The board and staff at The Foraker Group understand that these are uncertain times for those working, volunteering and donating to nonprofits in Alaska. 

We remain committed to strengthening the sector, and to that end we are providing this section of our website as a guide to all of our new and existing services and classes. 

We also will post news, commentaries and perspectives from a variety of sources.

Above all, we recommend caution and prudence in your decision-making.  This is not the time to panic or make rash decisions.  The community you serve is depending on you to fulfill your mission promise.  Your leadership and strategic decisions should guide your way as you navigate uncharted territory. 

Our intention is to update this site as new information is available.  We encourage you to check back with us often and contact us directly if there is a service, course or information that would be helpful to you in your work. 

We conducted a short on-line survey between January 19 and February 13 to which 165 of Partners responded on how they are doing in this current economic crisis- a response that tells us you're concerned just as we are here at The Foraker Group.  Here is a brief summary of what we learned. 

• Half of you say you expect slightly or considerably less revenue this year compared to last.  A quarter expects to stay about the same and a quarter expects slightly or considerably higher revenue.

• The majority of you report you either have taken or will take steps to cope with the economic downturn.  Specifically:
  • Two-thirds have included a discussion of the economy on a board agenda, or have it as a future agenda item.
  • Three-quarters have drafted or anticipate drafting financial scenarios that consider reductions in revenue and ways to maintain critical services in light of those reductions.
  • Three-quarters also are talking to other organizations about strategic collaborations to enhance programs and overall mission, or were already taking this action before the economic downturn.

• When given a list of possible steps to manage through the economic downturn, these were mentioned most frequently:
  • Connecting more frequently with current donors
  • Creating a plan to diversity funding
  • Changing strategies for marketing and outreach
  • Re-connecting with lapsed donors
  • Eight-percent report they will make no change in planned activities

• Finally, more than half of you report that you don't anticipate cutting programs or services this year, one-quarter say you will, and one-quarter are uncertain.

Of those 165 organizations that responded, half represent our smaller organizations - fewer than 10 employees.  And the majority (65%) reports that less than one-quarter of their revenue comes from individual charitable contributions. 

We thank everyone who took time to fill out this survey.  It gives us a better snapshot of our Partners and will help us plan how we can best serve you during this difficult time.