CIRI Foundation

The mission of The CIRI Foundation is to promote individual self-development and economic self-sufficiency through education and to maintain pride in culture and heritage among Alaska Natives who are original enrollees of Cook Inlet region and their descendants.

The major goal of The CIRI Foundation is to encourage the education and career development of The Foundation’s Alaska Native beneficiaries through post-secondary scholarships and grants, research and other education projects.

A second goal is to perpetuate and enhance the heritage of Cook Inlet region’s Alaska Native people through programs that foster appreciation and understanding by the general public.

As part of its mission, The CIRI Foundation strives to support continued living traditions through selected heritage publications and media productions that enhance appreciation and understanding of Alaska Native cultures among all people.

Earnings from its endowments and other private donations fund The Foundation. Because it is a non-profit organization with a charitable purpose, The Foundation is exempt from federal income tax under the IRS Code Section 501(c)(3).

Through post-secondary scholarships and grants, internship opportunities, research and other education projects, The Foundation, as a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has helped to fulfill one of CIRI’s major corporate goals, “to improve the lives of its shareholders.”