history

Current Events October 8, 2013

Sowing the seeds of Rasmuson Foundation

In today's light, they seem impossibly young. They came to Yakutat separately as missionaries, she in 1901 at 21; he three years later at 22. In her scholarly article "Edward Anton and Jenny Olson Rasmuson: Swedish Convenant Missionaries at Yakutat, " (Alaska History, Vol. 28, No. 1, Spring 2013) historian Mary Ehrlander offers insights into the Rasmusons' first decade together, and how their legacy is embodied in Rasmuson Foundation's mission.

Annual Letters May 28, 2013

2012 Letter to Alaskans

Rasmuson Foundation marked a significant milestone in 2012 when it crossed the threshold of $200 million in social investments to realize our mission of “being a catalyst to improve the quality of life in Alaska.”

What does that mean, to improve the quality of life in Alaska?

Current Events February 11, 2013

The best friend you may not know

Mention Jack Murdock in Alaska and you might get a blank stare. Or confusion with that other Murdoch, media mogul Rupert. Yet since 1975, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has provided nearly $36 million to Alaska organizations. In this post, we share a little about this friend, and how his connections to Alaska continue to have an impact.

Current Events August 10, 2012

What next for Adak?

Rasmuson Foundation President Diane Kaplan recently visited the Aleutian Island community of Adak. Once a community that came into existence to support a military base during World War II, it is now a community of 100 trying to find a future. Read more about Diane's visit in today's post.

Current Events May 21, 2012

Peer engagement

As Alaska’s largest foundation, it is integral that Rasmuson Foundation board and staff members work with our peers. Working together ensures best practices are implemented and resources are leveraged. Read more in today's post.

Current Events April 2, 2012

Hannibal and me and philanthropy

Triumph and disaster, success and failure are not as absolute as we seek to characterize them. Success for of history’s great leaders is highly contextual – as we see routinely, some leaders have an uncanny ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Others fail to recognize success for what it is and yet others are only recognized for their greatness posthumously. What can Hannibal teach us about leadership in the nonprofit sector?

Current Events April 11, 2011

Celebrating a Century: Mary Louise Rasmuson

Today Mary Louise Rasmuson celebrates her 100th birthday. In this post, we reflect on a life filled with firsts and accomplishments.