The history of Alaska’s Permanent Fund

What do Alaska’s Permanent Fund, Peyton Manning, Apple Computer Company and “Rocky” have in common? All were created in 1976.

Alaska’s Permanent Fund started when voters approved a constitutional amendment creating it. The first dividend was distributed four years later in 1980. The amount was $50 for every year of residency since statehood in 1959. In 1999, the online portal for the application launched. A decade later, Pick.Click.Give was introduced, letting recipients donate their PFD to charities.

Over the years the fund has faced numerous legal challenges but remains strong and is currently valued at $65.3 billion.

– Ashleigh Ebert, The Alaska 100