The Foraker Group

Never let a crisis go to waste. Find the opportunity in the chaos. Look for the connections to make things better. Find a new way to see what is happening by joining together. Find our own ground and help others find theirs. These are the things I have been thinking about as we create ways to keep you informed, keep you connected, and keep us moving forward during these incredibly turbulent times. We are leaning all the way in with trusted tools, new data turned to action, lots of communication, and a bunch of tried and true ways to help you feel less isolated. In a few weeks, we present again one of our signature opportunities to draw you together – The Foraker Leadership Summit. This is the largest gathering… Read more »

Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal funding, many organizations are grappling with how to adapt their staffing structures. In this FREE webinar on March 12 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, we will address key employment challenges, with a particular emphasis on effectively managing layoffs and furloughs. We’re here to help you and your organization navigate employment challenges in our current operating environment…. Read more »

One of the highlights of the Summit is connecting with amazing nonprofit and tribal leaders from Utqiaġvik to Ketchikan and everywhere in between. If traveling to Anchorage isn’t in your budget, you can apply for a travel scholarship! Don’t wait—applications close tomorrow, March 7. Apply for travel assistance. … Read more »

After a comprehensive approach using Foraker’s Leadership Transition services, Kodiak History Museum (KHM) has selected Kristin O’Lear as its Executive Director. Ms. O’Lear was chosen from a field of qualified applicants to join KHM in its mission to facilitate the exploration of the natural, cultural, and artistic heritage of Kodiak Island and surrounding communities. She will lead the KHM team in creating opportunities for the public to discover, share, and exchange knowledge through the museum’s collections and resources. Ms. O’Lear brings more than a decade of museum experience and will be joining KHM from Imperial Valley Desert Museum in Ocotillo, CA where she has served as Executive Director since 2021, and head curator before that. During her tenure there Ms. O’Lear successfully led the organization through a period of rapid… Read more »

After a comprehensive process utilizing Foraker’s Leadership Transition services, the Alaska Airmen’s Association (AAA) is proud to announce the appointment of Priscilla Ribic as Executive Director of the organization. Ms. Ribic was chosen from an extensive field of candidates in a nationwide search to join the Airmen’s Association in their mission of protecting, preserving, and promoting general aviation throughout Alaska. Ms. Ribic joins AAA with extensive nonprofit leadership experience, having served as Executive Director for USA Powerlifting, an Anchorage-based national nonprofit. A pilot with a strong passion for general aviation, her experience in development and membership growth will help the Airmen’s Association move forward and continue to expand its reach and influence in the aviation sector. Alaska Airmen’s Association Board President Stephen Ratcliff said, “The board is excited to welcome… Read more »

A funding freeze for any length of time could affect the billions of dollars Alaska receives each year from the federal government. Recent Foraker research in partnership with the UA Center for Economic Development shows our state received $38 billion in federal funds in 2023. This is in addition to funds received between 2022 and 2024 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ($7.6 billion), the Inflation Reduction Act ($2.5 billion), broadband funding ($2.2 billion), and remaining federal pandemic relief funds ($2.5 trillion). Alaska is one of the largest recipients of federal funds per capita, with roughly 37% of the state’s annual budget coming from the federal government. Every Alaskan will feel the impact of retrenchment. To better understand the impact of a freeze, Foraker conducted two surveys of nonprofits… Read more »

We want to remind you that the National Council of Nonprofits regularly updates the status of the executive orders signed by President Trump. You can find those updates here and on our web page in the section Federal Actions — Updates. We also encourage you to check our web page regularly where we post information, resources, and news reports specifically for Alaska nonprofits…. Read more »

Senator Lisa Murkowsi is hosting a tele-town hall on February 19 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm AKST. The number to call is 855-756-7520 Ext 120665# Call in to share your concerns about federal funding with the Senator…. Read more »

Today, we celebrate Elizabeth Peratrovich, a Tlingit woman who played a pivotal role in the fight for Alaska Native civil rights. Her advocacy helped pass Alaska’s first anti-discrimination law, which became the first of its kind in the United States. In honor of Elizabeth Peratrovich and President’s Day, Foraker will be closed on Monday, February 17. Artwork by Crystal Worl… Read more »

As Congress begins work on tax and spending priorities, much is at stake for charitable nonprofits. Lawmakers will decide policy questions that can have a profound impact – positive or negative – on the ability of local organizations to improve lives, strengthen communities, and advance the public good. Sign onto the Nonprofit Community Letter to ensure Representatives and Senators understand the importance and impact of charitable organizations to their constituents and communities. Go here to add your organization’s name to this vital communication…. Read more »