The Foraker Group

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 »

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 »