The Foraker Group

We congratulate President Biden and Vice President Harris on their inauguration today. They and our own Alaska federal delegation deserve our heartfelt thanks for their commitment to public service, especially during these difficult times. The nation’s agenda is challenging as we address the COVID crisis, the political division, and an economy that is increasingly leaving people and families behind.

This is a day to honor the strength of our democracy and a day to look ahead and to look inward at what we as individuals and as a sector must do to advance equity and justice in our organizations, our communities, and our state.

As members of Alaska’s nonprofit sector, we are committed to public service.  We welcome all Alaskans to join us. Look for places where you can serve. Check on your neighbors to be sure they’re doing alright. Give a little extra to the organizations you support and use your voice with this new administration and with our delegation to stand for your mission. And most of all, know that your work is essential to our democracy and we salute you.

We are proud that our efforts to promote gender pay equity are highlighted in a story in The Chronicle of Philanthropy. The article, “Why Women Don’t Get Ahead at Nonprofits”, is a stark reminder of the importance of engaging in practices that support pay equity. Is your organization ready to take action?

Here are eight proven practices that promote an equitable pay environment.

Note: To view the full article in the Chronicle, you will need to create a free account.

In commemoration of Dr. King’s lifelong commitment to civil society and equity, may we each take time to lean into our role of making our country a safer and more equitable place for everyone. Dr. King reminded us that true democracy requires full participation – each of us doing our part to stand for equity and justice. The Foraker office will be closed on Monday as we reflect and commit again to our own role in creating and sustaining just and welcoming nonprofits that serve our communities.

If you missed the National Council of Nonprofits webinar What’s in the New COVID Relief Law for Nonprofits? You can find a recording of the presentation, the slides, and additional resources on their website. As several of the presenters mentioned, Congress is debating additional COVID relief and federal agencies and departments – particularly the Small Business Administration and Treasury Department – are in the process of answering questions and implementing the law enacted at the end of 2020. You can help the nonprofit advocacy efforts to secure additional legislative solutions and helpful guidance by completing the brief form: Let us know how COVID-19 is affecting your nonprofit.

For those organizations that did not apply for COVID relief through the first round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a second round begins today.

Key provisions include:

• Borrowers can set the covered period of their PPP loan to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their needs
• Loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures
• Eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations
• Greater flexibility is provided for seasonal employees
• Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their first draw PPP loan amount
• Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a second draw PPP Loan.

A borrower is generally eligible for a second draw PPP loan if the borrower:

• Previously received a first draw loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses
• Has no more than 300 employees
• Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

More information is available from the SBA:

• Top-line Overview of First Draw PPP
• Top-line Overview of Second Draw PPP

National Council of Nonprofits Nonprofit Town Hall – Wednesday, January 13

This webinar will provide additional information on the new law. Learn about provisions that will expire in just a few weeks and others that will last only a few months. Find out, too, which provisions will help your nonprofit, and what you need to do to take advantage of them. The webinar is free. Register here.

Stay tuned for an announcement for a Foraker webinar covering Alaska-based PPP information for nonprofits. As always, contact us if you have questions.