The Foraker Group

Our latest report details pay inequity in the state’s nonprofit sector, and guess what? We have work to do, and together we can lead the way. Join us on July 1 at 1:00 pm to learn what the data says about the nonprofit workforce and hear about steps your organization can take to promote gender pay equity. Through a partnership with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Economic Development, Alaska data on the pay gap is easier to ascertain than in other states. Here is how it works: through careful and confidential efforts, the Department of Labor compiles data on pay rates for various job classifications. Researchers then used employer identification numbers (EINs) to identify nonprofit employees. Finally, they applied gender information from permanent fund dividend data. As… Read more »

After months of planning and an extensive search using our comprehensive Leadership Transition services, Foraker has helped place Cady Lister as the new Executive Director of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP). Ms. Lister was chosen from a large field of highly qualified applicants to lead REAP’s growing team in their mission to increase the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Alaska through collaboration, education, training, and advocacy. Ms. Lister will assume her new role on July 8. She will overlap with REAP’s Founder and current Executive Director, Chris Rose, for 60 days to ensure a smooth leadership transition before Mr. Rose embarks upon his next adventure during his well-deserved retirement. Ms. Lister has over 20 years of experience developing and implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency policies,… Read more »

We know many organizations are navigating uncertainty caused by changes in federal funding. Foraker is ready to stand beside you as you determine your next steps. Many of you joined us for our Financial Scenario Planning class in February and our Navigating Staffing Changes class in March. Over the coming months we will continue to offer free trainings, resources, and convenings we are calling “Rapid Response.” The next offerings will take place this summer, starting with the following webinars: Mergers, Acquisitions, Consolidations, Partnerships, and Everything In Between June 18 from 10:00 – 11:30 am Raising Revenue in a Crisis: Is It Even Possible? July 2 from 10:00 – 11:30 am Raising Charitable Dollars in a Crisis: What to Consider Now July 16 from 10:00 – 11:30 am  … Read more »

“In Alaska, we belong to each other.” “We can take good care of each other.” These are the lines in one of my favorite spoken word poems by NaMee. This poem was written in response to the proposed, devastating budget cuts in the early days of Governor Dunleavy’s administration. But the reason for the poem is less important than the response, and the response is so powerful that it is still as true today as the day it was created. The poem not only reminds us about what we collectively love about this place, it reminds us about what it means to live here, to raise our families here, to make a living here. It reminds us that part of that choice is a responsibility to see the people around… Read more »

As part of our work as Alaska’s nonprofit association, Foraker pursues nonpartisan or bipartisan public policy initiatives with local, state, and federal governments. The first session of the 34th Alaska Legislature adjourned on May 20, 2025, and Foraker was actively involved with several key issues. During the session, legislators had critical conversations about the importance of nonprofits in our state. Those conversations began with the first “Lunch and Learn” of the session, which featured a presentation on our report Alaska’s Nonprofit Sector: Generating Economic Impact, to comments at a hearing on the impact of federal funding on the sector. And importantly, several Foraker public policy priorities were introduced as legislation. Following is a summary of the legislative outcomes. Prompt Payment Parity For many years, Alaska nonprofits, municipalities, and tribal organizations… Read more »

We’re searching for a Bookkeeper/Staff Accountant! The ideal candidate will be collaborative and flexible, have excellent organizational skills and follow-through, and enjoy a fast-paced, highly varied suite of accounting duties. This position is responsible for processing payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable for nonprofits and tribal organizations across Alaska. Learn more at forakergroup.org/jobs… Read more »

Does your organization anticipate a leadership change in the coming months? A smooth transition from one leader to another will keep your organization focused on its mission. We can help you create a process for a successful leadership change by taking a realistic and thoughtful approach. We’ve created FAQs to help you assess if our Leadership Transition services are a fit for your organization. We are also relaunching our community class – Recruiting for the Long-Term: Finding Leaders that Stay – on June 12 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. If your organization is looking to be more thoughtful about leadership transition, this class is for you. You can learn more about our Leadership Transition services here…. Read more »

We Produce Our Own Energy A portrait poem by Na Mee (All the words that appear in this poem were heard at some point during The Foraker Group’s 2025 Leadership Summit, April 14 & 15, 2025. They have been lifted out of their specific context and written into this found poem, intended as a group portrait. You can watch the video of the performance here.) All of the leaders across Alaska owe at least eight people here an email. We did our list! It’s get shit done week How many hyper achievers are in the room?                      I don’t need to see hands. I know it’s over half of you   We know you’re wearing many hats. We’re all spread really… Read more »

Our Certificate in Nonprofit Management program is designed for Alaska nonprofit and tribal leaders to apply classroom teachings to their workplace, dive into issues facing Alaska nonprofits today, and build a network of fellow professionals. Courses will be held in the fall at the Foraker office in Anchorage. Applications are due June 13. Learn more here…. Read more »

This conversation between Laurie Wolf (CEO, The Foraker Group) and Senator Lisa Murkowski was held at the 2025 Leadership Summit on April 14, 2025, at the Dena’ina Civic Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. The Leadership Summit is a nonprofit leadership conference held every two years by The Foraker Group. You can watch a video of their conversation here.  Laurie Wolf: We are so incredibly grateful that Senator Murkowski has taken the time to be with all of us today. Just so much gratitude for you and your staff. You’ve been so wonderful taking all of our phone calls, all of our emails, all of our “Oh my goodness, what’s happening next?” moments. Thank you so much. I know you have an amazing staff as well. So an extra shout-out to… Read more »