The Foraker Group

Governor Dunleavy joined the director of the U.S. Census Bureau, Steven Dillingham, at the Alaska Native Heritage Center Friday morning to kick off the 2020 Census. Congratulations to everyone who has been working extremely hard to let Alaskans know about the census. Alaska Counts, a project developed by the Alaska Census Working Group, has put together a comprehensive and exciting campaign that stresses to Alaskans the importance to the state’s future of participating in the census count. We encourage you to visit their website to learn more about the census and how you can work in your community to encourage participation. You can also see some of the media coverage of the kick-off here and here. Foraker is proud to be the convener of the Alaska Census Working Group. We… Read more »

2020 – the year of perfect vision – the year of hindsight and insight. I could use all of that, couldn’t you? What isn’t there to love about more understanding and an opportunity to learn? I am a true believer in the learning organization, where mistakes are information – where we get to try and risk and try again – where we can get it wrong and figure out a better way. There are few guidebooks worth their weight that can tell us exactly how to be and act and do our work. In fact, much of the attraction of our work is that it brings together people who are willing to break the mold and try new things in order to get a better result for their communities. I… Read more »

Foraker is offering a Fund Development Planning cohort in Fairbanks in March and April 2020. This is a cost-effective way for your organization to put a fund development plan into place with a group of peers and experts on hand. Over a two-month period, you will: Craft a gift chart that is real for your organization Learn how to launch or strengthen your board’s fund development committee Develop your organization’s philosophy of philanthropy Write fund development goals and objectives that are realistic for the next 1-3 years Practice donor recognition Acquire tactical tools to implement your plan in the immediate future Share your experience alongside a network of peers Applications are due January 7, 2020. The cohort launches on March 2. See the full schedule here. Why join the Fund… Read more »

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 Friday, January 10. Want to know more? Hear from a few of our Catalyst alumni here and here about insights they gained and lessons they learned in the program…. Read more »

A bi-partisan resolution on the 2020 Census that was introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) has passed the Senate and is on its way to the U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted. “Census data is essential for the government to make informed decisions about the future of its people and ensure that all Americans have equal representation. I’m proud of the Senate passage of our bipartisan resolution that recognizes the importance and the significance of the 2020 Census and ensures it is quick, concise, and easy to complete,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m glad to shine a spotlight on our efforts to ensure an… Read more »

Move your organization’s mission forward by creating and maintaining a thriving board. In this series we’ll explore the key concepts that will help your board to focus on strategic decisions and visionary leadership. Whether you are a well-seasoned or first-time board member, these classes are for you. The webinar series will include four courses to bring clarity and energy to your board service. The courses will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30 – 7:30 pm online. Board Roles & Responsibilities (January 7): Gain a fuller understanding of your role as a board member High Performing Boards (January 14): Use committees more effectively and solidify your recruitment and retention process Effective Board Leadership (January 21): Fine tune the board/staff relationship and get tools to guide decision making Effective Board Meetings (January 28): Focus your meetings on discussion, decisions,… Read more »

Since opening our doors almost 20 years ago, Foraker has worked hard to keep the fees for our services as low as possible. As a nonprofit ourselves, we understand the need to operate efficiently, within the budget we set each year. A significant and growing expense for us is the fee we must pay for every credit card transaction. These fees run into many thousands of dollars each year. To help meet this expense, beginning January 1 we will institute a 3% service charge for all credit card transactions, including payments for classes, annual Partner dues, and consulting services. We appreciate your understanding as we institute this policy…. Read more »

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 »