Nonprofits around the country spoke out against a proposal from the Internal Revenue Service that would have created a reporting system encouraging nonprofits to ask for, store, and report donor Social Security numbers. In response to nonprofit organization’s concerns and push-back from lawmakers, news came today that the IRS withdrew the proposal. The proposed regulations could have imposed significant costs and burdens on nonprofit organizations, created public confusion and disincentives for donors to support the work of nonprofits, and could have lead fraudulent actors to increase their targeting of donors and reputable nonprofit organizations. The Foraker Group will continue to monitor and actively respond to important public policy issues. We thank you for joining us in a strong, collective voice for the Alaska nonprofit sector. Read the comments that The Foraker Group submitted to the… Read more »

We have rescheduled our Fairbanks conversation on the state’s fiscal challenge for Tuesday, Nov. 17, 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, at the Fairbanks Community Food Bank, 725 26th Ave. A light lunch will be provided at 11:30, with the forum beginning at noon.Holding these conversations with nonprofit board members and executive leaders across the state is important to all of us at Foraker, especially as Alaska and our sector continue to talk about a more sustainable fiscal future.  We remain committed to making sure that our sector is at the table when policy makers are considering that future. Those wishing to attend are asked to register. Please go to our calendar page to do that. If you registered for the previously scheduled session on Nov. 10, your name has been re-entered for… Read more »

Originally scheduled for tomorrow, Nov. 10, in Fairbanks, the Foraker briefing on “The Nonprofit Sector: A Voice for Fiscal Stability,” has moved to Nov. 17. Fairbanks will be the fourth conversation following sessions held in Anchorage and Juneau, and a statewide webinar. Foraker President Laurie Wolf said Governor Walker has asked that his team members postpone their public conversations on the fiscal plan as they update their information now that the special session has concluded. In addition to representatives from the state and Foraker, First Alaskans Institute and Rasmuson Foundation have been part of the conversations. “We understand and appreciate the time and energy the state has provided to us in our efforts to engage nonprofit leaders throughout Alaska in this important conversation,” Wolf said. “Holding these conversations with nonprofit… Read more »

We’re pleased with the response to the conversations we’re sponsoring — along with the Rasmuson Foundation, First Alaskans Institute and the State of Alaska — on the state’s fiscal challenge. Nonprofit leaders are learning more about the issue and sharing their perspectives on possible approaches we can take to meet this challenge. In November we’ll be in Juneau on the 3rd, Fairbanks on the 10th, and Bethel on the 17th. Go to the Foraker calendar to register for one of these sessions. To read coverage of the Anchorage meeting, please go to this article in the Alaska Journal of Commerce. Plan to attend one of the remaining sessions so your voice can be heard…. Read more »

As our state faces economic challenges, how will nonprofit organizations take action? As a nonprofit leader, are you engaging in the conversation about fiscal stability? Join us in Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, Bethel or via webinar as we discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. At each of the sessions, we will: Explore the positive economic impact of the sector Engage in lively conversation with other nonprofit leaders on the most up-to-date information on the state’s economy Activate our voice in the statewide dialogue Presenters will include: Pat Pitney, State of Alaska Randall Hoffbeck, State of Alaska Jordan Marshall, Rasmuson Foundation Liz Medicine Crow, First Alaskans Institute Laurie Wolf, The Foraker Group Mike Walsh, The Foraker Group Detailed agendas will be released soon. Check back at www.forakergroup.org Space is limited…. Read more »

In an effort to help Alaska’s nonprofit leaders feel more comfortable “lifting their voices” to support their organizations and the sector, we have revised some of our advocacy classes. If it’s been a while since you took an advocacy class, or you want to learn more about how to conduct effective advocacy, consider our class “Building a Culture of Advocacy” which will be offered onsite in Anchorage on Sept. 3. Now is the time to work at least some time into your schedule to focus attention on public issues affecting you and the sector. In this course you will learn more about the important link between active advocacy and meeting mission, and how to build a stronger and more effective internal Culture of Advocacy within your organization. Does your board… Read more »

Rasmuson Foundation has put forth a plan for our state’s fiscal future — one of the most important issues we face right now. We urge you to read the plan here, then join in the conversation. As we have been saying for some time, nonprofits play a significant role in our state’s economy. Learn about the issues we face and let your voice be heard. Stay tuned for more opportunities supported by Foraker and others to continue the discussion…. Read more »

Recently the National Council of Nonprofits outlined changes that the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued regarding nonprofit’s indirect costs. We strongly encourage organizations who receive federal funding to study the new grant policies and procedures. OMB’s Uniform Guidance will benefit nonprofits and foundations by making overhead or administrative costs reimbursable. To learn more about the implications for your organization, read more here. Foraker is partnering with the Council to host a statewide training on the new policies. Join us on Thursday, June 4th from 10:00 – 11:00 AM for a webinar with OMB experts David Thompson and Beth Bowsky. Learn more about the training here.    … Read more »

Alaska’s Congressional Delegation announced it will hold the 2015 Federal Grants Symposium at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and visit with representatives from federal agencies offering grants and loans. Additionally, there will be training seminars highlighting information about federal grant and loan processes, along with tips to take advantage of potential funding opportunities. Foraker’s incoming CEO, Laurie Wolf, will be presenting on The Foraker Nonprofit Sustainability Model. Program Schedule 9:00am – 9:30am – Registration 9:30am – 9:45am – Video Remarks by Alaska Congressional Delegation 9:45am – 10:45am – Presentation by Foraker Group 11:00am – 12:00pm – Panel moderated by Rasmuson Foundation 12:00pm – 12:20pm – Presentation by Alaska Community Foundation 12:30 –… Read more »

The slide presentations from the 2015 Leadership Summit are now available. Please click here to find the slides and handouts from all our speakers…. Read more »