The Foraker Group

For sure, predicting the future is a risky business. Still, during the past year I wrote a number of articles to predict what could be on the horizon. Only time will tell if the trends we suggest – like the funding crisis, crash of the herd, or structural changes – are real or not. Or if the hopeful visions about the impact of technology or the new insights into human behavior described in last month’s newsletter actually revolutionize how we solve problems. But today I will be more concrete and provide a more predictable future for 2013. Unlike our prior “guesses,” you should be able to bank on these. Click here to read more…. Read more »

We have received many requests from our Partners and the community to learn more about Foraker services, our sustainability model, and issues related to starting a new nonprofit. With that in mind, we will launch three new classes after the first of the year. Each is one hour and free to the public. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities and pass along this information to others who may be interested. Check the descriptions below and click on our class calendar for information on date and time, and to register. Foraker Partnership: What it can mean for your organization Becoming a Partner in The Foraker Group brings your organization much more than discounts on our classes and services — although those are certainly an important benefit. In this… Read more »

To help organizations participating in the 2013 Pick.Click.Give. campaign, we’re offering a series of training sessions designed to enhance their involvement. The next communications class will focus on strategies for media and public relations. Kathy Day of KD/PR Virtual will be available via webinar to share tips and answer questions. The session will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 19, at 3:30 pm. Click here to register. There is no charge for this class for PCG participants…. Read more »

One of the first, and probably most popular programs we offer is the Foraker Certificate in Nonprofit Management. The certificate, which carries Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is designed for nonprofit leaders who want to learn how to better manage their organizations. An added benefit is becoming part of a growing, statewide network of more than 240 certificate grads who support one another and share their experiences and perspectives on their work. On November 30, participants in the 13th cohort finished their classes and gathered for a graduation photo. Members of the class included Angela Rush, Bradley Brisson, Cathy McCarthy, Charlie Loeb, Cynthia Lind, David Mitchell, Diane Maples, Jeff Baird, Jessica Speed, Kelvin Lee, Kim Champney, Kristine Campbell, Lynette Ortolano, Nastasia Levi, Rachel Greenberg, Rachel… Read more »

I recently returned from the Independent Sector’s annual conference. The message Foraker has communicated about the eventual changes to expect in our sector was reinforced by many of the presenters at the conference. All agree that this is not a time for complacency. The old notion, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” will inevitably be the downfall of all that adhere to keeping things the way they were. The world we live in is forever changed. For some this is a somber, even pessimistic message. For others it’s a message of hope. What I learned at the conference may provide a clearer understanding of why these changes are not to be feared. Actually, many are exciting. As we describe in the Foraker Nonprofit Sustainability Model©, nonprofits must stay true… Read more »

The Pre-Development Program has just completed its first performing arts project and learned a lot about theater—and construction costs in the Valley—in the process. Valley Performing Arts has been presenting live theatre in the Mat-Su Valley for over 37 years. Performances were first held in the log Colony Church at the state fairgrounds and the audience was limited to 64. In 1996, VPA moved that converted pole barn and connected it to an auto repair shop in Wasilla, thus increasing the number of patrons who could attend each performance to 172. But the need for an even larger venue was documented by routinely sold-out performances and the growing number of season ticket holders. Support space for the performers and productions was also inadequate. Pre-D’s first task was to establish the… Read more »

This past summer a number of Foraker Partners participated in focus groups, which we conduct periodically. Along with our Partner surveys and one-on-one conversations, they help us gain a better understanding of ways we can better serve you and the sector. We appreciate the time people took to join a focus group and for the candid discussions they had with us and other Foraker Partners. We promised to share the results after they were reviewed by the Foraker boards, staff, and participants. Click here to read the report on our findings…. Read more »

It has come to our attention that The Foraker Group is advocating nonprofit mergers (after all, Alaska is like a small town and people talk). We understand how people may have that impression. We have been saying that the nonprofit sector in Alaska and around the country may not be sustainable in its current form. Many nonprofit leaders have predicted an inevitable shift in how our sector does business. And today, there are many indicators that change has begun. Read more here…. Read more »

I feel the need to respond to a Compass piece in this morning’s Anchorage Daily News in which the writer expressed concern about what she considers little benefit for funds invested. I’m not sure what organizations the writer worked in, but having worked with more nonprofits than maybe anyone in Alaska I have had a much different experience. Most nonprofits are very focused and squeeze more from every dime they receive than many for-profit corporations or government agencies. In addition, the people who work in the sector often deal with people, or clients, with “drama” in their lives. But nonprofit employees by far are generous and caring for their community and their coworkers. I will not deny the writer’s perceptions because they must be real to her, but maybe she… Read more »

Perhaps the most requested subject for our training sessions for Pick.Click.Give. is how to use social media. This year we’re bringing you two sessions from a nationally known expert in the field. On Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 3:00, Holly Minch from LightBox Collaborative in San Francisco will join our webinar series with an introductory course on using tools like Facebook and Twitter in the upcoming PCG campaign. She’ll return on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 11:30 with an advanced class that digs more deeply into using social media strategies. LightBox Collaborative specializes in the work of nonprofits and is known for its imaginative thinking and its approaches to creating social change. Our presenter, Holly Minch, has received numerous awards for her work with nonprofits. We urge you to take advantage of… Read more »