The Foraker Group

  For the next few weeks Foraker will be highlighting Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence graduates – nonprofit leaders from around the state who are working together to strengthen our communities. These are their “Catalyst” stories. For more information about the program click here – the deadline to apply is July 15.   Cameron Wohlford – Fairbanks, AK Senior Project Manager, UAF Facilities Services For most of my adult life, I have been in service to my community, to the University of Alaska, and, of course, to my family. At the University my mentor Pat Pitney saw more potential than I was demonstrating. Perhaps my focus was too wide – being a father of three, the chief and CEO of a local fire department, and a full-time employee at UAF. When Pat… Read more »

There are productive conversations occurring in our state and our sector about the economy and its impact on organizations – and there are other conversations that aren’t so productive. I have been pleased with the approach of many of our nonprofit leaders to their budgets and to figuring out ways to find stability and resiliency in the face of uncertainty. I have seen new thinking, creative ideas, and a recommitment to the best practices of our work in building operating reserves, focusing on unrestricted cash, and diversifying revenue. Unfortunately, while many in our sector are setting a great example, there are still too many conversations about how our sector is wasteful and not accountable or transparent enough in the way we spend our resources. I hear and read most of… Read more »

For the next six weeks Foraker will be highlighting Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence graduates – nonprofit leaders from around the state who are working together to strengthen our communities. These are their “Catalyst” stories. For more information about the program click here – the deadline to apply is July 15. The first story is from a nonprofit leader who hails from Nome: Mary David – Nome, AK Executive Vice President, Kawerak, Inc. As I near 50, it’s important for me to think about the legacy that I’d like to leave behind. What has been instilled in me is to think about the generations to come and the importance of protecting our environment so that we can enjoy it long into the future. Taking Catalyst – I was reminded of the vision I… Read more »

As has been expected, the U.S. Department of Labor issued its Overtime Final Rule yesterday. This new rule will go into effect on December 1, 2016, and will become part of DOL regulations. It will have an impact on many Alaska nonprofits. The National Council of Nonprofits, a Foraker national partner, has just launched a new page on its website that includes all the latest information on the rule and how it will apply to the nonprofit sector. We encourage you to click here and review the National Council’s summary. It should help you better understand how the rule could affect you. The National Council will update the page whenever new information becomes available, so we encourage you to check it frequently. Please note the section on Does this Regulation… Read more »

Foraker is experiencing technical difficulties.  Our phone lines are down – if you need immediate assistance please call Andrew at (907) 440-8519. Foraker staff  are still available via email, for general inquiries you may email info@forakergroup.org. We expect to have the issue fixed by Monday, May 16.    … Read more »

Our friend Kit Gillem, Program Director for the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, is retiring this spring. Over the years Kit  has elevated the work we do at Foraker in many ways. His thoughtfulness, critical eye, and big picture thinking has changed the way many organizations across the state do their work – and we’re all better for it. We thank you, Kit, for your friendship over the years…. Read more »

Nonprofits in Alaska and across the country will soon be dealing with changes to federal rules governing employment and contracting practices that have the potential to affect their costs and operations – especially those with grants or contracts to provide services on behalf of any government. This information from the National Council of Nonprofits gives you the details about two federal regulatory issues and asks for your perspectives through a confidential survey that will develop data to support better policies and solutions. Review the information, then click on the Survey Link to participate. WHAT’S IN PLAY? Overtime: As we highlighted in our May newsletter, the S. Department of Labor is expected to announce soon new overtime regulations that will require most employers, including nonprofits, to pay overtime to all employees… Read more »

In our sustainability model one of the questions we encourage board and staff to ask is: “Who are the top five existing or potential partners who can help make our mission work?” I have enjoyed hearing the answers from board and staff because they vary greatly between the two and because the insights often inspire relationships to be created or strengthened. But there are two new questions we also need to be asking: “who are the top five existing or potential partners that can help make our community stronger? And what is our role in that work? Our premise has always been that you can’t achieve mission by yourself, but thinking only about mission is getting us stuck. We also have to focus on the greater cause so we think outside… Read more »

In an effort to increase individual philanthropy in the Alaska, Foraker is pleased to be a part of the planning of Wills Week offered and facilitated by The Alaska Chapter of The Association of Fundraising Professionals.  Wills Week (May 9 -13) is designed to increase the number of Alaskans who have wills and provide nonprofit professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to help people make charitable investments. Details and registration for individuals who want more information on wills and training opportunities for nonprofit professionals is at www.alaskawillsweek.org… Read more »

Last month I talked about CEOs who were considering imminent, or not too distant, departures from their jobs. This month I want to focus on those who are staying and need to remain grounded during these uncertain times. While many of our organizations have not yet felt the economic punch that is coming, most of us have experienced some level of anxiety about our overall ability to serve our communities in this economy. Not only is this to be expected, I would honestly be a little worried if all of you weren’t seriously considering the changes in our landscape that will affect us for the foreseeable future. I applaud those of you who have become involved and used your voice. This is the time to speak up for the good… Read more »