Giving Bock to Alaska ... The Rasmuson Foundation: four generations supporting the people of Alaska.

• Author: McCorkle, Vern C.

A half-century of philanthropy will be marked in June when the Rasmuson Foundation concludes a yearlong observance of 50 years of giving back to the people of Alaska, its charitable institutions and worthy causes.

Like so much that is truly Alaskan, the Rasmuson Foundation is unique. It stands out from among nearly 65,000 other American charitable foundations because it focuses its statewide perspectives and financial support only on Alaska-based organizations, individuals and projects.

There are several reasons why the foundation has chosen such a single-minded approach to undertaking the good works that it does. Essentially, it is that it's quite serious about promoting a better life for Alaskans.

The Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson under a declaration of trust in honor of her late husband Edward Anton (E.A.) Rasmuson, a majority owner, and for 31 years, president of the National Bank of Alaska. She was assisted in the development of the foundation by her son Elmer Edwin, now deceased, who shared her vision for the foundation. The work is now carried on by Edward B. (Ed) Rasmuson, who serves as chairman of the foundation's board of directors.

FROM A HELPING HAND TO MOTIVATING CATALYST

It came as no surprise to anyone who knew, ever met or had any dealings at all with E.A. Rasmuson--the missionary, lawyer and banker--that a charitable Christian philosophy would become a hallmark of how he lived his life and inspired his children and grandchildren who followed. Long before the Rasmuson Foundation was created, "E.A." and Jenny began the family tradition of giving and giving back, in humble thanks for the good fortune that over time, and with wise stewardship, had come their way. They believed that individuals hold the key to improving society through philanthropy and public service, a value passed on to their children. The first grant of funds amounted to a "helping-hand gift" of only $125, but it was the spark that has ignited the flame of care and concern for Alaska and Alaskans that fostered and encouraged the foundation that bears the family name and that today has assets in excess of $540 million.

Diane Kaplan is president of the Rasmuson Foundation. She explains the organization's grantmaking philosophy as it has evolved over four generations of Rasmusons: "Typically we are not the first, the largest or the only funder of the projects we support. We partner with other private funders-federal, state and...