The Foraker Group

Dennis McMillian, Foraker’s president and CEO, has been traveling around the state presenting the results of a study conducted in 2007 and updated in 2010 by the University of Alaska’s Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) on the economic impact of the nonprofit sector in Alaska. During his presentation in Juneau, the Juneau Empire did not adequately source the material McMillian was quoting. That story was also picked up by the Anchorage Daily News. Alaskans who read those stories may be asking themselves where McMillian got the information. The executive summary from the ISER study is posted on Foraker’s website and provides that information. Some of McMillian’s quotes were taken out of context. He was asked why Alaskans did not give more money to nonprofits and he suggested that… Read more »

On August 19, Denali area nonprofits will come together to discuss the challenges of operating nonprofit and volunteer-led organizations. This session will be facilitated by Dennis McMillian, President and CEO of The Foraker Group. The session will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Murie Science and Learning Center. Dennis is an excellent resource and his organization specializes in helping nonprofits succeed and operate efficiently and safely in Alaska. Mayor Talerico has agreed to attend and will discuss the Borough’s support for nonprofit organizations. The Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Geographic, and the Borough Office will all be helping to make this event happen. Nonprofits are vital assets in Denali Borough communities. They provide fire and ambulance service, childcare, and healthy recreation opportunities. They support our public lands and… Read more »

I just left Washington DC. It was a quick trip for a few meetings. The temperature was nearing 100 degrees so thinking about getting back to our cool summer is exciting. Another reason to be thankful for the trip home is that everyone in DC was more anxious than I have ever seen in my many visits. The mood is tense and people appear very worried about the country’s future. Everyone I met with was from the nonprofit sector. Each person seemed resigned that the best-case scenario will inevitably create an uncertain future for those many nonprofits that depend significantly on federal support. Once reliable funding from Uncle Sam (and Ted) may be less dependable after a solution for the deficit is found. The smidgen of insight from this trip… Read more »

It’s been a few weeks since I checked in on the blog. It’s summer and even at Foraker we slow down a little this time of year – at least we slow down in facilitations and trainings. It seems no one wants to meet when the fish are running and the trails are snow free. While we are doing less external work, this is the time of year we do our internal cleanup. I wonder what others experience when it comes to updating all of their internal records? Maintaining policies and resolutions, updating bylaws, cleaning up files can seem like menial work. Still, for all of us, keeping basic information current and accessible is crucial to our sustainability. Most important it assures us that if anyone wanted information, we know… Read more »

On August 19, Denali area nonprofits will come together to discuss the challenges of operating nonprofit and volunteer-led organizations. This session will be facilitated by Dennis McMillian, President and CEO of The Foraker Group. The time and location will be announced shortly. Dennis is an excellent resource and his organization specializes in helping nonprofits succeed and operate efficiently and safely in Alaska. Mayor Talerico has agreed to attend and will discuss the Borough’s support for nonprofit organizations. The Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Geographic, and the Borough Office will all be helping to make this event happen. Nonprofits are vital assets in Denali Borough communities. They provide fire and ambulance service, childcare, and healthy recreation opportunities. They support our public lands and our neighbors in need. Denali nonprofits, like others in… Read more »

Volunteers who do work for charitable organizations and incur unreimbursed expenses may now be allowed to claim those as deductions on their tax returns, thanks to a ruling by the U.S. Tax Court and a woman who challenged the Internal Revenue Service. We all know that volunteers spend money out of their own pocket. Let us know if you have a story to share. Read more-… Read more »

Unlike other tax incentives-for buying a home, installing energy-efficient windows, or buying a fuel-efficient car-the charitable deduction is unique in that it rewards behavior that, by definition, provides no direct benefit to the individual. Whatever options are on the table for tax reform, the tax code should continue to encourage the selfless act of giving to charity. In an ideal world, changes would both increase charitable giving and save the government money. A new study from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), examines 11 ways that changes in the tax code could impact individual charitable giving and evaluates what each would mean for federal tax revenue. Read more-… Read more »

The Foraker Group is accepting applications for the next round of classes for the Certificate in Nonprofit Management program through Friday, June 30. This innovative program is offered by The Foraker Group in partnership with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The program is designed for Alaska nonprofit professionals in leadership positions who want to enhance their management skills and explore a full range of issues and best practices to use in their organizations. Click here for information on course offerings, schedules, fees, and an application form. Classes begin on September 12 and run through December 8. You will attend 14 days of classes during that time…. Read more »

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is inviting public comment on issues and frequently asked questions regarding Form 990. Issues for comment include a consideration to eliminate a section asking to report activity codes, reporting compensation to management companies and leasing companies owned by an organization’s leadership, and thresholds for reporting compensation to key employees. Please share with our readers your concerns. Read more-… Read more »

Today I’m in Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport on the way to the Camp Fire USA national board meeting in Kansas City. This is my last out-of-state travel for a while and I am glad. Like most Alaskans, I do not like to be out of the state during the summer. At least this week it has been cloudy and rainy at home, so I’m not missing too many of those rare sunny, warm days this summer. Even when I’m on the road I’m in touch with the office. This year one of our great board members, John Mingé, was joined by Diane Kaplan to head our corporate foundation fundraising effort that we call the Vision Circle Partners Campaign. This support is critical for us because it equalizes costs for nonprofits… Read more »