Introduction 

Connect Mat-Su manages and maintains a public facing resource database, providing community members access to a searchable directory of health, human services, education, and advocacy resources in the Mat-Su Borough and Anchorage area. This document outlines the criteria for including and excluding organizations in the Connect Mat-Su Resource Database.  

General Terms of Inclusion 

To be included, organizations must meet all the following criteria: 

• • Provide health and human services, advocacy, education, or information and referral (I&R) services. 

• • Offer services to the public within the Connect Mat-Su coverage area (Mat-Su and Anchorage). 

• • Provide services for free, low cost, on a sliding scale, or with scholarship options. 

• • Hold applicable licenses or certifications. 

• • Maintain a physical address and/or a working phone number. 

• • Designate a consistent contact person responsible for submitting updates. 

• • Provide updates on organizational information and services quarterly, or as changes occur, via phone, fax, email, mail, or internet. 

Nonprofit Organization Inclusion 

The following nonprofit entities are eligible: 

• • 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations providing free or affordable health, human services, advocacy, or educational programming. 

• • State-licensed organizations not eligible for 501(c)(3) status, including hospitals, health clinics, home health agencies, treatment programs, and individual providers. 

• • Organizations offering community service or volunteer opportunities. 

• • Educational institutions in the coverage area, including early childhood centers and public and private schools that serve youth experiencing disabilities or that have special needs.  

• • Advocacy groups and self-help support groups related to health and human services. 

For-Profit Organization Inclusion 

For-profit businesses may be included if: 

• • They provide free or affordable services that are not adequately available from public or nonprofit providers. 

• • Their services meet an unmet need within the Connect Mat-Su coverage area. 

Government Organization Inclusion 

Eligible government entities include: 

• • Federal, state, borough, and municipal agencies offering health or human services to local residents. 

• • Public institutions such as hospitals, schools, and libraries. 

Local Organization Inclusion 

Local entities that may be included: 

• • Community and self-help support groups. 

• • Social or fraternal organizations that serve the broader community. 

• • Churches, service clubs, or civic groups that offer public services. 

Out-of-Area Organization Inclusion 

Organizations located outside the coverage area may be included if: 

• • They offer services accessible to local residents without requiring out-of-area travel. 

• • Their services are not adequately provided by local organizations. 

National Organization Inclusion 

National organizations may be included if: 

• • Services are available to residents within the coverage area without requiring travel. 

• • No equivalent local services are available. 

General Exclusions 

Organizations are not eligible for inclusion if they: 

• • Do not serve the public within the Connect Mat-Su coverage area. 

• • Discriminate unlawfully based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, age, ability, or any other legally protected status.  

• • Provide services that are illegal under federal, state, or local law. 

For questions, comments, or concerns regarding this practice, please contact us at operations@connectmatsu.org.