We want you to succeed. We know new executive directors face challenges – and we are creating a safe space where you can find support as you face those challenges. Foraker’s Executive Leadership Initiative will assist executive directors who have been in their position for less than three years and want to take the next step in leading their organizations and increasing job satisfaction. Participants will enhance their professional skills and, even more important, will become part of a network of peers who support each other to build on their strengths and tackle their challenges of running a successful nonprofit. This program is aimed at executive directors who have worked hard to learn their jobs and serve their organizations – and may now want additional knowledge, perspective, and support. At… Read more »

We were saddened to learn today that Brent Kapansky passed away over the weekend from a medical condition. Brent served as an accountant for financial shared services from 2010 until the end of 2015 when he left Foraker to pursue other career interests. Brent cared deeply for the nonprofit sector and for the Foraker Partners he served. He was a good friend to all of us in the office, always pitching in when anyone needed a little extra help. Outside the office Brent was an avid sports fan and was loyal to both the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. He loved sharing game highlights with us. We send our deepest sympathies to Brent’s family and friends…. Read more »

Alaska’s nonprofit sector got some great news this Friday when the U.S. House of Representatives voted to make important charitable giving incentives permanent. Alaska nonprofits have been working with Foraker and other state nonprofit associations to help bring positive change to federal law. The incentives will help to promote, encourage and reward charitable giving to nonprofit organizations of all shapes and sizes. The legislation passed the Senate earlier in the week and is now on the way to President Obama for signature. The legislation includes components that encourage small businesses to make food donations to local food banks, encourages private landowners to conserve land by establishing conservation easements, and fosters increased charitable giving by individuals through their Individual Retirement Accounts or IRAs. According to Laurie Wolf, Foraker President/CEO, “this federal legislation brings real change… Read more »

Alaska leads all states when it comes to the rate of giving through the crowdfunding site GoFundMe. A recent story in the Alaska Dispatch says that Alaskans gave 53 cents per resident, compared to 47 cents per resident for Washington D.C., the next closest area. Total giving through the site by Alaskans from Nov. 1, 2014, through Oct. 31, 2015, was just over $390,000. Foraker President/CEO Laurie Wolf was interviewed for the article, which you can read here…. Read more »

At its October meeting, the Foraker Governance Board approved increases in Partner fees and consulting rates. These changes are modest, and this is only the third time in 15 years that we have increased rates. No other rates, including fees for Foraker classes, are increasing. You may view the new rates and Partner fees below.We also have added a new category of partnership for those organizations with annual budgets below $50,000. This is being done to accommodate nonprofits that otherwise might not be able to become Partners. Even with this fee increase, we are far below the rates charged by our peer organizations.To ease transition to the new fees, organizations that renew as Partners by December 31, 2015, will be charged under the current structure for their 2016 partnership. Also,… Read more »

At its October meeting, the Foraker Governance Board approved increases in Partner fees and consulting rates. These changes are modest, and this is only the third time in 15 years that we have increased rates. No other rates, including fees for Foraker classes, are increasing. You may view the new rates and Partner fees below.We also have added a new category of partnership for those organizations with annual budgets below $50,000. This is being done to accommodate nonprofits that otherwise might not be able to become Partners. Even with this fee increase, we are far below the rates charged by our peer organizations.To ease transition to the new fees, organizations that renew as Partners by December 31, 2015, will be charged under the current structure for their 2016 partnership. Also,… Read more »

The nonprofit community is invited to a Celebration of Life for Chuck Barber, a Foraker founder and consultant. Chuck passed away on November 16 after a brief illness. The celebration will be held Saturday, December 5, 3:00-5:00 pm at Beach Lake Chalet in Chugiak. Memorial contributions can be made to the Nicholas Barber Education account at Wells Fargo Bank or to any of the organizations that were near to Chuck’s heart. See more here…. Read more »

Do you have a strategic plan? How would you describe your fundraising practices? Are you collaborating with others to meet your mission? This is an annual survey we conduct with four other states – Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho – to gain a comprehensive look at the sector across the region. It helps us to better understand both the strengths and challenges of leading our organizations. And it provides important information that helps us better meet your needs here in Alaska. Your contact information and answers remain confidential – only the trends that surface from the survey will be reported. The survey will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Click here to take the survey. Survey deadline: December 18…. Read more »

We are sad to let you know that one of Foraker’s consultants, Chuck Barber, passed away on Monday. Chuck was one of our Foraker founders and also a consultant. Over the years, he helped many nonprofits with grant writing and mentoring. His dedication to serving communities and nonprofits around the state was unmatched. We relied upon him for his insight, knowledge, and willingness to help whenever asked. He generously contributed to writing our first Foraker publication, Strategic Grantmaking, which has become an important book for fundraisers around the state. Chuck was a highly valued member of Alaska’s nonprofit community and beloved here at Foraker. Our thoughts and deep sympathy go to his family. We will all miss him…. Read more »

To recognize the many veterans in Alaska and around the country, and to honor them for their service, we will be closed tomorrow. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to protect our country. We are deeply grateful…. Read more »