The National Council of Nonprofits has announced it 2015 public policy agenda, which focuses on six broad categories: tax policy, budget and spending, the economy, public-private collaborations, advocacy rights, and public accountability. You can read more on the agenda here. The council suggests several ways organizations can use items from its agenda, including: Sharing it with members of your board or public policy committee Using the information to augment your own public policy agenda Using it as a starting point for your own agenda if you haven’t developed one Foraker’s public policy committee will present its recommended agenda to the Governance Board at the annual meeting on January 15. We’ll report on the board’s action here on the blog and in the February newsletter…. Read more »

We encourage you to take a look at this message on advocacy from Foraker Vice President Mike Walsh. It appeared in our last newsletter. A recent article from David Thompson, Vice President for Public Policy at the National Council of Nonprofits, asked an important question: “Who has time for advocacy?” His answer was clear – nonprofits in Alaska don’t have the time NOT TO ENGAGE in public policy advocacy. Most of us in the nonprofit sector have heard about the link between active advocacy and meeting mission, and I have a simple formula: More Advocacy = More Mission. At The Foraker Group we have been changing the way we think, talk, and act about nonprofit advocacy. We are working to be better advocates for our mission to strengthen nonprofits, and… Read more »

Since Foraker’s beginning we have been dedicated to the concept of shared services — or what is more commonly called “backroom services” — to support the sector. The rational for these services is simple — we are better when we work together. Foraker has proven this time and again in our many offerings of shared services including Financial Shared Services, our Pre-Development program, and our website design services, to name just a few. We are pleased to announce the latest addition to our suite of shared services — human resources. Expanding on our already popular HR activities, which includes one-on-one work with organizations and our educational offerings, we have developed a program to truly fit the needs of the sector. Our work throughout Alaska is proof that this service is… Read more »

In his newsletter article this month, Dennis emphasized the need for nonprofits to be involved in public policy. You can read his comments here. This week the president of the National Council of Nonprofits echoed that message in an address in Washington, DC, which he made as part of philanthropy week. Tim Delaney believes the real action takes place in state legislatures and urged nonprofits to focus on their state representatives at least as much as their congressional delegation. You can read his comments which were reported in Nonprofit Quarterly…. Read more »

Over the years, I have developed a series of questions that are critical to engaging the board and staff in meaningful dialog. Here’s my list: What promotes or inhibits board effectiveness in the organization? How does the time the CEO spends on the board relationship foster the desired outcome? What is the board/staff process to use core values in all levels of staff hiring and board recruitment? What is the process to ensure that the board annually evaluates the CEO? How do the board, officers, and committee chair job descriptions focus on accountability, trust and communication? What are some ways the organization can ensure that all hiring and board recruitment is focused on core values in the selection process? What are some ways the board development committee can focus on… Read more »

The Alaska Community Foundation will hold a free training for nonprofit lobbyists, along with a legislative strategy conversation, on Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The event will be held at the ACF Philanthropy Hub, 3201 C Street, Suite 110. Joan Mize from the Alaska Public Office Commission will conduct the lobbying portion of the training. Denali Daniels will moderate the conversation. This session is required for representational lobbyists, lobbyists, and employers of lobbyists. If you are uncertain whether you are subject to the requirement, please contact Mize at 907-465-4864. Pre-registration is required. Click here for more information and to sign up for the sessions…. Read more »

The National Council of Nonprofits has alerted us to a conference call to be conducted by the White House on Friday regarding the process for helping uninsured individuals enroll for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity for factual information on ACA and how it could affect your organization and constituents. The call will occur on Friday, September 20, at 10:30 am Alaska time. According to the White House, “this call will showcase some of the best practices for partnerships that will help to prepare uninsured Americans to enroll in health insurance through the marketplaces starting on October 1, 2013. Faith-based and other community groups are playing key roles in this work, and we look forward to discussing additional ways… Read more »

Oct. 1, 2013, is the deadline for applications to Rasmuson Foundation’s Sabbatical Program. Now entering its tenth year, the program offers an opportunity for nonprofit and tribal executives to take sabbaticals of two to six months. Research shows that when nonprofit leaders engage in well-planned sabbaticals, the results can transcend the individual to reach the organization itself. An extended leave can lead to new perspectives for the leader, the board and staff, and often energizes organizational innovation. Learn more here and watch a short video highlighting some past sabbatical recipients…. Read more »

People who took part in the first two Catalyst cohorts say it made a huge positive change in their perspective on work, their approach to leadership, and literally in their lives. There’s still time for you to apply for this unique, dynamic program and experience your own personal renewal. Our deadline has been extended to Monday, August 26. Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence is not your typical training or workshop. It’s not your typical anything. Instead Catalyst is a rare opportunity for nonprofit leaders to focus on themselves while getting the support they need from a cohort of peers. We’ve partnered with Context International to bring this program to Alaska. Whether you are on top of your game or looking to take your skills and knowledge to the next level, you… Read more »

Not your typical training or workshop. Not your typical anything. The Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence is a rare opportunity for nonprofit leaders to focus on themselves while getting the support they need from a cohort of peers. The third cohort of the Catalyst program is offered in partnership with Context International. Whether you are on top of your game or looking to take your skills and knowledge to the next level, you will measurably enhance your results and your experience of life when you participate in this program. Catalyst is open to senior leaders, funding officers, and board members with a commitment to the nonprofit sector. The deadline for applications is August 12, 2013. You can learn more here. Still have questions, call our office and talk with Laurie or… Read more »