The Foraker Group

The Science of Philanthropy Initiative will hold its second annual conference next week, Nov. 7 and 8, in Chicago. The meeting will feature the results of research addressing social preferences and charitable giving. The conference will be webcast live from the University of Chicago. If you are interested in joining any part of the webcast, which is free, just go to the conference website at the time of the event you wish to view. You can see a schedule of presentations at that same link. The online webcast will be hosted using Adobe Connect software through your web browser. If you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting before, please test your connection here. Can’t attend the live webcast? Conference sponsors will post the videos and slides from the talks… Read more »

Hello, nonprofit narrative leaders! It was, once again, an absolute delight to work with you in Anchorage last week. I hope that since the workshop, you were able to recognize and share stories with a newfound enthusiasm (not to mention skills). Have you asked, “Tell me about a time-?” Please click here if you would like a one-page sheet reviewing How to Find, Develop, and Share Stories. And don’t forget your homework! You had two assignments: 1. Try to share the story you shared at the workshop, of a time that you saw the impact of your work, in 90 seconds, and then in 60 seconds. Strip it down to its bones. What is necessary? What can be left out? What do you learn by this exercise? 2. Share a… Read more »

Periodically I review the Letters from the CEO archive to make sure that I don’t repeat myself (too much), and to monitor how many months in a row I’ve written one of these articles. We have published the newsletter since 2004 and it became a monthly service in 2006. In July we marked the 100th publication! In our October newsletter, I shared my thoughts on what it’s been like to develop these monthly messages. I hope you have found them helpful and that you’ll share your thoughts with me. Click here for the article. –Dennis… Read more »

Several years ago nonprofit associations in the 5-state northwest region – Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington – came together to learn from each other how to better serve you and your organization. We have shared the various strategies we use in each of our states to assist individual nonprofits, along with the sector as a whole, to thrive. We feel our work has been enlightening about the services that are important to your organization. Thank you to those of you who participated in a survey for this project in the past. We’re asking you once again to share your thoughts with us. Your answers to our new survey will give us additional valuable information about the “state of the sector” throughout the Northwest. We are committed to using this… Read more »

Those of you who attended the Foraker Leadership Summit last year know that Thaler Pekar’s workshop was extremely popular. It was high quality, compelling, and packed with useful tips and techniques. For those who weren’t at the summit, this is your chance to participate in an exciting day of learning with one of the country’s experts in story telling. On October 23, Thaler will present new perspectives and material that will further enhance your skills in sharing the stories of your organization’s good work. Thaler’s workshop will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Anchorage Marriott Downtown Hotel. There will be a break for lunch on your own. Click here for more information and to register…. Read more »

Our friends at the Association of Fundraising Professionals remind us that for 50 years now their members have honored and lived by a code of ethical principles and standards — and we believe it is an excellent one. In fact, the AFP code is part of our fundraising training at Foraker. For those of you involved in fundraising, in fact this is good for everyone, please review the standards AFP believes are essential for ethical behavior…. Read more »

You can manage much of the information on your organization on line. Use your Partner log-in to update your board list (so each board member receives the monthly newsletter and other important information), review your Partner Assessment Survey, and assure that contact information is correct. If you have questions, contact Andrew Cutting at 907-743-1221, or via email at acutting@forakergroup.org…. Read more »

Several years ago five state nonprofit associations in the northwest region – Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington – came together to learn from each other how we could better serve you and your organization. We have shared the various strategies we use in each of our states to assist individual nonprofits, along with the sector as a whole, to thrive. We feel our work has been enlightening and has better prepared us to offer services that are important to your organization. Our next step is to learn from you. Later this month we will launch a survey that will give us valuable information about the “state of the sector” in each of our states and throughout the Northwest. Watch for the announcement on the Foraker blog and please plan… Read more »

The American Gives More Act is an important piece of legislation to support the nonprofit sector. It extends three charitable giving incentives that have expired and provides taxpayers an extended period to claim charitable deductions. The Council supports the legislation and provides information for your use on its website – just click here. Foraker has joined with Philanthropy Northwest in sending supporting letters to Senators Murkowski and Begich. Please make your voices heard on this important issue. If you’d like more information, call the Foraker office at 907-743-1200…. Read more »

Planning has begun for the 4th Foraker Leadership Summit. The summit will be held Monday-Tuesday, April 20-21, 2015, at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. Past summits have addressed generational changes in leadership, managing crisis, wellness of the sector, communities and leaders, and story sharing. We are fortunate that sponsor support allows us to bring in the top people in their fields to present cutting-edge concepts and guide us in a variety of learning activities. Our events are also noted for the time we set aside for networking, which participants tell us is extremely important to them. All this will be part of the 2015 summit. Set aside the date today and watch for more information in this newsletter and on our blog…. Read more »