Rasmuson Foundation adds three staff members to grantmaking team

Rasmuson Foundation has appointed three new employees to its Grantmaking and Partnerships group.

The Alaska-based organization, which identifies as the state's largest philanthropic entity, announced the hires on Tuesday. The additions include two program officers and one partnership officer. These positions are designed to expand guidance and outreach for nonprofits, local governments, and tribal nations seeking funding.

Molly Parkan is joining the team as a Program Officer. She brings more than ten years of experience leading grant programs in federal and nonprofit environments. Most recently, Parkan worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In that capacity, she managed complex grant portfolios for Alaska infrastructure projects. Her duties included overseeing regulatory compliance and collaborating with tribal nations and community stakeholders to ensure equitable access to funds.

Calvin Chang also joins as a Program Officer. He arrives from the Municipality of Anchorage, where he led the 49th State Angel Fund and Anchorage C-PACER. In those roles, Chang managed venture capital investments in Alaska startups and small businesses. He also oversaw energy-efficiency financing for commercial properties. Prior to his time in Anchorage, he worked in international development with the Center for International Private Enterprise in Washington, DC.

Gretchen Fauske takes the role of Partnership Officer. She will focus on building connections within and outside the state. Fauske will serve as a resource for partners interested in funding projects based in Alaska. Previously, she served as the director of special programs and strategy for the Alaska Small Business Development Center. There, she oversaw the BuyAlaska and State Small Business Credit Initiative Technical Assistance programs.

The foundation stated that these three roles are complete for the current team structure. The new staff members will begin supporting increased outreach and guidance to various sectors immediately.