The Foraker Group

Giving USA’s annual report on philanthropy is a publication on the sources and uses of charitable giving in the United States. The report finds that philanthropy in America has experienced one of the most significant jumps in recent history, at an estimated 7.1 percent. To view the report highlights, click here. To purchase the full report, visit the Giving USA website.    … Read more »

Few nonprofit organizations in Alaska have the resources to employ enough people to meet all their management needs. The Foraker Group’s shared services can fill those gaps. We are now accepting new clients for financial management. If you are in need of accounting assistance, contact Raju Shankar, Foraker’s CFO, at 907-743-1247 to set up an appointment…. Read more »

Jeff Jesse, the CEO of the Alaska Mental Health Trust and a Foraker board member reminds us, “How can I miss you if you never leave?” It is official, my last day as the CEO of The Foraker Group is June 30. In recent newsletters, I expressed an opinion that some Baby Boomers hold onto their positions too long because their job defines their identity. That in itself is not a problem for the institution but it could impact judgment about the best time to leave. But for certain, anyone whose life is their job probably needs to pay more attention to work-life balance. And leaders who believe their presence is required for the organization’s success are both delusional and ineffective. The most important job of the exec is developing the… Read more »

Rasmuson Foundation has put forth a plan for our state’s fiscal future — one of the most important issues we face right now. We urge you to read the plan here, then join in the conversation. As we have been saying for some time, nonprofits play a significant role in our state’s economy. Learn about the issues we face and let your voice be heard. Stay tuned for more opportunities supported by Foraker and others to continue the discussion…. Read more »

The Foraker Group offers two distinct educational programs for nonprofit professionals. Take the opportunity to enhance your leadership skills by applying for one of the programs today. The application deadline has been extended to June 29. One of Foraker’s signature educational programs is the Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence. Catalyst is a unique, dynamic program where you experience your own personal renewal and can take advantage of a rare opportunity to focus on yourself while getting the support you need from a cohort of peers. Catalyst is open to nonprofit leaders in senior roles, funding officers, and board members with a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector. Limited tuition and travel scholarships are available to Foraker Partners.  Learn more about the program here. The Foraker Certificate in Nonprofit Management is held in partnership with… Read more »

Recently the National Council of Nonprofits outlined changes that the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued regarding nonprofit’s indirect costs. We strongly encourage organizations who receive federal funding to study the new grant policies and procedures. OMB’s Uniform Guidance will benefit nonprofits and foundations by making overhead or administrative costs reimbursable. To learn more about the implications for your organization, read more here. Foraker is partnering with the Council to host a statewide training on the new policies. Join us on Thursday, June 4th from 10:00 – 11:00 AM for a webinar with OMB experts David Thompson and Beth Bowsky. Learn more about the training here.    … Read more »

Alaska’s Congressional Delegation announced it will hold the 2015 Federal Grants Symposium at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and visit with representatives from federal agencies offering grants and loans. Additionally, there will be training seminars highlighting information about federal grant and loan processes, along with tips to take advantage of potential funding opportunities. Foraker’s incoming CEO, Laurie Wolf, will be presenting on The Foraker Nonprofit Sustainability Model. Program Schedule 9:00am – 9:30am – Registration 9:30am – 9:45am – Video Remarks by Alaska Congressional Delegation 9:45am – 10:45am – Presentation by Foraker Group 11:00am – 12:00pm – Panel moderated by Rasmuson Foundation 12:00pm – 12:20pm – Presentation by Alaska Community Foundation 12:30 –… Read more »

The fourth leadership summit is history. Like past summits we had a sell-out crowd, feedback was overwhelmingly positive, everyone stayed to the end, and the conversations begun at the summit continue to echo throughout the state. However, unlike past summits, feedback from this summit requires more analysis to understand the diverse and contradictory responses from participants. Richard Evans, CEO of EmcArts, which is a partner with Foraker and Rasmuson Foundation in the New Pathways program, received overwhelming positive mention. The speaker who received the most diverse feedback was Margaret Wheatley, the internationally renowned speaker and author who literally wrote the “book” on organizational management in the age of complexity. Over half of respondents loved her presentation while the rest were disturbed by parts of the same message – few were… Read more »

The slide presentations from the 2015 Leadership Summit are now available. Please click here to find the slides and handouts from all our speakers…. Read more »

The Foraker Group announced today that Laurie Wolf has been named the organization’s new President/CEO. Wolf will replace Dennis McMillian who is stepping down from the position. Wolf will take over leadership of Foraker on July 1, 2015. In making the announcement, Foraker Governance Board Chair Elizabeth Ripley called Wolf “a competent, accomplished, and thoughtful leader. We are extremely pleased she will lead Foraker in the coming years. The board looks forward to working with her.” McMillian announced his planned departure as President/CEO in January. The Foraker Governance Board conducted a national search for his replacement. Wolf joined Foraker in 2001, shortly after it was founded. She has served as Director of Programs, and most recently as Vice President and COO. Wolf holds a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle… Read more »