Despite signs the economy is improving, nonprofits that rely on state money should brace for at least two more years of tough times, a new report warns. Read more…
Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) is a part of a much larger movement that is nearing the end of its first century of existence, according to ACF president Candace Winkler. As we compare ourselves with older community foundations across the nation, we realize the magnitude of the work we are doing - and the work that’s ahead of us. Established 16 years ago, the Alaska Community Foundation works to grow philanthropy and build community in an effort to improve the quality of life here, now and forever. In our large state, that can be a daunting task. Read more…
What's up with air travel? Every seat on every flight is full and there is always a long standby list. Today was no different.
I was in Seattle to work with one of our long-term consultants, Suzanne Lagoni. We’re completing the last draft of our sustainability book so it can go to press in 2012. We can't wait!
This was almost my last flight of 2011. I only have a trip to Kenai, one to Juneau and one to Fairbanks for work this year – after Christmas we’ll fly south to see my parents.
This year I will fly over 130,000 miles, most in Alaska and work related. This travel is in sync with a primary Foraker goal – to truly serve our whole state and not be viewed as Anchorage centric.
We hope we have been successful in that endeavor because today's smidgen of insight is that to serve Alaska one must fly. Distance delivery has improved but there are times that require physical presence. At Foraker I'm not the only frequent flier. We all spend time on planes, away from family, to do what we love – serve you. But now that the holidays are close, we want to slow down – at least for a few weeks.
Dennis
Foraker has been publishing surveys to support human resources within Alaska nonprofits since 2002. This year brings more improvements for our Partners:
Some of you are huge supporters and users of our surveys and use the data we provide to:
In addition, we’ll evaluate trends and provide comparative tables to show what’s happened in our sector from one survey period to the next.
The survey is open for participation from now to mid-December and can be accessed directly by clicking here or from the Foraker home page by selecting Salary and Benefits Survey under Quick Links on the right of the page.
If you are a 2010 participant, enter the e-mail and password used in 2010 – the system will provide the password if needed. If you need additional assistance on access, contact Rebecca Savidis at 907-743-1210.
We urge your participation – the more data we collect the better the quality of the information we report.
Thank you for your help in gathering this important information.
This week, Chicago and the Independent Sector's conference entitled R-Evolutionary
This topic will sound familiar to anyone who regularly reads our newsletter or this blog. The world is in a massive state of change led by technology and human nature's adaptation to that change.
The smidgen of insight this time is that when we have expressed our understanding of these pending changes, we have tried our best to not sound alarmist, nor too far out, so you could hear the message. What I learned this trip is that messengers far smarter and more articulate than I report the same frustration when they express their understanding of this new reality.
We heard again that the new world will be less hierarchical, more networked, and institutions with the ability to quickly adapt and transform will have an advantage. The new norm is change – and those who best manage change will thrive while those who resist change will have greater frustration. There is nothing to fear, we just need to know that when we learn to trust each other and ourselves, we will figure this new world out.
I am excited about the new reality and await the insights I am sure we will understand when we see them.
Dennis
The Foraker Group is actively working with the National Council of Nonprofits to save the charitable giving incentive, which is at risk as part of the budget negotiations going on right now in Washington D.C. We're asking nonprofits in Alaska to join us in letting members of the Super Committee know that we support maintaining the charitable giving incentive, as it now exists. [Read More... ]
Today I am in Kansas City, MO at the Midwestern Youth Summit sponsored by the US Department of Education. It is designed to hear the voices of youth throughout the country on what is needed to improve education in America. The summit is held in partnership with the National Leadership Conference for Camp Fire USA, where I am proud to serve as a trustee on the national board. [Read More... ]
You'll never guess where I am tonight – the Philippines!
Well sorta. Tonight was the 31st year of Maharlika, a celebration of the Filipino community in Anchorage.
Money is raised to support scholarships and other worthy causes. The sell out crowd was dazzled by great music and dancing that rivaled Vegas! And WOW, everyone was decked out in their finest.
Foraker's own Malu Antonio from Shared Financial Services was not only involved in planning and implementing this event, she and her family and friends entertained us with their great dance moves.
Tonight's smidgen of insight is that we live in a state full of opportunity to experience culture from around the world. Let's celebrate this diversity while we acknowledge our common humanity through such exposure.
Dennis
Organizations participating in the 2012 Pick.Click.Give. campaign can take advantage of free training sessions scheduled between now and early next year. One group of classes will help you get started. Click here to learn more about those and to register. The other sessions will provide current information on the process of the campaign and how you can better promote your involvement with it. Click here to learn more about those and to register.
All classes will be held via teleconference or webinars. Come prepared with your questions. We also encourage you to share your challenges and successes as the campaign progresses.
NOTICE: There was an error in the calculation of this year’s Permanent Fund Dividend charitable contributions. The Department of Revenue says this will affect Pick.Click.Give. totals by less than $100,000.
Details are available in this press release.
