The Foraker Group

By now, I hope you have seen the new page on our website, where we are tracking the impacts of federal funding so that you can have a one-stop trusted source of information. There you will find the latest federal and Alaska updates, resources, and a link to our partner, the National Council of Nonprofits. NCN is tracking executive orders and their impact on the nonprofit sector and is also the lead plaintiff in one of the lawsuits stopping the freeze of federal funds to nonprofits, tribes, and local governments. We are grateful, too, to be part of a network of state nonprofit associations that is looking out for the sector in their states and generously sharing their tools for helping nonprofits understand and manage our current operating environment. It… Read more »

After the administration’s announcement on January 27 of a federal funding freeze, Foraker sought to quickly understand the potential impact in Alaska. The results present a quick snapshot of a catastrophic impact on the health and well-being of Alaskans and the organizations that serve them. You’ll find a summary of the results here, followed by questions your organization should consider to prepare for what may come next…. Read more »

The judge presiding over the National Council of Nonprofits case granted another Temporary Restraining Order against the administration’s ability to halt federal grants and loans – you can find the ruling here and the press release here. In summary, The DOJ’s motion to dismiss was DENIED. OMB is ENJOINED from implementing, giving effect to, or reinstating under a different name the directive to halt federal spending broadly. OMB must provide notice to all federal agencies and instruct all such agencies to release any funding that was paused under the directive…. Read more »

The last couple weeks have been a whirlwind for many nonprofits, from the more than 100 Executive Orders (EOs) issued by President Trump to the confusion about the funding freeze ordered in a memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). While a judge granted an Administrative Stay in the case filed by the National Council of Nonprofits and others, and OMB rescinded the memo, the EOs are still in effect, and charitable nonprofits with federal grants are still feeling the impact of these decisions. Join this free, national webinar, “Executive Actions and their Impact on Charitable Nonprofits,” on Friday, February 7 from 11:00 – 12:00 pm Alaska to learn more about EOs, the ones most directly or indirectly impacting charitable nonprofits, and the latest on the legal challenges…. Read more »

The Trump Administration has promised many changes to the federal government, the first of which has been dozens of executive orders covering a wide range of issues that include nonprofits and tribes in their scope. The implications of the executive orders vary greatly, from immediately taking effect to being challenged in court. Staying abreast of executive orders, directives, new laws, and their related actions is crucial for ensuring you are aware of potential hurdles to your work. That’s why we’ve created a new web page to share up-to-date information and resources. Check it out here. … Read more »

The Office of Management and Budget memo outlining a freeze in funding for federal grants and loans is rescinded, but the administration still plans a full review of funding. This is a positive step for nonprofits, municipalities, the state, and tribes that face severe impacts from the federal funding cuts that were outlined in the original OMB memo. The rescission was issued today in large part because of the swift advocacy and efforts of the National Council of Nonprofits, and people in Alaska and across the nation. While this is good news that eases immediate concerns, it’s likely to be temporary. The administration is still committed to funding cuts, which will have significant consequences for Alaska. Thank you to the more than 150 organizations that took our initial survey asking about the impact funding… Read more »

Protecting the work of nonprofits around the country, and especially here in Alaska, is an important part of our work. In that effort, we work closely with our trusted partner, the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN), which tracks federal policy that impacts charitable nonprofits. You likely have many questions regarding the Executive Orders (EOs) already issued by the new administration and those to come. The NCN team is tracking the EOs and their potential impact on nonprofits and sharing their insights in daily information updates. We encourage you to bookmark this page and check it often and to join us on our Advocacy in Action calls for nonpartisan conversations about the issues facing nonprofits. When we feel there is an imminent threat to the sector, we will let you know and suggest… Read more »

Closing out an old year and entering a new one is that moment when so many of us take stock of what has just passed and what is yet to come. Looking back at 2024 from Foraker’s perspective, I remember it as a year of big projects, big internal shifts, and many expected and unexpected changes. Some of our projects were planned and some not, and per our usual, we ebbed and flowed with each other and made it work. Does this sound like your workplace? I found that time and again, groups we engaged with in 2024 were experiencing a high degree of change similar to what happened during the pandemic but also very different in that the changes were coming more from inside and not as much from outside… Read more »

Over the last few months, we’ve shared information about the new Federal Minimum Salary Changes for Alaska Employers that was set to take effect on January 1, 2025. However, on November 15, 2024, a federal judge in Texas struck down the U.S. Labor Department’s overtime rule. The decision applies to the higher salary level test that went into effect on July 1 and also blocks the next change set for January 1, 2025. The district judge also invalidated the automatic increases scheduled for every three years. Based on this decision, the Alaska salary threshold for exempt-level positions remains at $48,796.80 per year, or $938.40 per week. We will keep you updated and share additional information as it becomes available…. Read more »

This holiday season we are celebrating with the gift of turning data into action. There is a data point for almost every wish on your holiday list but there is always an elusive – if not magical – data point that is just out of reach. Of course, no holiday gift is worth it unless you can use it again and again, right? So, the good news is this data has a nice shelf life and should carry you through your strategic planning, the Halls of Congress, and our state Capitol for a long time. We hope you use these truths to raise your voice and sing a joyous song about the essential work taking place (often in the background of the tinsel and sparkly light kind of things you… Read more »