ELI — Mentoring and community for executive directors in their first three years of leadership. We believe successful leaders are supported leaders. With the Executive Leadership Intensive, you’ll find safe space where you can access tools and resources to help you grow into your role as executive director. During this program, you will strengthen your board relationship, explore management and planning strategies with an experienced mentor, and learn from a network of peers. Applications are due December 6. The program starts January 22. Apply here. Why participate in the ELI? Community: You will meet fellow executive directors who are committed to creating a supportive environment as you all focus on organizational culture, your board relationship, and the day-to-day operations of running a successful nonprofit. Board Support: Your relationship with the board is critical to a… Read more »

We are teaming up with the UAA Department of Economics and Rasmuson Foundation to bring philanthropy researchers to Alaska. Join us, in person, or online to hear the latest research and learn how you might apply it to your fundraising strategies. The last two lectures in the series are scheduled for the following dates: May 22: Does Fundraising Create New Giving? Join in person in Anchorage or online. June 28: Fundraising through online social networks: A field experiment on peer-to-peer solicitation. Join in person in Anchorage or online…. Read more »

The Foraker Group offers two distinct educational programs for nonprofit professionals. Take the opportunity to enhance your leadership skills by applying for one of the programs today. The application deadline has been extended to June 29. One of Foraker’s signature educational programs is the Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence. Catalyst is a unique, dynamic program where you experience your own personal renewal and can take advantage of a rare opportunity to focus on yourself while getting the support you need from a cohort of peers. Catalyst is open to nonprofit leaders in senior roles, funding officers, and board members with a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector. Limited tuition and travel scholarships are available to Foraker Partners.  Learn more about the program here. The Foraker Certificate in Nonprofit Management is held in partnership with… Read more »

Members of the 2014 cohort have successfully completed 14 days of classes and received their certificates from Foraker and from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It was our pleasure to have you in the program this year. Welcome to the growing network of other grads. We hope you will stay in touch with each other, and with us. Congratulations…. Read more »

Hello, nonprofit narrative leaders! It was, once again, an absolute delight to work with you in Anchorage last week. I hope that since the workshop, you were able to recognize and share stories with a newfound enthusiasm (not to mention skills). Have you asked, “Tell me about a time-?” Please click here if you would like a one-page sheet reviewing How to Find, Develop, and Share Stories. And don’t forget your homework! You had two assignments: 1. Try to share the story you shared at the workshop, of a time that you saw the impact of your work, in 90 seconds, and then in 60 seconds. Strip it down to its bones. What is necessary? What can be left out? What do you learn by this exercise? 2. Share a… Read more »

Those of you who attended the Foraker Leadership Summit last year know that Thaler Pekar’s workshop was extremely popular. It was high quality, compelling, and packed with useful tips and techniques. For those who weren’t at the summit, this is your chance to participate in an exciting day of learning with one of the country’s experts in story telling. On October 23, Thaler will present new perspectives and material that will further enhance your skills in sharing the stories of your organization’s good work. Thaler’s workshop will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Anchorage Marriott Downtown Hotel. There will be a break for lunch on your own. Click here for more information and to register…. Read more »

We are thrilled to have Thaler Pekar with us again for a one-day workshop on story sharing. Those of you who attended our 2012 Leadership Summit gave Thaler high marks for her presentation. During this workshop — Every Leader Must Share Stories: Developing Your Narrative Intelligence — Thaler will go beyond the skills and perspectives she shared at the summit and will work with participants on increasing their ability to share stories. Thaler calls story sharing an “essential skill” for nonprofit leaders because it inspires and moves audiences to take the action you wish them to take. Smart leaders also know that by asking for stories, they can institutionalize core values, share organizational culture, surface and transfer knowledge, and glean otherwise unobtainable insight. Many leaders, however, are confounded by how… Read more »

We have a full schedule of classes resuming this month. Visit our class calendar to see what is available and then register for a class that will fit your needs. GoToMeeting teleconferences and video conferences must be paid in advance of the class. If we don’t have at least seven people registered for a class three working days before it’s to be held, we have to cancel it. If you are interested in a class that is not currently scheduled, please contact Vicki Lewis at vlewis@forakergroup.org and she will be pleased to help you. If you have questions, you may contact us by email, info@forakergroup.org, or by phone at 907-743-1200…. Read more »

Applications for two of our more popular education offerings — the Certificate in Nonprofit Management and the Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence — will be available soon. The Certificate program is held in partnership with the University of Alaska. It’s a non-degree program offering 10.4 Continuing Education Units (CEU’s). The program is designed for Alaska nonprofit professionals in leadership positions who want to enhance their management skills and explore a full range of issues and best practices to use in their organizations. Members of the statewide Certificate cohort will meet for 14 days throughout the fall in Anchorage. You’ll find more information here. The Catalyst program is a unique, dynamic program where you experience your own personal renewal. It is not your typical training or workshop. It’s not your typical anything…. Read more »

Compass Point Events is offering a reduced rate for our Partners for a workshop called Transformational Change: Disney Style. According to its sponsors, Transformational Change is a process, not just another seminar program. It provides participants the opportunity to examine, create and build their plan for strategic organizational change based on research findings from the Harvard Business School that was adapted, implemented and proven successful with positive business results by a world-class business leader, The Walt Disney Company. The seminar takes place May 7-9 in Orange, CA, near the Disneyland Resort. Click here for details and information on possible support from the Alaska Community Foundation. If you have questions, please contact Compass Point Events directly…. Read more »