We proudly walk alongside Alaska Native tribal and nonprofit organizations across the state, helping to carry forward traditional ways of being through thoughtful, long-term strategies. Whether it’s strategic planning, fundraising stewardship, leadership development, mission alignment, or governance facilitation, we serve as a partner in support of each organization’s unique vision.
Tribal Council Governance
Are you navigating questions around tribal council roles and responsibilities, using committees, or managing complex dynamics among council members? We can facilitate conversations that help councils lead in ways that reflect the values, traditions, and strengths of their communities.
Fundraising
From telling our stories in compelling ways to knowing who needs to hear them, we offer support in building fundraising plans, mentoring through campaigns, and guiding capital initiatives. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen your efforts, we’re here to help.
Planning for the Short and Long Term
Our people and organizations are built to last. Strategic planning and annual planning help ensure that tribal councils and Alaska Native nonprofits remain focused on serving their communities—not just for today, but for generations to come. We walk alongside you in creating goals rooted in long-term sustainability.
Financial Management
Tribal and nonprofit funding often comes from a mix of sources—state and federal grants, private donors, and earned income—all with unique reporting requirements. We offer customized financial consulting and accounting services to meet your day-to-day needs, including payroll, grant reporting, and financial oversight support and guidance.
Human Resources
In smaller organizations, HR support isn’t always easy to find. We offer practical tools and expert guidance to help with leadership transitions, performance evaluations, supervisor training, compensation and benefits analysis, employee manual creation or updates, training, and compliance—supporting your team every step of the way.
Mentoring and Coaching
The position of tribal administrator can be particularly challenging. We are ready to offer support in a safe space to explore ideas and offer reflective guidance to help each person thrive in their role.
Leadership Transition
Transitions are part of every organization’s journey. We can support the council in hiring a new tribal administrator. We also offer interim executive director/tribal administrator services and succession planning to help keep your mission on course.
Tribal Administrator and Tribal Council Courses
Tribal administrators can join us for our cohort programs such as Executive Leadership Intensive and Certificate in Nonprofit Management. In addition, many of our community classes will support both administrators and council members in their positions. Everyone is welcome to our Leadership Summit held every other year.
Our commitment to working with Indigenous peoples
Everyone working at Foraker is committed to our core values. They motivate us to achieve our core purpose by weaving the essence of these ideas into every product and service we offer. For meaningful time with the diverse people and places we serve, we take a unique approach with each group – always guided by our values. Our commitment to serving all Alaska’s peoples and communities is found in our core value “urban/rural/Native/non-Native” along with our acknowledgment of the land where we live.
Foraker recognizes tribes as sovereign governments and tribal organizations with unique structures and practices. In 2010, we published Focus on Sustainability: A Nonprofit’s Journey that intentionally highlighted Alaska Indigenous metaphors and stories. In 2017, we dove more deeply into connecting our philosophy of sustainability with Alaska Native tribal experiences in our report Making Connections – The Sustainability Model and Alaska Tribes. Also in 2017, we adopted specific policies for working with sovereign governments and Indigenous populations, which we articulated in Culturally Aware Project Methodologies for Working with Tribes.
We take our commitment to working with all the people of Alaska seriously. We especially look forward to working with Indigenous peoples and tribes to advance their purpose and goals. Through this work we both serve, and we learn.
Contact Tyan Hayes, Senior Director of Tribal and Nonprofit Leadership, at tyan.hayes@forakergroup.org to learn more.
