The Foraker Group

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 »

We’re offering a full schedule of classes this month and invite you to consider one that could help you enhance your management skills. Our trainings are designed for nonprofit board members and staff and provide information, insight, and tips you can use in your office the next day. These classes can help you whether you’re new to the nonprofit world or want to brush up on your skills Check out our class calendar to see what’s available that can help you better serve your organization…. Read more »

For those of you who are part of Pick.Click.Give., you will soon be able to better promote your organization to the thousands of Alaskans who are looking to connect with causes they care about. In mid-December, Pick.Click.Give. launches a new website that will allow for expanded organization profiles. You get to help create your profile by sharing information about who you are, what you do, and how PCG donations will make a difference to your mission. We will use this information to market the Pick.Click.Give. program to a broad, statewide audience. But we need your help by providing the following information: A description of your organization (up to 500 characters, including spaces) A story about what you are doing, or will do, with funds received from Pick.Click.Give. (up to 2,500… Read more »

October 31, 2012 – Kodiak Kodiak’s seniors are not too old to celebrate Halloween! Over half the seniors at lunch today were in costume. I came as the scariest character, as an aging Baby Boomer. My generation is so afraid of growing old, but reality is catching up to us. I am learning to embrace my “inner elder.” Today’s smidgen of insight is that as we are witnessing the results of another natural disaster and the dependence we all have on a government and nonprofit response, that we remind elected officials not to dismantle the safety net our nation depends upon. The generations in this picture are the Americans that survived the last economic meltdown. They created these safety nets and are encouraging us Boomers to vote next week and… Read more »