The Foraker Group

Census Mini-Grants Now Available Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence – Apply by December 23 Catalyst is a results-oriented personal and professional development program designed to help you discover your intrinsic ability to create excellence and grow your network of support. With a cohort of peers, you will explore tools that will elevate your leadership. This program is designed for any nonprofit leader who is ready to learn, connect, and grow. We define a nonprofit leader as someone who is actively involved in the nonprofit sector. Volunteers, board members, and community organizers are all welcome. The application deadline has been extended to Monday, December 23. Learn More Build your Fund Development Plan Foraker is offering a Fund Development Planning cohort in Fairbanks in March and April 2020. This is a cost-effective way for your organization… Read more »

Join Foraker and nonprofits across the state in a series of one-hour conversations on the impact of Governor Dunleavy’s budget on nonprofits and their mission. We will look at ways to engage your board, staff, and volunteers in the conversation, and we will offer practical tools that will make it easy for your team to become involved and speak up for your mission. Come to one or all of our conversations. Board, staff, and volunteers are welcome. Our first conversation will take place on Thursday, December 19, from 10:00-11:00 am. You can join by using this zoom link:  https://zoom.us/j/494898737 There is no charge for the series. Please register so we can send you materials, if any, in advance. Dates for other sessions will be announced soon. This series complements our Advocacy in… Read more »

Organizations across Alaska can now apply for up to $250 to fund local census outreach efforts. The more awareness that can be raised, the better. The 2020 Census will generate ten years of funding and data that we need to plan Alaska’s future. Check out the application, share with your network, and brainstorm creative ways to do outreach in your community! Apply here: Get funding. Do good. Be counted! Learn more at alaskacounts.net… Read more »

December can be a mad dash – a frenzy to the finish line of the year. The intensity of holiday pressures to buy, consume, and engage are often compounded by the daily routines and year-end work pressures that for many already feel overwhelming. So rather than reminding you of your to-do list and encouraging the rush to the end of the year, I thought we could all use a reminder of what the quieter side of leadership looks like. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is to stop – slow down – and reflect. I am also inspired by this idea because we are nearing the eve of 2020 – the year of hindsight and insight. Seriously, how many times have you said, “hindsight is 2020?” The… Read more »

As a nonprofit leader, you can play a big role as a census champion for Alaska.  Building trust, getting the word out to your network, talking about why it is important, and celebrating the fundamental pieces of our democracy are all part of the fun.  Join us for an engaging hour of conversation and exploration into how you can be part of a statewide education campaign — Alaska Counts — and do your part to make sure every Alaskan is counted in the 2020 Census. In this session, you’ll learn: Why being a census champion is important to Alaska and your network The timeline and when to engage in the 2020 Census in Alaska (hint…Now) How to use the Alaska Counts Nonprofit Toolkit to activate and engage those around you… Read more »

ELI — Mentoring and community for executive directors in their first three years of leadership. We believe successful leaders are supported leaders. With the Executive Leadership Intensive, you’ll find safe space where you can access tools and resources to help you grow into your role as executive director. During this program, you will strengthen your board relationship, explore management and planning strategies with an experienced mentor, and learn from a network of peers. Applications are due December 6. The program starts January 22. Apply here. Why participate in the ELI? Community: You will meet fellow executive directors who are committed to creating a supportive environment as you all focus on organizational culture, your board relationship, and the day-to-day operations of running a successful nonprofit. Board Support: Your relationship with the board is critical to a… Read more »

As a benefit to Partners, we offer free half-hour phone consultations on a variety of topics. This quarter the topic is about preparing for the 2020 legislative session. The session will be held on Wednesday, December 11. Is your organization considering advocating on the state budget? Or maybe you already have an advocacy program in place. Many nonprofits were involved over the summer in advocacy related to the budget vetoes – and our sector was heard!  In this session of Ask the Expert, we will focus on the state budget and how to plan for the 2020 legislative session that begins in January. Dr. Mike Walsh, Foraker’s Vice President for Public Policy, will be on the line to check in with board chairs, board members, and CEOs, providing insight and… Read more »

It is necessary for us to reschedule this session. Please watch this blog and our class calendar for the new date and time. Support comes in many forms, both formal and informal. Come share and learn ways we can help one another as CEOs.  Maybe you are looking for specific connections to help move a project forward, or to navigate the political or economic climate. Maybe you are new to the field, or to your role. Maybe you just need a boost. Whatever the reason, we will explore the options together. Serving as a CEO doesn’t have to be lonely. Let’s connect and move ahead — supporting one another. CEO Connect — Supporting One Another will be held on Friday, November 22, 12:00 pm at the Foraker office, 161 Klevin St., Suite 101,… Read more »

This is a critical time for nonprofit leaders — staff and board members — to comment on Governor Dunleavy’s FY2019 proposed budget. This budget will have a long-lasting impact on virtually all nonprofits and their ability to carry out missions. December 15 is the deadline for comment. During this webinar, Foraker’s VP and Director of Public Policy Mike Walsh will provide an update on the budget, offer suggestions for ways to make your voice heard, and take any questions you may have on the budget process and how to be involved. This is an important session for you and your board members. Advocacy in Action will take place Thursday, November 14, 9:00-10:30 am. Details on the webinar and a link to register are available here…. Read more »

I am reminded fairly regularly that nonprofit folks are not very good at celebrating. The reputation of our sector is to reach a milestone, then put our heads back down and get right back to work. The norm of celebrating small wins or even big wins is lost on too many of us. A handful of years ago, I was reminded that even among members of the Foraker team, pausing to celebrate needed to become more a part of our culture. With a never-ending list of ideas, and a sector always hungry for more, along with my own desire to get to results, I had to make celebration a conscious and authentic part of our work life. It is not uncommon now to see us do a happy dance in… Read more »