A note from Laurie:  A new reality needs new words. Recently I was asked, “are you open?”  A simple question but now with so many meanings and answers.  In the midst of this pandemic, we have watched nonprofits close the doors on their physical space but stay open virtually.  We have watched as some close their physical space without a clear path to anything virtual and we have watched missions shift space and double down on service delivery no longer hampered by their building infrastructure.  For decades when consulting with organizations about their potential capital campaigns I have said to countless board and staff members “you are not building a building – you are expanding or deepening mission.” Indeed it is the mission that happens inside the building that matters,… Read more »

A Note from Laurie Wolf, President and CEO, The Foraker Group The weight of this time in history is beyond measure. And this past week it got impossibly heavier. The murder of George Floyd, piled on other visible racist action against Christian Cooper in Central Park, reminds all of us that injustice is a daily, if not hourly experience for too many people of color. Living through this pandemic, while also a shared experience, is not the same experience. Someone thoughtfully noted, “we are in the same ocean but not the same boat.” If you entered this phase in our lives and you are elderly and live communally, or you are in an abusive relationship, or you are hungry, or you feared for your child’s safety, or you lost your… Read more »

These are certainly difficult times for everyone, especially executive directors. And this may be causing more EDs, often without much notice, to leave their jobs or take time away for a while – some to care for families and others because of stress or burnout. Leadership transition also continues as it always has when EDs retire or move to new job opportunities. Given the challenges facing nonprofits right now – a greater demand for service with fewer resources – this is not the time that most can conduct a thoughtful and strategic transition to a new leader. Our Interim Executive Director program could offer short-term relief. Our interim EDs can steady your organization and prepare you to navigate the transition to your next permanent leader when you have the time… Read more »

Do you need help finding or applying for grants to get your organization through the current crisis? We are offering grant writing services to assist nonprofits responding to impacts of the coronavirus. Whether your organization needs help finding grant opportunities, drafting proposals, or creating budgets for proposals, our team of experienced grant writers may be able to assist you. We can help you: Write a proposal Find grant opportunities to match your needs Craft a budget for your proposal Edit a draft proposal that you have written Understand how to position your organization when communicating with potential funders Get set up for success once you are funded Contact us for your free 30 minute consultation…. Read more »

In partnership with the Atwood Foundation, we are offering considerable discounts on capacity building services to Anchorage arts, culture, and humanities organizations. Your organization may be eligible: Are you focused on arts, culture, and humanities? Are you based in Anchorage? Do you need help with strategic or annual planning, fundraising, organizational assessments or other capacity building services? If so, please fill out this application and send it to Monica Garcia-Itchoak at mitchoak@forakergroup.org…. Read more »

We are seeking leaders who are committed to a career in Alaska’s nonprofit sector to apply for the 2020 Certificate in Nonprofit Management cohort! The courses are designed to immediately apply what you learn in class to your workplace. Certificate is for nonprofit professionals across the state – no matter whether you’re leading a large organization or a small one, or if you have been in the field for decades or only a year, this program is designed to meet you where you are in your career. Learn more here…. Read more »

To date, there have been no reports of coronavirus in Alaska. However, we are aware of the growing number of incidents in other parts of the country, including deaths in California and Washington state. So this is a good time for nonprofit leaders to learn what they can do to protect the people they serve, their staff, and the community at large. It’s time to move into action now and plan ahead. Fortunately, disease control experts have been busy posting information to help us with planning and prevention. No doubt you have looked at a number of websites that offer excellent guidance. We’ve gathered some we believe are especially helpful and list them below. From the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, a webpage with general and Alaska specific… Read more »

On Febraury 11, 2020 BP officially handed over the keys to the BP Energy Center to The Alaska Community Foundation. At the event, Laurie Wolf gave a tribute to the building, and to BP for their generosity. Here are her comments:  On behalf of the nonprofit sector and the hundreds of organizations and civic groups who use this facility every year, thank you. And thank you for inviting me to say a few words about this place and this gift to Alaska nonprofits. We are here today to celebrate this remarkable gift as it transfers hands and keeps its promised intent for Alaska’s nonprofits. We are grateful as nonprofits not only for the gift of this space, but for the many gifts of financial investment, employee time and engagement, and… Read more »

Foraker is pleased to announce the addition of Kimberly Waller to our team. Kim is the first-ever Director of Sultana, our fiscal sponsorship program. Sultana exists to support groups and projects in the preliminary stages of their development, offering opportunities to incubate ideas, employ staff, and provide the stability that funders need to make initial investments. As the Director of Sultana, Kim will support opportunities for new collaboratives and grassroots initiatives to germinate. She will also take on the role of a Foraker Lead Capacity Builder and join a team of facilitators who are responsible for strengthening Alaska organizations and tribes. Kim will be focused on collaborative efforts by fostering cross-sector partnerships to maximize missions across Alaska. Kimberly Waller, Director of Sultana/Lead Capacity Builder Kimberly was born in Fairbanks and… Read more »

Foraker’s Leadership Transition team is rapidly growing so we can better support your organization through a leadership change. We know that change is inevitable and that a smooth transition from one leader to another will keep your organization focused on mission. Please join us in welcoming Catherine Bradshaw and Mara Carnahan to Foraker. In addition, Foraker consultant Allison Fong has changed roles and is now a staff member. Catherine is joining us as the Director of Leadership Transition. She is deeply committed to helping nonprofits develop their leadership capacity and navigate the journey of transitioning to new leadership. She brings over 25 years of experience as a coach and consultant to nonprofit leaders, with a particular focus on succession planning and leadership transition. Before joining Foraker, she was a consultant with… Read more »