As is my way, I am going to be honest. As a sector, we face a pretty difficult set of circumstances that are likely to get worse before they get better – and we are not alone. Hundreds of government agencies with which we partner are being dismantled without a strategic understanding of the impact on human life, our environment, or our economy. Simultaneously, we can see some who are incredibly hopeful about the possibilities of these changes. I am sure some would strongly disagree with both these views – such is the nature of democracy. We can do things that feel and impact people in diametrically different ways. Predominately, however, as I watch and listen every day to the stories of human impact and the depth of the legal… Read more »

For nonprofits, municipalities, and tribes receiving state payments through approved grants, contracts, and reimbursements, those payments must be made on time. If they are not, critical services to Alaskans are threatened. Organizations should not be expected to perform work and then have to wait unreasonable amounts of time to be paid – and that’s what has been happening for some time now. Today, Representative Rebecca Himschoot and Senator Scott Kawasaki introduced HB 133 & SB 129 in their respective chambers. The companion bills aim to bring parity in state payment on par with current statutory protections for private contractors who deliver public works projects. HB 133 & SB 129 ensure both state and federal pass-through funds are disbursed promptly to nonprofits, local government, and tribal organizations, benefiting the people of Alaska. Foraker is joining with the Alaska… Read more »

In the vein of never missing an opportunity to make your organization stronger, these steps will put you and your team back into a space of control while thinking strategically about your next move. Even if you never have to take out these tools and use them, having done the work will place your organization on solid ground. Take the time to “go slow, to go fast.” Your mission is worth it! Focus on compliance! There was never a more important time than now to have your internal house in order. Check your compliance list twice when it comes to funding and personnel compliance with the law and the rules of each granting agency. Since the pandemic, we have seen a national and statewide shortage of auditors, so make extra… Read more »

Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal funding, many organizations are grappling with how to adapt their staffing structures. In this FREE webinar on March 12 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, we will address key employment challenges, with a particular emphasis on effectively managing layoffs and furloughs. We’re here to help you and your organization navigate employment challenges in our current operating environment…. Read more »

A funding freeze for any length of time could affect the billions of dollars Alaska receives each year from the federal government. Recent Foraker research in partnership with the UA Center for Economic Development shows our state received $38 billion in federal funds in 2023. This is in addition to funds received between 2022 and 2024 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ($7.6 billion), the Inflation Reduction Act ($2.5 billion), broadband funding ($2.2 billion), and remaining federal pandemic relief funds ($2.5 trillion). Alaska is one of the largest recipients of federal funds per capita, with roughly 37% of the state’s annual budget coming from the federal government. Every Alaskan will feel the impact of retrenchment. To better understand the impact of a freeze, Foraker conducted two surveys of nonprofits… Read more »

We want to remind you that the National Council of Nonprofits regularly updates the status of the executive orders signed by President Trump. You can find those updates here and on our web page in the section Federal Actions — Updates. We also encourage you to check our web page regularly where we post information, resources, and news reports specifically for Alaska nonprofits…. Read more »

Senator Lisa Murkowsi is hosting a tele-town hall on February 19 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm AKST. The number to call is 855-756-7520 Ext 120665# Call in to share your concerns about federal funding with the Senator…. Read more »

As Congress begins work on tax and spending priorities, much is at stake for charitable nonprofits. Lawmakers will decide policy questions that can have a profound impact – positive or negative – on the ability of local organizations to improve lives, strengthen communities, and advance the public good. Sign onto the Nonprofit Community Letter to ensure Representatives and Senators understand the importance and impact of charitable organizations to their constituents and communities. Go here to add your organization’s name to this vital communication…. Read more »

By now, I hope you have seen the new page on our website, where we are tracking the impacts of federal funding so that you can have a one-stop trusted source of information. There you will find the latest federal and Alaska updates, resources, and a link to our partner, the National Council of Nonprofits. NCN is tracking executive orders and their impact on the nonprofit sector and is also the lead plaintiff in one of the lawsuits stopping the freeze of federal funds to nonprofits, tribes, and local governments. We are grateful, too, to be part of a network of state nonprofit associations that is looking out for the sector in their states and generously sharing their tools for helping nonprofits understand and manage our current operating environment. It… Read more »

After the administration’s announcement on January 27 of a federal funding freeze, Foraker sought to quickly understand the potential impact in Alaska. The results present a quick snapshot of a catastrophic impact on the health and well-being of Alaskans and the organizations that serve them. You’ll find a summary of the results here, followed by questions your organization should consider to prepare for what may come next…. Read more »