The Foraker Group

In a world where we are often rewarded for doing more, going deeper, or moving faster, there is real value in slowing down. In fact, it is the very gift of a pause that allows us to be most effective at more – deeper, wider, and faster. Going slow to go fast has been a truism in the Foraker lexicon for a very long time, but its application only seems to deepen across organizations both in the way we approach the work and in the way we deliver a service. For most nonprofits right now, the needs are only increasing, and the weight of that demand can feel heavy. Doing more with fewer people and less money or energy is not the answer, but often the unspoken expectation. We often… Read more »

Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit issued its opinion affirming a preliminary injunction issued by a federal district court in spring 2025 that blocks the administration’s attempts to freeze funding enacted by Congress under the bipartisan Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The court’s decision means that the preliminary injunction’s protections will remain in effect for at least as long as the case continues.  This is an important development for nonprofits, tribes, and local governments, including those in Alaska, seeking to use these funds for overdue investments in public health, climate resilience, critical infrastructure, and many other community-led infrastructure projects. Foraker’s 2024 economic impact report found that Alaska nonprofits received congressionally approved funding for $7.6 billion from the Infrastructure Act and $2.5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act. While this is a major… Read more »

Strong financial systems give leaders the confidence to make informed decisions. That’s why we’re excited to launch our first-ever Finance Systems Intensive. Our intensives are designed to help nonprofits and tribes get real work done — not just learn concepts and walk away with more notes. Whether you’re an accidental finance professional looking to strengthen your financial systems and processes, a finance leader seeking a tune-up, or a team wanting to get everyone on the same page, this intensive will help you move your work forward. Through three interactive sessions, up to four hours of individualized consulting, and a follow-up opportunity to share your results, you’ll leave with practical tools, stronger financial practices, and tangible progress for your organization. To participate, fill out this inquiry form by September 11. WHY… Read more »

Are you preparing to hire for a key position? Hiring new leaders can be both exciting and overwhelming. We have some tips to help set you up for success!  Your team (up to two people) can schedule a free 45-minute consultation with Foraker’s Leadership Transition team. Whether you’re just beginning to think about a search or looking for a sounding board to strengthen your strategy, we’re here to help you navigate the process. Space is limited, so reserve your consultation time today. Appointments are available August 10–13. Contact us if you have any questions…. Read more »

We know that year-end fundraising might be the last thing on your mind right now—but trust us, your future self will thank you for planning ahead. Now’s the perfect time to commit to a successful giving season. And we’re here to help you do it in a fun, creative, and cost-effective way. Our virtual intensive, The Year-End Giving Game Plan, will not just guide you through a year-end giving campaign, it will set you up on a successful path to better engage with your donors in the long-term. You will leave this three-part intensive course with the following: More organized donor data that segments certain donor groups A custom donor impact report (relationship-building tool), drafted for your audience A campaign calendar to map out your request timeline Custom ask language to… Read more »

Today, Foraker submitted comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) urging the agency to withdraw the proposed changes to the Uniform Guidance or substantially revise them through meaningful consultation with nonprofits, municipalities, Tribal organizations, and other stakeholders. Now it’s your turn. Add your voice to this important conversation. Comments from organizations and individuals can help demonstrate the real-world impact these proposed changes would have on nonprofits and the communities they serve. The deadline to submit comments is today, July 13. The Foraker Group is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization serving as Alaska’s nonprofit association and primary technical assistance provider to our state’s nonprofits and tribal organizations. We respectfully submit the following comments to OMB regarding regulations for federal financial assistance. The Foraker Group strongly opposes proposed changes to federal… Read more »

Managing nonprofit finances requires accurate records, timely reporting, and systems you can rely on. If you’re looking for an affordable, long-term accounting solution, Foraker Financial Shared Services can help. Our team provides accounting services tailored to nonprofits and tribes, allowing you to stay focused on leadership and decision-making while we manage the day-to-day financial operations. Our shared services model keeps costs affordable while giving you access to experienced nonprofit accounting professionals. Financial Shared Services include: Payroll processing and payroll tax reporting Budget development and implementation support Internal controls Accounts payable and check processing Financial elements of grant reporting Month-end reconciliations and close Financial statements and reporting Scenario planning Audit preparation and auditor coordination Whether you’re a small organization looking to outsource accounting or a growing nonprofit ready for additional financial expertise,… Read more »

Celebrate with us! Celebrating anniversaries, unlike birthdays, are often fraught with date possibilities. In new or young love, an anniversary may be marked by the month rather than a year, and in other relationships there are a number of possibilities – the first date, the date of the engagement, or the date of a marriage. Nonprofits don’t differ as we have so many date options to call our anniversary. We have the moment the idea was conceived, the date the mission was drafted, the first official board meeting, or even the date of federal recognition. These dates for some, including Foraker, have almost a decade from conception to formal recognition, so picking one perfect date is in the eye of the beholder. We have chosen this moment to mark our… Read more »

We asked our friends to share stories of Foraker’s impact as we turn 25. Here is what they had to say. Paglaġivsi, Greetings, Aarigaa! Happy 25th Anniversary to The Foraker Group! To everyone who has been a part of Foraker’s journey – to all the board members, staff, consultants, funders, and partners – Congratulations! What an accomplishment. Every single day the work Foraker does positively impacts Alaska nonprofits and tribes, and the result – All Alaskans benefit! I am grateful to have been a participant in this journey. It started when I was on the team developing a new campus for Iḷisaġvik College. We turned to the Pre-Development Program to assist us, with excellent results. I also have benefitted from Foraker trainings – participating as a part of the various… Read more »

After an extensive national search using our comprehensive Leadership Transition services, Foraker has helped place Anjela Johnston as the new Executive Director of Southeast Region Emergency Medical Services Council (SEREMS) in Sitka, Alaska. Johnston brings nearly two decades of experience with SEREMS to the role. Since joining the organization in 2006 as a training coordinator, she has become a trusted presence across Southeast Alaska’s EMS community by building deep relationships with the communities that SEREMS serves. Most recently, she served as Interim Executive Director while continuing her training coordination responsibilities. “The board conducted a thorough search, and we were fortunate to receive applications from many qualified candidates,” said Leah Okin, SEREMS Board President. “Anjela’s passion for our mission, her strong relationships across the region, and her vision for SEREMS’ future… Read more »