Latest news, alerts, and events.
Latest news, alerts, and events.
This holiday season we are celebrating with the gift of turning data into action. There is a data point for almost every wish on your holiday list but there is always an elusive – if not magical – data point that is just out of reach. Of course, no holiday gift is worth it unless you can use it again and again, right? So, the good news is this data has a nice shelf life and should carry you through your strategic planning, the Halls of Congress, and our state Capitol for a long time. We hope you use these truths to raise your voice and sing a joyous song about the essential work taking place (often in the background of the tinsel and sparkly light kind of things you hear about more often). Alaska can be its own beacon bright in how we partner with all three sectors (nonprofit, for-profit, and government) to make Alaska’s economy work for ALL the people and places that surround us. Be joyous friends and may this data and new knowledge light the way to a happy new year.
You can read the full report here.
The background:
Every three years, we partner with the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development to collect, dive into, and uncover the truths about the economic impact on the state of Alaska’s nonprofits (and now separately Alaska’s tribes). (Note that historically Alaska’s 229 federally recognized tribes have mostly held dual status as federally recognized nonprofits. This is no longer the case, so we are shifting the report to match).
The highlights:
Alaska nonprofits play a central role in the state’s economy
Alaska’s nonprofit sector represents various organizations that provide public service and impact the lives of nearly everyone living in and visiting the state. Although most Alaskans do not think of nonprofits as an economic powerhouse, they play a critical role in the state’s economy as employers and revenue generators. Alaska’s lack of a county government system means that nonprofits provide services traditionally filled by the government to keep our people and our places safe, healthy, and vibrant. No industry in Alaska can prosper without the nonprofit sector, and every dollar invested in the sector, regardless of the source, results in lower government costs in the long run. We provide both a financial and social return on investment by leveraging public and private resources. We are part of the healthcare, utilities, fisheries, and oil and gas industries and provide essential services such as firefighting, early childcare, housing, and food security — just to name a few. We are Alaska’s safety net.
Every Alaskan is a nonprofit beneficiary because nonprofits are woven into the fabric of our communities. While no sector can create a thriving economy alone, when financial decisions are made, organizational and public policies are created, or programs are developed, we urge everyone to remember that each decision will impact the health of the nonprofit sector and, thereby, the well-being of every Alaskan. We should all be ready every day to partner with each sector of our economy — that is how Alaska works at its best.
The 2024 Economic Report dives into five themes:
Look around, and you will see that no matter where you live or how you move through your day, Alaska’s nonprofits and tribes are providing essential services like medical care, housing, and utilities. They also bring us joy and purpose through art, religious and cultural expression, education, and recreation. They ensure our quality of life, sustain our way of life, and attract and develop employees for our state. Let’s celebrate nonprofits and tribes for caring for our people, our pets, and our planet. Together, we foster healthier and more prosperous communities.
Nonprofits are a significant source of Alaska jobs. Because nonprofits are not considered a single industry, we often lose sight of the scale of their impact. When the state tracks jobs, it classifies them by industries – oil and gas, tourism, health care – not by the sector where the work originates – nonprofit, government, or private. All three sectors are integrated, and a vibrant nonprofit community helps generate revenue and jobs directly and indirectly in all the state’s industries. When nonprofits generate revenue and spend money on supplies, services, or payroll, it circulates through the state creating more jobs and a stronger economy. We create and sustain jobs for Alaskans and their families.
Nonprofits raise and leverage a variety of funds to meet their missions. The blend of earned income, private philanthropy, and public funding enables nonprofit organizations to maximize community impact. Nonprofits are focused on the judicious use of every dollar as they navigate an increased demand for services and a more complex set of challenges every day. At the same time, local, state, and federal policies and investments have a profound impact on the return on those philanthropic and earned income investments. Each source of revenue leverages another. This is a public/nonprofit partnership that must continue.
The once-in-a-generation influx of federal funds coming to Alaska creates significant economic impacts. Nonprofits continue to work alongside governments to ensure that this short-term federal funding is maximized in each community. Simultaneously, many nonprofits and tribes face a workforce shortage while building internal systems to manage compliance. Strategic partnerships with nonprofits and tribes are essential to maximize the benefit of temporary revenue.
The economic engine of philanthropy from foundations, corporations, and individuals, coupled with volunteerism, has a powerful influence on the quality of life, infrastructure, and jobs across Alaska. Nonprofits can raise and celebrate these investments and use them to strengthen missions. Nonprofits themselves, like public, private, and community foundations, civic and social groups, and congregations, invest in other nonprofits every day. They are joined by volunteers and individual donors who express their commitment to the community, both through nonprofits and to each other – each act driven by a desire to make their community stronger. Alaska’s philanthropy is a cause for celebration we can all feel proud to be part of.
The Gift of Action:
Every one of us has a role to play and a voice to be heard. Let’s all resolve to do our part to make our economy work for Alaska.
Community leaders and policymakers
Your decisions have a significant impact on how Alaskans live, prosper, care for their families, and find value in their lives. You set the priorities that will strengthen our state. We call on you to:
By taking action, you will nurture vibrant communities and help Alaskans enjoy healthy, productive lives.
Nonprofit board members, staff, or volunteers
You perform the work every day that strengthens our state. We call on you to:
It is time to work together and turn our data into action. We are ready and standing by your side.
Join us on December 17 at 10:00 am to hear more about the data and how you can use it.
With gratitude to all of you and may truth and data bring light into every conversation in this season and beyond.
Laurie