Fundraising

Don't government grants pay for museums?
Yes, museums can receive grants, but they are for very specific projects and this type of funding is very uncertain year to year; especially recently as the arts receive an increasingly small share.  At this time, AVM has received three grants: 
  • a legislative grant to fund initial paperwork for incorporation, non-profit status, used equipment and some start-up costs in 2002
  • $5,000 grant from the Friends of the National Rifle Association to help with the professional transcription of our 2003-2009 oral histories (AVM provided the other half of the needed funds) 
  • $3,000 grant from the Alaska Community Foundation that aided in our move to Suite 227 at 333 W 4th Ave in Anchorage 
The remainder of our funding comes exclusively from the generosity of our donors, be it money, artifacts, photos or volunteer time.  The military serves and protects us all - do your part to honor them by helping AVM.

So, what can I do?

  • Donate cold, hard cash.  We need it and we're not afraid to ask.  Please consider a tax deductible (501(c)) donation to the museum.
  • Become a member!  We'd love to have you and we keep in touch.  We send you a quarterly newsletter and keep you updated with all the latest news and events.
  • Donate your or your family's military artifacts.  We have many, historical items that have been entrusted to us by Veterans and their families.  We are always looking for more and we would be honored to be considered as a place to keep yours.
  • Become a volunteer!  We can't do it without you!  Join the cause and give what you can.  We need members for newly forming financial, fundraising, marketing and publicity committees.  We need oral history interviewers, translators and transcriptionists.  You name it, we probably need it.  We have big jobs and small ones, for all kinds of time and energy availability.
  • Get the word out.  Tell people.  Call or write your local and state leaders and let them know how important this is.  Tell your neighbors, friends, children and grandchildren.  This is where they learn the history that's not in the books, this is part of their history too.
  • Share your or your families artifacts.  Click for a list of specific things we are looking for.
  • Sometimes we just need this or that that, and we'd be grateful to have it.  Check the list to see what we need this week.  Thank you!!