The Foraker Group

Now more than ever we face a multitude of challenges in our communities and our economy, and we know that not everyone is being impacted in the same way. Already existing disparities in economic status are exacerbated by the pandemic, and the same is true for the gender pay gap. Economists are now predicting that as women take on more responsibilities with children at home, the pay gap will widen. With that in mind, now is the time to reflect on what we can do to end the gender pay gap in Alaska. Our latest report specifically details pay inequity in the state’s nonprofit sector, and guess what? We have work to do – and we believe the nonprofit sector can lead the way. But first, a brief moment of… Read more »

Mission Driven is a good-news series highlighting the many ways in which Alaska’s nonprofit sector is moving forward during the pandemic. Hosted by Foraker President/CEO Laurie Wolf, these recorded chats feature inspiring tales of resilience from nonprofit leaders in our state.   RBI Alaska’s Founder/CEO, Jamar Hill, has had a storied baseball career. These days, he’s finding new ways to teach kids about the sport he loves. His takeaway: kids are resilient Michele Girault hit the ground running in her first 100-days as Executive Director at Hope Community Resources. Her focus in a distanced environment has revolved around deepening personal connections and maintaining flexible systems. How are nonprofit leaders gathering and using data to chart their way forward during a pandemic? For Anchorage Concert Association’s Executive Director, Jason Hodges, the process… Read more »

We know many of you have questions about the next federal relief packages.  Thanks to the National Council of Nonprofits for putting together this chart to document how nonprofits could be impacted in the various bills being proposed.  We are monitoring these options closely and will keep you informed as we continue to learn more…. Read more »

We are thrilled with Mayor Berkowitz’s appointment of Heather Harris as Anchorage Health Department Director. Heather has been part of the Foraker family in many and varied ways. She worked on staff, graduated from Certificate and Catalyst, teaches for us, and joyfully mentors many emerging nonprofit leaders. She has been dedicated to our success and the success of nonprofits around the state. We know she will be successful in her new and important role at the municipality. We send her all our good wishes. You can read the announcement from the mayor here…. Read more »

Do you think this isn’t your issue? Think again. Every nonprofit mission, every community, every economy relies on an accurate census count. From ensuring voting rights to safe roads, to food security, to public education, to airports, to grocery stores – and for every federal dollar that comes directly and indirectly to your mission – the census matters. There is so much you can do, and now more than ever we need your action. In a recent interview on Alaska Public Media, Gabe Layman of the Alaska Census Working Group explains why. Listen here…. Read more »

We send our congratulations to the Rasmuson family and to the board and staff of Rasmuson Foundation who are celebrating 65 years of service to Alaska. In their annual Letter to Alaskans, Foundation Chairman Ed Rasmuson and President/CEO Diane Kaplan look back at the family’s rich history of “giving back” to Alaska communities. We encourage you to read the letter and learn more about the amazing work the foundation has accomplished over the years. We especially appreciate Rasmuson’s partnership in starting The Foraker Group and for their continued support of our work. Thank you for everything you do to make Alaska better for all of us…. Read more »

In partnership with the Atwood Foundation, we are offering considerable discounts on COVID relief services to Anchorage arts, culture, and humanities organizations. Your organization may be eligible if: -Your mission is focused on arts, culture, or humanities -You are based in Anchorage -You are in need of one of the following services to help you recover and find your way forward from the pandemic: Financial scenario planning Grant writing Adapting fundraising strategies Crisis communication Human resources counseling Strategic restructure/merger Tracking federal relief in accounting systems Review and modification of strategic plan Review and modification of current operational plan If your organization is interested in learning more please fill out this application and send it to Monica Garcia-Itchoak at mitchoak@forakergroup.org…. Read more »

Thanks to the many generous Alaskans who continued to support causes they care about through Pick.Click.Give despite the challenges of COVID-19. This year’s campaign raised $2,934,200 — more than the total from last year, and that’s with a smaller PFD. Once again, our fellow citizens demonstrated how much they care for their neighbors, their communities, and the organizations that provide quality of life here. We are extremely proud of our work with PCG and grateful for the support of more than 25,000 Alaskans who gave through the program…. Read more »

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has announced a grant program for Alaska nonprofits that will be funded with $35 million from the CARES Act. The program is being administered by the Alaska Community Foundation (ACF). You can learn more about the program in this DHSS press release. To review the guidelines to determine if your organization is eligible and to apply, please go to the Coronavirus Nonprofit Relief Fund page on the ACF website. If you need assistance on compliance or help applying, let us know. Send us a note at info@forakergroup.org, or call us at 907-743-1200. We have services that can help you including assistance with grant writing…. Read more »

Foraker President/CEO pointed out to the committee that the current rule that says nonprofits and small businesses cannot access the AK CARES program because they have received assistance through PPP or EIDL is “disastrous.” She continued: “Allowing groups access to AK CARES who get other types of funding like PPP or EIDL or local government funds are critical ingredients to a recipe for fixing what is broken. We strongly encourage changes that support nonprofits to get back on their feet.” Laurie’s full testimony is here…. Read more »