Connect Mat-Su Resource Database Inclusion and Exclusion Practice

Effective Date: 6/1/2025

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.