Let’s try an experiment. Close your eyes and imagine an entire industry – say tourism. Now imagine the kinds of jobs being done. What did you see? Were the jobs being done only by for-profit businesses? Was government involved? How about nonprofits? My guess is that since you are reading a nonprofit newsletter you are likely inclined to see a fuller picture of the way we work in Alaska – one where nonprofits work next to government and for-profits to make our economy work. And yet, while you might know this, I have experienced on too many occasions that when talking about our economy the assumption is different. The line of thinking goes something like this: Growing Alaska’s businesses is good for the economy and, equally true, decreasing the number… Read more »

Anchorage Foraker Partners and friends: We ask that you participate in an important survey that will help the community develop a five-year plan focused on making Anchorage more economically resilient.  The survey is part of an effort by local organizations to develop what’s called a Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Anchorage. The CEDS Survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ANCHCEDS and is open to residents of the Municipality of Anchorage until February 7. Completing this CEDS survey provides the opportunity for Anchorage nonprofit boards, executive leaders and staff to have a say in the community’s long-term economic vitality.  We know that a strong, healthy and dynamic nonprofit sector makes Anchorage a better place to live, work and raise our families – the kind of community we are all proud to be… Read more »

The first 100 days of a new administration are often marked by a flurry of activity. With one party in control of the White House, the U.S. Senate, and the House of Representatives, significant legislative and regulatory changes are a near certainty. Many of these changes will affect nonprofits, either directly or indirectly, and some may require quick action to defend the nonprofit community and the ability to advance our missions. The National Council of Nonprofits has just published a look at six federal issues that will likely be taken up this year and what they mean for the sector. We encourage you to read the article “Nonprofits Need to Stand Together to Push for Smart Public Policies,” share it with your board and other stakeholders, and be ready to… Read more »

Deadline to respond is January 13, 2017. All Alaska nonprofits that receive at least $500,000 in grant funds from the state in a fiscal year are required to file a State Single Audit. Foraker believes the current audit requirements are onerous and take time and money away from critical nonprofit missions. For the past two years, Foraker has prioritized the need for a change to this requirement. We have been urging the state to change the audit requirements in the following ways: To raise the State Single Audit threshold from its current $500,000 to at least $750,000 to match the federal government threshold. To build into regulations an automatic increase in the state threshold to reflect expected increases in the federal threshold. In other words, if the federal threshold goes… Read more »

This election has been difficult for our country. We wake up this morning more aware than ever of deep divisions among us. For many, emotions are raw and the future uncertain. Personally, I am recommitting – to our work as a sector and to our mission at Foraker. And I invite you to join me because what we do is important. Volunteer. Donate. Use your voice. Focus on your mission, your community, and the people you serve. Gather together to work together.  We are capable of doing the difficult work, with compassion. That’s what we’re about as nonprofits. Let’s find our path to move forward together. Laurie Wolf President/CEO… Read more »

Alaska Nonprofits Count!  And Alaska nonprofit votes count!  When Alaska nonprofits use our voting power we advance our missions by making our voices heard.  When we vote we make change for the better – for our organizations, our communities, our state and the world. On November 8th Alaskans will join millions of Americans who will be voting for their state legislatures, the U.S. Congress and the President and Vice President of the United States. It has never been more important to make sure that nonprofits board members, staff, volunteers and constituents register to vote and get to the polls on Election Day. HERE ARE THREE THINGS TO DO NOW TO MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD THIS NOVEMBER: 1) Register to Vote 2) Spread the Word and 3) Inform Yourself 1) REGISTER… Read more »

Nonprofits in Alaska and across the country will soon be dealing with changes to federal rules governing employment and contracting practices that have the potential to affect their costs and operations – especially those with grants or contracts to provide services on behalf of any government. This information from the National Council of Nonprofits gives you the details about two federal regulatory issues and asks for your perspectives through a confidential survey that will develop data to support better policies and solutions. Review the information, then click on the Survey Link to participate. WHAT’S IN PLAY? Overtime: As we highlighted in our May newsletter, the S. Department of Labor is expected to announce soon new overtime regulations that will require most employers, including nonprofits, to pay overtime to all employees… Read more »

This year, more than ever, Foraker is taking an active role in public policy. As an example, we recently visited with lawmakers in Juneau and urged them to pass a long-term fiscal plan “that is comprehensive, promotes strong rural and urban communities, and protects Alaska’s most vulnerable populations, education, and cultural life.” You can read our press release here. However, while we view it as a priority issue, our focus is not on just the state’s fiscal challenges. The Governance Board has approved a range of public policy issues that we will work on this year. They include: Challenge new local taxation of nonprofits – Be prepared to advocate alongside other Alaska nonprofits as local governments consider new taxes on the sector such as PILOTS/PLUTS (Payments in Lieu of Taxes)… Read more »

The Foraker Group calls on the 2016 legislature to enact a long-term fiscal plan that is comprehensive, promotes strong rural and urban communities, and protects Alaska’s most vulnerable populations, education, and cultural life. When considering all the proposed expense cuts and revenue options currently presented, legislators should recognize the positive impact of the nonprofit sector on the state’s economy and the cost savings the sector provides to the state budget. A fiscal plan should not depend on a single sector to sustain it, and all options should be determined based on fairness, equity, and ability to pay. According to Laurie Wolf, Foraker President and CEO, it’s important for legislators to understand the value nonprofit organizations bring to Alaska communities. “Alaska nonprofits improve the quality of life for all Alaskans,” she… Read more »

Diversify your funding base – it’s too risky to rely on a single funding source. Plan for the future – know who you are and where you are going. Make values-based decisions – this applies to every decision from programming, to staffing, to board composition, to budgeting. Have your internal house in order and focus on effectiveness and efficiency. Seek new ways of doing your work and look for the most leverage to make every dollar and every effort count. Use your collective voice for change. Notice anything about these six thoughts? They should sound familiar. Why? Because not only are they best practice in the nonprofit field, but you are likely doing or at least working toward all these practices in your own business models. You have also likely… Read more »