It is with great sadness that we offer our deepest condolences to Congresswoman Peltola and her family. We mourn the loss of Gene Peltola — an esteemed Alaska leader — and recognize his important contributions to his family, our state, and the nation. Both Mary and Buzzy served on the Foraker board and are part of the Foraker family. Our hearts go out to Mary, and we stand with her and support her through this tragic time…. Read more »

Alaska’s nonprofits stepped up during the pandemic and the nonprofit sector remains one of the state’s largest employers and revenue generators. In our latest report, we detail how nonprofits are part of everyday life in Alaska and illustrate the ways in which we are a major economic driver, leverage public funds for maximum return, partner with government in delivering essential services, provide community investment and civic engagement, and help stabilize the economy during the pandemic. You can find the report here…. Read more »

The article below was prepared jointly by Foraker President/CEO Laurie Wolf and her counterpart in Washington state, Laura Pierce, Executive Director of Washington Nonprofits. They stress the need that exists now more than ever to work together in tackling the difficult challenges facing our sector and our communities. What does it mean to collaborate right now? This was the question among a team of nonprofit state association CEOs at a recent meeting. As we all leaned into the conversation, Laurie commented, “We need to collaborate now more than ever. But exhaustion in the sector makes it hard to bring our best to the effort.” Let’s unpack that. With all the changes happening in our sector and the opportunities created by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other federal investments… Read more »

Are you eager to better establish your digital footprint and connect with your online audience, but not sure where to start? Our new course – Digital DIY – offers the boost you need to help drive your mission forward and increase your bottom line with online communication and marketing tactics. Join us on January 11 & 18 from 1:00 – 3:00pm for an opportunity to get a grasp on the ins and outs of digital marketing, branding, social media and more. With an investment of time, and through trial and error, there’s no need to spend big dollars with a PR company or marketing firm. You can do it yourself! What we cover: Your mission statement – an outline Logo (conceptual) Digital advertising / flyers Social media – which platforms best serve your mission Website… Read more »

We are excited to announce that Tyonek Tribal Conservation District (TTCD) has selected its next Executive Director. Welcome to Dr. Laurie Stuart.  Dr. Stuart is an experienced nonprofit executive with more than 10 years of leadership roles in science education, conservation, and nonprofit management. She comes to TTCD after serving as a Director at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, and has previously held leadership positions at the Pratt Museum in Homer and at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward. A life-long Alaskan, Dr. Stuart earned her Doctorate of Education from the University of Missouri, with an emphasis on sustainability, social justice, and participatory methods in natural resource management. “My work has focused on fostering pro-conservation identity and behavior, with an understanding that effective conservation policies must be community based”, says… Read more »

Tuesday’s hate crime against Asian Americans in Atlanta was not an isolated event (NPR reports that hate crimes against Asian Americans have surged since the start of the pandemic). We stand with the Asian and Pacific Islander community and condemn these hate crimes and all acts of hatred and violence.  It is up to all of us to stop hate in its tracks.  We and encourage you to not miss this moment, to ask what you need to take with you and what can you leave behind that perpetuates inequity in our communities. Foraker has and will continue to ask these questions and to stand beside Alaska’s nonprofits and community leaders to move forward. If you are looking for resources on how to intervene when you see hate in action… Read more »

We congratulate President Biden and Vice President Harris on their inauguration today. They and our own Alaska federal delegation deserve our heartfelt thanks for their commitment to public service, especially during these difficult times. The nation’s agenda is challenging as we address the COVID crisis, the political division, and an economy that is increasingly leaving people and families behind. This is a day to honor the strength of our democracy and a day to look ahead and to look inward at what we as individuals and as a sector must do to advance equity and justice in our organizations, our communities, and our state. As members of Alaska’s nonprofit sector, we are committed to public service.  We welcome all Alaskans to join us. Look for places where you can serve…. Read more »

We are proud that our efforts to promote gender pay equity are highlighted in a story in The Chronicle of Philanthropy. The article, “Why Women Don’t Get Ahead at Nonprofits”, is a stark reminder of the importance of engaging in practices that support pay equity. Is your organization ready to take action? Here are eight proven practices that promote an equitable pay environment. Note: To view the full article in the Chronicle, you will need to create a free account.  … Read more »

We are thrilled with Mayor Berkowitz’s appointment of Heather Harris as Anchorage Health Department Director. Heather has been part of the Foraker family in many and varied ways. She worked on staff, graduated from Certificate and Catalyst, teaches for us, and joyfully mentors many emerging nonprofit leaders. She has been dedicated to our success and the success of nonprofits around the state. We know she will be successful in her new and important role at the municipality. We send her all our good wishes. You can read the announcement from the mayor here…. Read more »

We send our congratulations to the Rasmuson family and to the board and staff of Rasmuson Foundation who are celebrating 65 years of service to Alaska. In their annual Letter to Alaskans, Foundation Chairman Ed Rasmuson and President/CEO Diane Kaplan look back at the family’s rich history of “giving back” to Alaska communities. We encourage you to read the letter and learn more about the amazing work the foundation has accomplished over the years. We especially appreciate Rasmuson’s partnership in starting The Foraker Group and for their continued support of our work. Thank you for everything you do to make Alaska better for all of us…. Read more »