Giving Matters

Your Gift Can Change a Student’s Life.

At the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, we see firsthand the impact our hands-on environmental education programs have on our participants’ educations and futures. And, because we are an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization, we are completely dependent on philanthropic gifts from alumni, parents, staff, friends, foundations, and corporations to supplement enrollment revenues and make exploring with us a possibility for a broader range of students.

What does giving mean to us?

  • Help students take on the future

    A changing world needs the interconnected perspectives that we foster in our students.

  • Support diversity and inclusion

    The financial aid opportunities supported by giving help us invite a more diverse, inclusive community.

  • Ensure the future of the Center

    All donations contribute to our financial security, allowing students to continue to learn about our unique ecosystem for many years to come.

  • Sustain high-quality instruction

    Our donors help make it possible for us to attract talented and dedicated instructors, researchers and staff from around the state and the country.

Your gift makes an impact

  • "The scholarship helped my son to attend this amazing camp AND to bring his best friend to his very first summer camp! The boys had a great time at camp, learned a ton, made friends, and have been talking about and sharing what they learned since they returned home. I am elated they were both given the opportunity to attend and cannot thank you enough for providing them with such long lasting experiences."

    2023 Peatland Expedition Parent

  • "The scholarship gave [our child] a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend that would have been too steep of financial hardship for the family to pay without a scholarship."

    2021 Marine Mammal Camp Parent

  • "As a high school intern, this scholarship helped me learn more about marine biology and mariculture. I also was able to experience backpacking and kayaking! I would not have had the money to explore such a fun camp!"

    2023 Marine Science Expedition Participant

  • "The scholarship made the burden that much easier to bear, especially in a year with so much uncertainty. Thank you so much for your kindness."

    2020 Day Camp Parent

  • "[Without a scholarship] we would not have been able to afford for our family of five to attend and would have missed out on the memory making trip!"

    2024 Family Camp Parent

  • "[The scholarship] made it completely possible for us to afford camp this year."

    2024 Family Camp Parent

You decide how you give

Uncover the giving option that works best for your goals below. Options include scholarship and endowment funds, legacy gifts, retirement plan disbursements, charitable rollover gifts, life insurance, real estate, and donor advised funds.

Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies Annual Fund

Area of Highest Need! Provides unrestricted support to meet the changing needs of CACS.

Inspiration Ridge Preserve Fund

Celebrate the beauty of this unique ecosystem and uplift the education and research that takes place along this wildlife corridor.

Camp Scholarship Fund

Gifts to the Camp Scholarship Fund have an immediate impact on our ability to provide transformational educational experiences to hundreds of youth each season.

David Cosman Scholarship Fund

In memory of the spirit that David brought to HoWL and Coastal Studies, the David Cosman Award celebrates youth who show passion and curiosity for the natural world.

Homer Foundation Endowment Fund

The Homer Foundation manages Permanent funds established for the benefit of nonprofit organizations, like us. The Funds are managed by the Foundation with income distributed annually.

Designate a gift as part of your estate planning.

The generosity of a planned gift helps ensure the future of the many impactful Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies programs.

We will work with you to find a charitable plan that lets you provide for your family and support the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.

Leave a legacy

A community of support

Homer is an interconnected community of local businesses and people who understand the importance of giving back. The natural beauty of our surroundings attracts tens of thousands of visitors each season. The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies educates and inspires individuals to care for these spaces, continuing a legacy of stewardship and care. Local businesses have supported our work for decades to ensure our beautiful surroundings remain intact for both visitors and locals, and the Center is grateful to work alongside companies who care.

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