The Foraker Group

I think of my grandfather when I say, “I remember when-.” Well- I remember, I think it was in 1996, when Diane Kaplan dreamed one of her big dreams and promoted that vision to Ed Rasmuson. She proposed that one way to invest their (then) limited funding to leverage more dollars for Alaska projects would be to invite leaders of the most significant institutional funders, both foundations and corporations, to Alaska where they could learn about our unique challenges and opportunities. She assumed that the Rasmuson Foundation would have much more potential for impact in cooperation with these enlightened funding partners. At that time the Rasmuson Foundation’s payout was approximately $300,000 – not even close to the $20 million the foundation gave out last year. Elmer Rasmuson also supported the… Read more »

An organization’s core purpose is described simply and succinctly, in just a few words. If you are a soup kitchen, your core purpose may be to feed the hungry. Core purpose does not try to differentiate your organization from others. In fact, many nonprofits have the same core purpose, but differ in their core values and activities. Core values clarify purpose and make each organization unique. Using the soup kitchen example, the core values could be compassion, respect, and dignity. An organization’s core values usually revolve around what drove the founder to create the nonprofit in the first place. They go beyond organizational aspirations. A value is considered “core” when it remains true through the years and motivates the entire organization. To use a bowling reference, if one envisions the… Read more »

Oct. 1, 2013, is the deadline for applications to Rasmuson Foundation’s Sabbatical Program. Now entering its tenth year, the program offers an opportunity for nonprofit and tribal executives to take sabbaticals of two to six months. Research shows that when nonprofit leaders engage in well-planned sabbaticals, the results can transcend the individual to reach the organization itself. An extended leave can lead to new perspectives for the leader, the board and staff, and often energizes organizational innovation. Learn more here and watch a short video highlighting some past sabbatical recipients…. Read more »

Focus is maintained through good strategic planning and ongoing evaluation. Good planning and evaluation start with a written plan developed through a thoughtful planning process that involves the entire board and key staff. This written plan then becomes a tool to ensure that the organization knows why it was founded and where it is going. A written plan moves the organization in a unified direction and is firmly rooted in focus. Research supports the notion that strategic planning is one of the most important jobs for an organization’s board of directors. A strategic plan not only helps board members articulate a clear understanding of their organization’s purpose and values, it describes where the organization is headed. We have found that helping nonprofit boards develop a strategic plan has become the… Read more »

Focus can be measured by establishing that an organization is grounded in its purpose and values. Such grounding is accomplished by showing that every major action or decision directly links to purpose, values, and direction. A nonprofit’s key leaders should be able to articulate the answers to two critical questions – Who are we? and Where are we going? To answer these questions, one must be honest about behavior. Some organizations go so far as to indicate which values an action connects to, or how an action links back to the core purpose. With clear focus, an organization can measure its efforts against its strategic direction and hold itself accountable. The result is better communication with the community, an increased ability to raise money, and a greater opportunity to attract… Read more »

People who took part in the first two Catalyst cohorts say it made a huge positive change in their perspective on work, their approach to leadership, and literally in their lives. There’s still time for you to apply for this unique, dynamic program and experience your own personal renewal. Our deadline has been extended to Monday, August 26. Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence is not your typical training or workshop. It’s not your typical anything. Instead Catalyst is a rare opportunity for nonprofit leaders to focus on themselves while getting the support they need from a cohort of peers. We’ve partnered with Context International to bring this program to Alaska. Whether you are on top of your game or looking to take your skills and knowledge to the next level, you… Read more »

Last week I talked about “focus” being the most important factor in achieving sustainability in your organization. Although focus is critical, the other three sustainability principles must also be in place to have a well-functioning organization. Having the right people – represented by the board and staff working in balance – will always be a factor in the sustainability of an organization, although the skills required for the people themselves may change as the environment changes. Partnerships are essential for a sustainable organization, but partners will change as circumstances change. Unrestricted funds are always needed, but the sources of that support will change as the funding landscape evolves. Organizations that use the lenses – focus, right people, partnerships and unrestricted funds – as a way to view their actions become… Read more »

For an organization to begin its sustainability journey, it must consider how different aspects of sustainability are interrelated. An organization may have the right people, partnerships, and even adequate unrestricted funds, but without focus, it may not have what it needs to keep it on track. Focus is the most important factor – it is an organization’s foundation. An organization’s founding purpose and values are part of its focus. In a sustainable nonprofit, purpose and values don’t change. The focus reflects the passion of the founders, defining what they intended to accomplish and why. Focus serves as the anchor for everything an organization does. It helps provide the answer to the fundamental question: Who are we? The other part of focus is flexibility – it helps an organization stay relevant…. Read more »

Not your typical training or workshop. Not your typical anything. The Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence is a rare opportunity for nonprofit leaders to focus on themselves while getting the support they need from a cohort of peers. The third cohort of the Catalyst program is offered in partnership with Context International. Whether you are on top of your game or looking to take your skills and knowledge to the next level, you will measurably enhance your results and your experience of life when you participate in this program. Catalyst is open to senior leaders, funding officers, and board members with a commitment to the nonprofit sector. The deadline for applications is August 12, 2013. You can learn more here. Still have questions, call our office and talk with Laurie or… Read more »

The term “nonprofit sustainability” has been a buzzword in the sector for a couple of decades. However, many public and private investors ask potential grantees to demonstrate their sustainability. For many nonprofits, the definition of sustainability is that “We have enough money to get through this budget cycle, and we many have a little reserve in the bank for an emergency.” But sustainability is much more than management and having some money in the bank. Here are some of the organizational behaviors than nonprofits can adopt to be truly sustainable. Knowing who you are and where you are going so you can adapt and change services Seeking and nurturing strategic partnerships to maximize your overall impact Establishing an organizational culture that allows for securing and maintaining the right board and… Read more »