A big welcome to the Executive Directors participating in our Executive Leadership Initiative! We are excited to learn and grow with you: Samantha Blankenship, Gastineau Humane Society Jennifer Cross, Alaska Raptor Center Shannon Fisher, Family Promise of Juneau Sara Harriger, Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center Sarah Harrington, Kodiak Historical Society & Baranov Museum Frances Leach, United Fishermen of Alaska Kristin McTague,  Healing Hand Foundation Michael Monterusso, Alaska Botanical Garden Janice Nightingale, Hospice of the Central Peninsula Andrea Noble-Pelant, Alaska State Council on the Arts Tory Shanklin, Victims for Justice Laurie Stuart, Pratt Museum Curtis Thayer, Alaska Chamber of Commerce… Read more »

We are proud to help the Nonprofit Finance Fund raise the voices of nonprofit leaders through the State of the Nonprofit Sector Survey. This survey – the biggest national sampling of our sector – collects data about the health and challenges of U.S. nonprofits into an accessible, evidence-based illustration of our ability to help the communities we all serve. It’s a powerful platform for nonprofits large and small, urban and rural, across sub-sectors and geographies. Its findings are widely used and cited by nonprofit leaders and boards, funders, advocates, policy advisors, media, researchers, and many others. In 2015, the NFF survey found that, despite the U.S. economic recovery, vulnerable communities were going without because nonprofits couldn’t meet increasing demand. Nonprofit leaders reported persistent worries about financial sustainability – fewer than half… Read more »

Alaska’s nonprofit sector represents a wide variety of organizations that provide public service and have an impact on the lives of nearly everyone living in the state. Although most Alaskans do not think of nonprofits as an economic powerhouse, we play a critical role in the state’s economy both as major employers and as revenue generators. Join us as we discuss the latest research on the economic impact of Alaska’s nonprofit sector. Learn how you can use the data to advocate for your organization as we highlight the five ways we in the nonprofit sector are doing our part to meet the challenges of the state’s economy.  See you soon!:  February 27 Bethel  March 1 Anchorage March 27 Kodiak April 9 Homer April 10 Fairbanks April 12 Wasilla April 19 Statewide… Read more »

We are thrilled to have two new staff join our team. Monica Garcia-Itchoak has joined our team as a Lead Capacity Builder – she will be around the state working with our Partners on leadership support, collaboration, and civic engagement. Lailani Cook is our new Administrative Assistant – she will be behind the scenes coordinating the services you need and will be the friendly voice ready to help you when you call. Monica Garcia – Itchoak Lead Capacity Builder Monica has over 26 years of nonprofit leadership with 16 years dedicated to the museum industry in Chicago and New York.  In 2010, she relocated to Alaska to join the Anchorage Museum as the Director of Education and Public Programs.  Since then, she has been an independent consultant and continues to participate… Read more »

Calling all new Executive Directors (0-3 years in the position)! Are you interested in working with an experienced mentor and a network of peers while exploring governance, financial management, and planning? Looking to cultivate a more effective relationship with your board? Apply for the Executive Leadership Initiative – a program designed to build on your strengths and tackle the challenges of running a successful nonprofit. The deadline to apply is December 15…. Read more »

A special thanks to those who who donated to Foraker through Pick.Click.Give.! We’re honored that our work is among the causes you care most about – together we are creating a thriving nonprofit sector that meets diverse community needs across the state. Thank you all!: Stephanie Allen Lisa Aquino Bruce Botelho Angela Cox Patuk Glenn Zane Jones Diane Kaplan Gabe Layman Jillian Lush Jordan Marshall Joel Neimeyer Joan O’Keefe Deena Bishop Rebecca Savidis Chellie Skoog Joy Steward John Van Alstine Bernie Washington Laurie Wolf Anonymous x2  … Read more »

Have you seen the new Pick.Click.Give. communication toolkit? Use logos, shareable images, email signatures, postcard templates and more to promote your organization to your stakeholders and donors! You can find this great resource on the Pick.Click.Give website…. Read more »

The federal judge in Texas who temporarily enjoined the Obama Administration’s Overtime Final Rule late last year ruled this week that the Final Rule is invalid because the U.S. Department of Labor exceeded its authority in setting a high salary-level test that denied exempt status to executive, administrative, and professional employees without regard to their job duties. The judge interpreted the Fair Labor Standards Act as granting the Labor Department the authority to define and limit the white-collar exemptions based primarily on the duties they perform. Because the Overtime Final Rule would have revoked the exempt status of four million workers based solely on the increase in the salary level and without regard to the work they perform, the judge invalidated the rule. Today’s ruling in State of Nevada v. U.S…. Read more »

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published a Request for Information (RFI) in the Federal Register seeking comments from the public about how the white-collar regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act should be updated. The Obama Administration had sought to revise the same regulations in 2016, but that effort was blocked by a federal court late last year. Under current law, employees working in a “bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity” are not eligible for overtime pay. Federal regulations determine which employees fall within those categories. In most cases, employees will be considered exempt from overtime if (1) the employee is paid on a salary basis (“salary basis test”); (2) the employee receives at least a minimum specified salary amount (“salary level test”) which is currently set at $455/week; and (3)… Read more »

Chellie Skoog has been named the new Vice President of Programs for The Foraker Group. Chellie is already familiar to many Foraker Partners. She has been teaching and consulting with us since 2013. Her specialty is helping organizations better manage their financial affairs, and she’s noted for assisting nonprofits that are facing fiscal challenges. Chellie says she is “excited to do the work that advances the health and well-being of communities around Alaska.” She calls Alaska nonprofits “unsung heroes” with staff and boards doing amazing things that frequently go unnoticed in the community. In announcing Chellie’s appointment, Foraker President/CEO Laurie Wolf said that Chellie brings “commitment, skills, and leadership to Foraker’s mission of strengthening Alaska’s nonprofits. We are very excited about what she’s going to accomplish in her new position.”… Read more »