Hello Friends, |
As we settle into a new year, Alaskans welcome the return of the light in the northern latitudes, slowly at first - a minute or two of added daylight - then accelerating toward the spring equinox. We are comforted by these rhythms: we live by tides, seasons, salmon cycles - and delighted by surprises: the aurora lighting the night sky, a new blanket of snow in the pink sunrise, a gift left by the ebbing tide.
These rhythms and surprises provide practice in the art of planning, preparation, and adaptation. At Alaska Venture Fund, we believe Alaska’s traditions of resilience and innovation can light the way in a changing world. In this newsletter, we share stories of Alaskans like Jenn Miller, a former oil and gas engineer who with her partners is harnessing the light in Alaska’s first utility-scale solar projects.
We hope you are as inspired as we are by the remarkable people and places of the 49th state. If you have an idea or suggestion, as always, we’d love to hear from you.
The Alaska Venture Fund Team |
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News & Views |
Updates, stories and perspectives shaping our work. |
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AVF Demonstration Validates Impact of Bridge Funding |
Through a cash advance to the Village of Chefornak, AVF demonstrated the power of bridge funding to overcome barriers in remote communities. The Yu’pik village on Alaska’s western edge secured a federal grant to develop a wind-generated microgrid and transition off diesel, but the project stalled because the grant required Chefornak to front the money and submit for reimbursement. Alaska Venture Fund provided a no-interest, low-paperwork cash advance to the community, and we are pleased to report the project is underway and reimbursement is complete. AVF is currently providing similar support to two additional village communities. |
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Jenn Miller: Building Alaska’s Future with Solar |
“In Alaska you develop a lot of self-reliance,” says Jenn Miller, co-founder of Renewable IPP. Born and raised in Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Jenn and her partners saw the potential of the region’s long summer days to produce more than the region’s legendary giant cabbages. Through partnerships and persistence, they parlayed their oil and gas industry experience into development of Alaska’s first utility-scale solar projects. |
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New Polling: Alaskans Support Renewables Investment |
Alaska Venture Fund partnered with Dittman Research to better understand Alaskans’ attitudes about our energy future. In a September 2024 public opinion survey, 75% of Alaskans said spending state dollars to develop Alaska’s renewable energy is the right direction for Alaska. Hydroelectric energy topped the list of energy sources to prioritize, with 88% in support. AVF shared these findings in a November webinar. |
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Alaskans Affirm ‘Better Elections’ |
Alaska continues to lead the way in democracy innovation. In November, Alaskans rejected an initiative that would repeal our first-in-the-nation system of open primaries and instant-runoff general elections. It is already getting us results, and is seen as a national model in “making government work again.” At Alaska Venture Fund, we understand the link between elections reform and solutions-oriented policy, and we celebrate Alaska’s leadership in finding solutions to persistent problems. |
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Welcome Jocelyn Ciarlone! |
Alaska Venture Fund is pleased to welcome Jocelyn to our team as operations coordinator. Jocelyn brings a passion for Alaska, keen organizational skills, and a problem-solving mindset. She was drawn to AVF’s commitment to elevating Alaskan stories and grounding change in relationship building. |
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In case you missed it |
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And finally, something to inspire us from brighter days: Seg'aqa, a Yup’ik song and dance performed on the banks of the Kuskokwim by Paul Martin. |
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Alaska Venture Fund
Denali Tower North
2550 Denali Street
Suite 723
Anchorage, Alaska 99503 |
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Alaska Venture Fund is a project of New Venture Fund. New Venture Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. |
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