several Alaska regions, including Anchorage and Fairbanks, with Alaska CDC ready to assist you with eligibility and applications.

How to Participate

To participate in grants for seniors in Alaska, start by contacting the intermediary agency that serves your community.

You’ll need to gather essential documentation: proof of ownership or a lease agreement from your landlord. Prepare documentation of your need from a medical professional, caseworker, or caregiver familiar with your situation.

Verify your household income doesn’t exceed 100% of the area median adjusted for your household size. These grant participation tips guarantee smooth processing.

Senior housing options vary—owner-occupied homes in Moderate Cost Areas receive $25,000 grants, while renter-occupied properties qualify for $20,000.

You must be at least 55 years old to apply. Contact your local intermediary agency today to begin your application.

Grant Amount

Eligible Properties

Now that you’ve understood the grant amounts available based on your area’s cost classification, let’s look at what properties qualify for these funds.

For senior housing grants in Alaska, eligible property types include single-family homes and buildings with up to four units, as long as the unit is your primary residence. Your home must be where you currently live, whether you own it or rent it.

Homeowners need to show proof of ownership, and renters must provide a valid lease agreement. These rules guarantee the grants support real, occupied senior housing where accessibility improvements are most needed.

Qualifications

Although eligibility criteria vary by program, you’ll generally need to be at least 55 years old and provide documentation to demonstrate your need, such as a note from a medical professional or caregiver. To aid with your application tips, here’s a quick eligibility checklist:

Notice of Funding Availability

While funding availability may change over time, the Senior Accessibility Program currently offers grants to support accessibility modifications for Alaskan seniors aged 55 and older, with amounts up to $15,000 for owner-occupied homes and $10,000 for rental housing.

• This program is funded by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, so AHFC is your main funding source.
• Grant distribution happens through Alaska CDC in areas like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Mat-Su Borough.
• Eligibility depends on income, so check the current guidelines before applying.
• You’ll need to show proof of ownership or a lease and document your need for accessibility changes.
• Contact Alaska CDC directly to start your application and get help with the process.

Reference Materials

You’ll need to be 55 or older and meet the income limits to qualify for these grants.

To get started, contact Alaska CDC for the application and current income guidelines. They can walk you through the steps and help you prepare your request.

Eligibility Requirements

Several key eligibility requirements determine whether you’ll qualify for senior grants in Alaska. Your application assessment will look at age, documented need, income verification, residency, and property status.

To help you prepare, here’s what you’ll need:

• You must be 55 years of age or older
• A medical professional, caseworker, or caregiver must document your need
• Your household income can’t exceed 100% of the area median for your household size
• You must show proof of ownership or a lease agreement from your landlord
• The property must be your current principal residence

Application Process

To get started with the Senior Access Program in Alaska, you’ll need to apply through the local nonprofit agency that administers the program in your area, such as the Alaska Community Development Corporation (Alaska CDC).

Contact Alaska CDC or Lori Tice to request the application and a clear documentation checklist. You’ll need to submit proof of income, age, and homeownership or rental status.

Complete and return your application as soon as possible—funding is limited, so the application timeline favors early submissions.

Contact Information

For grants targeting seniors in Alaska, you can reach out directly to Regan Mattingly, the Development Program Lead, at 907-330-8235 for detailed information and assistance.

When seeking grant resources and application assistance, keep these contacts in mind:

• Contact Lori Tice at Alaska CDC for Senior Accessibility Program inquiries and help with applications.
• Fax documents or questions to Alaska Housing Finance Corporation at 907-338-2585.
• Send mail correspondence to Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, P.O. Box 101020, Anchorage, AK 99510-1020.
• Verify eligibility directly through Alaska CDC, the program administrator.

Use these contacts to navigate grant resources smoothly.

Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Programs

While focusing on disaster preparedness, the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Programs administered by Alaska’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management provide essential financial support for communities to reduce risks from future hazards.

These FEMA-funded programs offer three distinct grant options that help local governments implement disaster preparedness strategies and community resilience initiatives.

You can use HMA funding for long-term hazard mitigation projects that clearly reduce disaster risk and strengthen safety.

Eligible projects must align with federal guidelines and show a measurable benefit, helping your community prepare for and lessen the impact of future disasters.

Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program

Although rural and tribal communities often face unique transportation challenges, the Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program provides targeted grants to help you overcome these barriers by funding legal, technical, and financial advisory services for infrastructure projects.

The program supports improving community connectivity and economic development through grants ranging from $200,000 to $2.5 million. You can submit your proposal from September 8 to October 8, 2025, but act fast—funding is first-come, first-served.

• Grants fund advisory services for transportation projects
• Targets rural and tribal areas with underserved infrastructure
• Supports project planning and development phases
• Improves community connectivity and access to services
• Encourages comprehensive proposals aligning with program goals

SFY 2026 RURAL PROFESSIONAL HOUSING (RPH) GRANT PROGRAM

You can apply for the SFY 2026 Rural Professional Housing (RPH) Grant Program if you’re a school district, local government, health corporation, housing authority, or nonprofit in rural Alaska.

This grant helps fund construction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of rental housing for teachers, health workers, and public safety staff.

To get started, check the eligibility rules and prepare your application showing the housing need and how the grant will help keep essential professionals in your community.

RPH Grant Overview

The SFY 2026 Rural Professional Housing (RPH) Grant Program offers $7,000,000 in competitive funding to address critical housing shortages in rural Alaska.

This program helps increase the availability of safe, affordable rural housing for essential workers. You can benefit from this grant if you’re part of eligible groups working on housing projects that support professionals like teachers and healthcare workers.

• Grants target housing development for crucial rural professionals.
• Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and housing authorities.
• Projects must focus on sustainable, community-driven development.
• Funding supports new construction, rehabilitation, or acquisition.
• Applications are managed by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation with clear deadlines and guidelines.

This grant offers valuable support for expanding rural housing options and attracting skilled professionals to your community.

Eligibility and Application

Several key requirements determine whether your organization qualifies for the SFY 2026 Rural Professional Housing Grant Program. Eligibility factors include being a local government, nonprofit, or private developer proposing rental housing in rural Alaska for key professionals. Your project must show clear community need and support. For the best application tips, clearly document feasibility, local partnerships, and how the housing stabilizes essential services.

Community Connect Grant Program

One solid option for improving internet access in rural Alaska is the Community Connect Grant Program, run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service.

This program boosts rural connectivity and brings real broadband benefits to underserved communities, helping seniors stay connected with family, healthcare, and essential services.

• It funds broadband projects in areas without reliable 10/1 Mbps service
• Grants range from $100,000 to $5 million
• You’ll need to provide a 15% non-federal match
• Eligible applicants include tribes, municipalities, and nonprofits
• The deadline to apply is April 21, 2025, at 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time

Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

You can use this grant to tackle pollution and build healthier, more resilient communities in Alaska, especially where seniors and vulnerable neighbors are most affected.

The program funds projects that reduce environmental harms, engage your community, and create lasting change through things like cleanups, air or water monitoring, and sustainable local plans.

If you’re a local government, nonprofit, or community group working on these issues, you’re likely eligible to apply.

Funding Priorities

Because this program is built to lift up communities hit hardest by pollution and climate change, it focuses on funding projects that directly improve environmental conditions and public health in overburdened areas.

Its funding strategies prioritize grant sustainability to guarantee lasting benefits beyond the grant term. You can expect support for projects that:

• Improve public health and environmental quality
• Provide economic opportunities through green job training
• Engage communities with culturally relevant plans
• Promote long-term community benefits and resilience
• Are led by nonprofits, tribal entities, or local governments committed to environmental justice

This approach helps you develop sustainable, impactful solutions tailored to each community’s unique needs.

Community Impact

When your community faces the brunt of pollution and climate impacts, this program steps in to back local solutions that make a real difference.

It builds community empowerment by funding projects you design—clean air, safe water, healthy land use—right where they’re needed most.

Through environmental advocacy, your elders, neighbors, and local groups gain tools to shape decisions and demand change.

These grants strengthen your voice, support sustainable practices, and create healthier living conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program funds nonprofits, tribal governments, and community-based organizations serving disadvantaged populations to address environmental justice challenges.

