2009 Permanent Fund Dividend - time to apply is now

2009 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend Application Period Now Open

If you haven't already done so, it's time to file for your 2009 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend. Application booklets have started to hit resident mailboxes, but if you want to qualify for early deposit, you must file your application with the Department of Revenue Permanent Fund Division online.

To qualify for a PFD, you must have been an Alaska resident for the entire calendar year preceding the date you apply for the dividend and you must intend to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely at the time you apply.

Payment schedule

* October 9, 2008 - Direct Deposit
* November 5, 2009 - Check mailed (10-14 days for delivery)

The Alaska Permanent Fund was established in 1976 shortly after oil began flowing from the North Slope through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Managed by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation the fund began with an initial investment of $734,000 and has a current balance of approximately $40 billion.

"At least 25 percent of all mineral lease rentals, royalties, royalty sales proceeds, federal mineral revenue-sharing payments and bonuses received by the state be placed in a permanent fund, the principal of which may only be used for income-producing investments."

The fund is managed by a board of trustees appointed by the Governor; Chair Steve Frank, Vice-Chair Bill Moran, Nancy Blunck, Carl Brady, Patrick Galvin and Emil Notti and Executive Director Michael Burns.

Stocks - Publicly traded stocks make up 53% of the funds total market value. View the Funds top 50 stock holdings. A complete list of the APFC's stock holdings can be viewed here (.PDF). Current value of stock holdings is approximately $21.3 billion.

Bonds - Domestic & Foreign Bond funds make up 29% of the funds total market value. APFC staff manages 80% of their domestic bond portfolio with the remainder of their domestic bonds and foreign bond investments being handled by numerous external managers. Current value of bond holdings is approximately $10.5 billion.

Real Estate - Industrial, multi-family (residential), office and retail real estate make up 10% of the funds total market value. APFC's real estate investments are located throughout the United States. 25% of real estate holdings are held in REIT's and other miscellaneous real estate investment categories. Current value of real estate holdings is approximately $4 billion

Alternative Investments - 4% of the funds value is in Hedge Funds with an additional 4% in private equity. Current value of alternative investments is approximately $2.5 billion

A brief overview of the Funds dividend calculation can be found here (.PDF). The 2008 PFD amount was $3,269 ($2,069 + $1,200 resource rebate). As fund payouts are based on 5 year averages, we expect to see a significant increase in the amount of the 2008 dividend, bringing the individual dividend amounts close to $2,000 per eligible Alaskan.

This year there's an exciting and easy way to lend a helping hand to those in need. When you apply for your 2009 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend you'll be able to designate all or part of your 2009 Dividend to a charity (or charities) of your choice. With a few simple clicks of a mouse you can donate to any of the more than 330 Alaska Non-Profits that signed up. What a great way to help a neighbor in need. View the eligible organizations. Have questions? Check out their FAQ or send them an email.