The Foraker Group

05/29/2026

We are excited to celebrate the newest graduates of our Catalyst for Nonprofit Excellence program! These leaders have done the work to explore a stronger sense of purpose, learn tools for grounded decision-making, and gain deeper insight into what energizes them.

Congratulations to Cohort 10!

A special thank you to the sponsors of this program — and our other signature cohort programs — for investing in Alaska’s nonprofit and Tribal leaders.

05/28/2026

Strong financial systems help nonprofits stay focused on their mission. As our finance team continues to grow, we’re able to support additional organizations with finance projects and trusted nonprofit financial expertise.

Whether your organization needs assistance preparing for an audit, strengthening financial processes, or completing a specific finance project, our team is here to help.

We can provide assistance with:
• Audit preparation and audit support
• Budget development and facilitation
• Financial health assessments
• Senior-level financial consulting
• Accounting process review and cleanup projects
• Financial systems and reporting support

These services are designed to provide targeted, short-term assistance to help organizations address immediate financial needs, strengthen systems, and build long-term financial sustainability.

Fill out our inquiry form to share your organization’s finance needs and learn how we can help. https://www.jotform.com/team/242667102320042/fss-inquiry

05/27/2026

If you're considering a Sabbatical in 2027 or know someone to recommend, now's the time to start. Applications will close on June 16. Applicants are encouraged to visit the grant portal at Rasmuson.org, review the guidelines, and begin the process soon.

Here's a Funding Basics video with Rasmuson Foundation's Sabbatical program lead with tips on what to expect.
https://youtu.be/EAXqe3MiTxs?si=U8xNaYyDcI_XUl60

[Recorded on April 21, 2026] Lindsay Hammer, program officer and Sa...

05/19/2026

Every year, we have the privilege of meeting new executive directors through our Executive Leadership Intensive and supporting them as they navigate the many complexities of their new roles. We are continually inspired by their commitment to serving their communities and advancing their missions. This year was no exception - congratulations to our newest alumni:

Wei Ying Wong, Alaska SeaLife Center
Maggie Winston, Independent Living Center
Lisa Ellison, Independent Living Center
Melissa Schoenweather, Kodiak Economic Development Corp
Sarah Furman, Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition
Haley Johnston, Alaska Trails
Julie Swisher, American Red Cross of Alaska
Inukuk Gerhardt-Cyrus, OPT-in Kiana
Gina Bastian, Assets, Inc.
Betsi Oliver, Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance
Kelley Shoemake, Palmer Chamber of Commerce
Andrea Akalleq Burgess, Native Peoples Action/Community Fund

05/13/2026

We are thrilled to have partnered with Singletrack Advocates to support them in hiring their first Executive Director!

Big things are happening! 🚲✨

After 20+ years of being 100% volunteer-led, STA is officially leveling up. Following a thorough search process in partnership with The Foraker Group, our board is thrilled to announce George Po***ck as our first-ever Executive Director!

If you’ve spent time on the trails at Kincaid or Hillside, you’ve likely seen George’s handiwork. He’s been a staple in the Anchorage mountain biking community for over three decades, and we couldn’t think of a better person to lead us into this new chapter.

This move is a game-changer for our trails, our community, and our future. Join us in giving George a huge “welcome to the team” at our fundraiser at Hilltop tonight!

05/12/2026

Congrats to the 8 organizations that participated in our Fast Track Fundraising Intensive for drafting their fund development plans! We’re inspired by their commitment to setting meaningful fundraising goals and metrics for the year ahead — all in service of strengthening their communities. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!

05/12/2026

Whew. Decisions.
Big ones. Small ones. Mission-shaping ones.

In uncertain times, it’s easy to feel stuck, wait too long, or chase the next shiny opportunity. But nonprofit leadership requires thoughtful choices that move missions forward — not just for today, but for the future we hope to build.

In our latest Letter from Laurie, we revisit five practical tools to help leaders navigate complexity, avoid mission drift, and make decisions with clarity and purpose.

✨ When in doubt:
• Matrix it out
• Draw it out
• Step it out
• Envision it out
• Space it out

Read the full blog for ideas you can bring to your board, staff, and planning conversations. --->

The Foraker Group strengthens Alaska's nonprofit and tribal organizations through education, professional services and organizational development with a focus on new skills, sustainability and strategic thinking.

05/11/2026

The Foraker Salary & Benefits Report gives nonprofit leaders the tools to make informed decisions about compensation, helping organizations attract and retain the people their missions depend on in today’s competitive job market.

Inside the report, you’ll find:
• Alaska salary and benefits data
• Benchmark job descriptions
• Data highlights and definitions
• Tips for using the data

The accompanying dashboard allows users to filter by state (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, UT, and HI), Alaska region, operating budget size, hours worked, and organizational focus area.

Need help turning data into action? Our HR consultants are available to support your organization every step of the way.

Thank you to our sponsor, Bright Road Wealth Management, for helping make this resource possible.

Purchase the report here: https://www.forakergroup.org/site/index.cfm/store.catalog/?CategoryID=53&ProductID=79

04/28/2026

Our Certificate in Nonprofit Management applications are now open! The program is designed for Alaska nonprofit and tribal leaders to apply classroom lessons to their workplaces, dive into the issues facing Alaska nonprofits today, and build a network of fellow professionals. Applications are due June 12.

Learn more here: https://www.forakergroup.org/site/index.cfm/calendar.catalog_category?typeid=12

04/25/2026

We’re saying farewell (but not goodbye) to longtime team member Chellie Skoog, who has been part of the Foraker family for 13 years. 💙

We celebrate Chellie for the many ways she has shown up—lifting people up, strengthening missions, and moving important work forward. Her keen eye, paired with her kind heart, has made a lasting impact.

Chellie’s legacy will live on in how we engage with others, the services we offer, and the team she helped build. We’re wishing her all the best on her next adventure—and know she won’t be far.

Thank you, Chellie, for all you have done for Foraker and Alaska's nonprofits.