The Foraker Group

Alaska nonprofits – use your voice today. Let policy makers in Juneau know that your work to keep Alaskans safe, along with the safety net that Alaskans depend upon during this pandemic, are in jeopardy. Like all of our partners in the for-profit and government sectors, we are asking for stability to do our essential work to help people and communities. Remind Governor Dunleavy, your representatives, and your contacts around the state just how the current declaration is making good work happen in every corner of the Alaska. The Legislature and the Governor must work together to extend the emergency declaration. This declaration has been misunderstood by too many as having to do with mask mandates and school closures. The fact is that this emergency declaration has meant a path… Read more »

For me, February is the month I think about in “almost” terms. Almost more daylight. Almost embracing the new year. Almost fewer super cold days. And now, almost one year since our lives shifted in the most dramatic and unexpected ways. It is easy to simultaneously feel the weight and energy of this time. This is also the month we have placed on the calendar to do things we should be doing every day – recognizing Black history as America’s history, and declaring or reaffirming our love for one another with a valentine. February has me thinking about the weight and energy of work we all have in front of us. The deep and continuous work to understand what equity means in our country and in our work, while also… Read more »

The Shuttered Venue Operator Grant is a new Small Business Administration program that is part of the latest federal coronavirus relief signed into law December 27, 2020. The grant is designed for live venue operators, which is broadly defined by the SBA, and many nonprofits in Alaska may qualify. One of the most important aspects of the program is the current guidance that says an organization cannot apply for both the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant and the Payroll Protection Program.  In this session we will talk about the eligibly requirements and things to consider before applying with guest speakers Heather Noonan, Vice President for Advocacy at the League of American Orchestras and Jon Bittner, director of the Alaska Small Business Development Center. Register here…. Read more »

We are excited to have six new board members joining our team. We welcome Nils Andreassen to our Governance Board. We also welcome Amy Skilbred, Eric Gurley, Liz Qaulluq Cravalho, Clark Halvorson, and Tanya Dumas to our Operations Board. Nils Andreassen, Executive Director, Alaska Municipal League Nils has a degree in Peace and Development from the University of Bradford in England and his background in rural and international development, Alaska, and Arctic policy issues fit well within AML’s mission to support and strengthen local governments. Nils is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Areas through the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Tromso. Nils lives in Juneau with his family.     Amy Skilbred, Executive Director, Juneau Community Foundation Amy has been… Read more »

We are seeking candidates for the position of part-time Recruiter as an independent contractor. This is an opportunity for a professional seasoned in recruiting for nonprofit leadership positions to help us fulfill our deep commitment to ensuring that Alaska’s nonprofit sector is both diverse and welcoming to the communities they serve. Candidates need not reside in Alaska. A full position description and application instructions can be found here…. Read more »

The IRS has introduced a new Form 1099-NEC, which is the new way to report payments to others that are self-employment income. It replaces Form 1099-MISC. The forms now have different due dates and penalties for missing the filing deadlines. Although the IRS Instructions for Form 1099-NEC say they are to start in 2022 for 2021 activities – THAT IS WRONG. 1099-NECs are due by the end of this month for 2020 payments made to independent contractors or for professional fees (February 1, 2021, because January 31 falls on Sunday).  Beginning with the 2020 tax year, the IRS now requires business taxpayers to report nonemployee compensation on the new Form 1099-NEC instead of on Form 1099-MISC. Similar required filing thresholds apply to the forms: if annual payments exceed $600, one… Read more »

Today we join with our partners at the National Council of Nonprofits in urging you to sign a letter that will be submitted to President Biden and Congress. This letter urges policy makers to enact COVID relief legislation that highlights the unique role of nonprofits in providing pandemic relief and in long-term economic recovery. Specifically we are asking that the next COVID relief package includes four nonprofit public policy priorities: Provide nonprofit-specific grants, forgivable loans, and refundable tax credits for all nonprofits Strengthen charitable giving incentives by increasing and extending the above-the-line deduction while preserving the itemized charitable contribution deduction Provide 100% unemployment benefit reimbursement to nonprofits that self-insure these benefits, both retroactively to 2020 and extending through the first three quarters of 2021 Provide substantial financial aid to state and local… 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 »

In commemoration of Dr. King’s lifelong commitment to civil society and equity, may we each take time to lean into our role of making our country a safer and more equitable place for everyone. Dr. King reminded us that true democracy requires full participation – each of us doing our part to stand for equity and justice. The Foraker office will be closed on Monday as we reflect and commit again to our own role in creating and sustaining just and welcoming nonprofits that serve our communities.  … Read more »