The Foraker Group

Foraker seeks a highly skilled Senior Director of Philanthropy to join our dynamic leadership team. This role presents two exceptional opportunities for an individual with a strong background in fund development to contribute to our organization’s growth. First, this position will play a crucial role in engaging with tribes and nonprofits throughout the state through one-on-one fund development facilitation and as an instructor, thought partner, and collaborator for Foraker’s fund development courses and cohort programs. Second, this position will lead Foraker in our philanthropic growth and engagement. Our ideal candidate is an accomplished philanthropy professional who is deeply passionate about nonprofit excellence. We are looking for someone with the ability to be a humble and articulate guide and mentor and a strategic leader who can take the work to completion…. Read more »

This holiday season, Diwali, Hanukkah, Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all celebrate by embracing the light. The light that shines through these darker days brings with it joy, delight, connection, and reflection. I like to think it also promises us more light ahead – not just in sunlight but in all the other ways we may need it, too. In this particular season, I find myself wondering where we are right now in the grand scheme of history. There are no good words for it. It feels less clear to call it pandemic time and equally unclear to not think of it in those terms. We might feel more collective comfort if we could name it, but that label eludes us. Instead of a name, I am left to look and… Read more »

The Alaska Funders Directory is a curated list of more than 200 foundations, corporations, and other entities that have a history of supporting Alaska nonprofits and projects. The Alaska Funders Directory is the only site that focuses solely on funding opportunities in Alaska. The directory allows you to generate a list of funders that fit the interests of your nonprofit or project. Use the directory to save hours of research to find funders that align with your mission, geographic area, and funding needs. Learn more here…. Read more »

Plenty has been written about the importance of finding “the right” communication channels between the whole board and CEO/Executive Director and the board itself. Often, we think of a few paths for this communication: Executive or board evaluation Board meetings Scheduled check-ins between the executive and the board Regular written updates Recently, I wrote an article on executive evaluation, and I encourage you to revisit it if you and your team are struggling in this space. We also have several articles on board meetings that speak to many aspects of the meeting structure, including the role of staff. Two quick points to consider that could maximize communication in the boardroom are: Recognizing that it is a board meeting, not a staff meeting. If you are the executive, ask yourself how… Read more »

The Foraker office is closed today in observance of Veteran’s Day. We will reopen on Monday, November 13. We are grateful to all who have served and all the nonprofits that support their service…. Read more »

Foraker is improving its systems with a technology upgrade. If you have called or emailed our team in the last 48 hours, we may not have seen your message. The best way to reach a Foraker team member is by sending an email to info@forakergroup.org. The message will be passed along. Our systems will be running at full capacity in the coming days. Thanks for your patience!… Read more »

ELI is designed for executive directors who have been in their current position for up to three years and want to take the next step in leading their organizations and increasing job performance.  During your ELI experience, you will strengthen your board relationship, explore management and planning strategies with an experienced mentor, and learn from a network of peers. Learn more about the program here. Applications are now open. To apply, fill out this form and e-mail your current resume to Kate Rose at krose@forakergroup.org. The deadline to apply is December 18. … Read more »

The National Council of Nonprofits reports that changes proposed by the Biden administration to the rules governing federal grantmaking would “correct longstanding challenges that have limited nonprofit effectiveness, discouraged qualified organizations from seeking and performing under federal grants, and wasted billions of dollars and countless hours in needlessly complex reporting requirements.” In announcing the reforms, the administration said that the “proposal will materially decrease the burden on recipients of federal financial assistance, advance equity and job growth across the country, and meaningfully improve the administration of federal financial assistance.” The proposal would amend rules for grantmaking to charitable nonprofits, state, local, and tribal governments, and others. Public comments on the changes will be taken until December 4, 2023. Read more from the Council here…. Read more »

We regularly receive calls requesting us to teach parliamentary procedure – often referred to as Robert’s Rules of Order – and regularly we decline. We are not intentionally being obstinate, but there is something about teaching it that feels off for us – like we are not telling the whole story. We believe that focusing too much on the Rules takes away from important aspects of what makes for an effective meeting. Sometimes I remind groups that using Robert’s Rules is a “self-inflicted choice” so they know they can pivot if Robert becomes a burden and not an opportunity for structure. Some nonprofits have noted the use of Robert’s Rules in their bylaws, but most have not. It is simply a way of running a meeting that has “always been… Read more »

The 2018 federal government shutdown lasted 35 days. Today we are standing on the precipice of another shutdown. To avoid a “partial shutdown,” Congress must pass a stopgap bill known as a continuing resolution – the CR – by tomorrow to provide temporary funding to run the government. A federal shutdown translates to real and potentially devastating impacts on people, communities, and nonprofits that Americans rely on every day. Previous shutdowns proved in too many ways that nonprofits will once again be called on to provide a safety net for individuals who are without a paycheck. These same nonprofits already are operating within fragile systems with too few employees and fewer volunteers and philanthropic investments, which are the result of pandemic shifts and a lack of funding from state governments… Read more »