For immediate release: September 4, 2025

Fairbanks, Alaska (AK) – This week Explore Fairbanks announced the recipients of the new Golden Heart Giving Sponsorship Program, awarding close to $100,000 in funds to 12 different organizations in the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

The program was designed to allow nonprofits, businesses and individuals within the borough to apply for funding projects, events and activities that aligned with the primary objectives of improving the quality of life for residents; enhancing the visitor experience and strengthening Fairbanks as a destination; and supporting innovative ideas fostering community engagement and development. Applicants were limited to a funding request to not exceed $10,000.

The program was launched at the beginning of July, with the application deadline at the end of the month. A total of 27 applications were submitted with a combined funding request of $235,975. The applications were all reviewed and scored by the Explore Fairbanks Community Engagement Committee, with the successful applicants approved by the board of directors at their August 27 meeting.

“The committee was truly impressed by the number of thoughtful and impactful applications we received through the Golden Heart Giving Sponsorship Program,” said committee chair Pete Pinney. “With so many outstanding proposals, it was not easy to make our selections. We are grateful to all of the applicants for the important work they do in our community and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this year’s sponsorships.”

The approved applications include:

  • Alaska Songbird Institute ($7,500): Funding support for a paid internship in 2026 for public programming at the Creamer’s Field Migration Station.
  • Brewers Guild of Alaska ($6,125): Funding support for the Boots & Brews Beer Fest on October 11, 2025.
  • Brianna Reagan Art Inc. ($5,000): Funding support for the Cozy Collective – Artisan Market, October 11-12, 2025.
  • Chena Hot Springs Resort ($10,000): Funding support for educational signage and trail enhancements for the Monument Creek Trail system.
  • Doyon Foundation ($10,000): Funding support for the North American Basketball Tournament, March 11-14, 2026.
  • Eastern Alaska Range Avalanche Center ($10,000): Funding support for a Fairbanks-based Pro-Observer to provide consistent backcountry snow and avalanche observation.
  • Fairbanks Arts Association ($10,000): Funding support for the 2026 Crafting Community: A Fairbanks Arts Gift Guide publication.
  • Fairbanks Concert Association ($6,000): Funding support for the 2025-2026 Well-Being Concert Series in partnership with Carnegie Hall.
  • Friends of Creamer’s Field ($8,500): Funding support for the 2026 Spring Migration Celebration, April 19-25, 2026.
  • Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks ($8,100): Funding support for five new map kiosk stations at the Birch Hill Recreation Area.
  • Tanana Valley State Fair ($5,000): Funding support for the 2025 Fall Festival on October 4, 2025.
  • University of Alaska Museum of the North ($10,000): Funding support for the UAF Native Art Center special exhibit.

Explore Fairbanks has not yet determined if it will be bringing the program back for next year. For more information on their Golden Heart Giving endeavors visit www.goldenheartgiving.com or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/goldenheartgiving.

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About Explore Fairbanks

Explore Fairbanks is a non-profit marketing and management organization whose mission is to be an economic driver in the Fairbanks region by marketing to potential visitors, optimizing the visitor experience and advocating for a thriving year-round visitor industry. Explore Fairbanks markets Fairbanks as a year-round destination by promoting local events, attractions and activities to independent travellers, group tour operators, travel agents, meeting planners and the media as well as by developing public policy and infrastructure to achieve marketing objectives. Find out more at explorefairbanks.com.