When applying, focus on these key eligibility criteria to access funding opportunities and improve your application:

• Serve disadvantaged or underinvested communities impacted by environmental hazards
• Demonstrate projects that improve environmental quality, public health, or community resilience
• Engage community members and stakeholders in planning and implementation
• Be a nonprofit, tribal government, local government, or community-based organization (not individuals or for-profits)
• Review current guidelines yearly, as funding levels and deadlines may vary

These application tips help strengthen your proposal and chances of success.

Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program

A Community Food Projects Competitive Grant can help your Alaska organization strengthen food security and build lasting self-reliance in low-income communities.

You can use funds from $25,000 to $400,000 for projects that improve access to healthy food, support local food production, and deepen community engagement.

These grants support efforts that advance food sovereignty by connecting local producers, food banks, and community groups.

You’ll need to show clear community need, a feasible plan, and strong potential for long-term impact on food security for seniors and others in your area.

WaterWaste Disposal LoanGrant Program in Alaska

You can apply for the Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program if you’re a public body, nonprofit, or federally recognized tribe in a rural Alaskan community facing water quality or quantity issues.

The program can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs through grants, depending on your community’s needs.

To get started, you’ll need to show the emergency affecting your water and submit a clear project plan with your application.

Eligibility Requirements

Although you may not realize it, qualifying for the WaterWaste Disposal LoanGrant Program in Alaska hinges on demonstrating a serious need for improved water or waste disposal due to conditions like contamination, drought, or floods.

To be eligible, you must meet these criteria:

• Be a public body, nonprofit organization, or federally recognized tribe
• Serve a rural area with inadequate water quality or waste disposal systems
• Show a major decline in water quality or quantity
• Operate in a community with fewer than 50,000 residents
• Apply without needing a federal disaster declaration

This program focuses on supporting communities facing critical water and waste challenges.

Funding Amounts

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Alaska provides substantial financial assistance to help rural communities address critical water and waste infrastructure challenges.

You’ll find funding opportunities covering up to 75% of eligible project costs, with grants starting at a minimum of $100,000. This financial assistance can reach up to $5 million for qualifying projects, depending on your community’s specific needs.

Whether you’re addressing drinking water systems, sewage disposal, or solid waste management, these grants help you implement necessary infrastructure improvements.

You may combine grants with low-interest loans extending up to 40 years, making repayment manageable while securing the resources your community needs.

Application Process

Knowing how much funding is available helps plan your project, and now it’s time to understand how to apply for the Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Alaska.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Contact the appropriate state agency early for application tips and to confirm your eligibility.
• Gather proof of a major decline in water quantity or quality caused by an emergency like drought, flood, or chemical spill.
• Show that other funding sources have been considered or used where possible.
• Prepare a clear plan for both short-term and long-term water and waste solutions.
• Submit a complete application package by the deadline to be considered for loans and grants.

State-by-State Grants for Seniors

Frequently Asked Questions

What Age Is Senior Discount in Alaska?

Senior discounts in Alaska generally start at age 65, though some local businesses or programs may set different age requirements. To access most senior discounts, you’ll need to provide valid proof of age. Senior travel discounts, like those from Alaska Airlines, specifically require you to be 65 or older and are often only available by phone reservation.

Who Is Eligible for Alaska’s Payment Program?

You’re eligible for Alaska’s payment program if you meet the eligibility criteria: you’re 55+, show documented need, prove residency, and your household income doesn’t exceed 100% of the area median for payment assistance.

What Is the Senior in Home Grant in Alaska?

The Senior In Home Grant in Alaska gives you senior assistance by providing up to $15,000 for home modifications if you’re a senior homeowner, or up to $10,000 if you rent, to improve accessibility and safety in your living space.

What Is the Hardship Program in Alaska?

The Hardship Program in Alaska provides you with financial support if you’re 55 or older and face economic challenges affecting your housing. It offers hardship assistance grants based on your homeownership and cost area, requiring proof of need and income limits.

Conclusion

Think of these grants as sturdy handrails on life’s winding staircase—they help you stay steady and independent at home. If you’re 55 or older in Alaska, these programs can give you up to $15,000 (or $10,000 if you rent) to make your home safer and more accessible. You just need to show a real need and meet the income rules. Reach out to Alaska CDC to see if you qualify and take that next step with more confidence.