Contact: Sammye Pokryfki
2007 Rasmuson Foundation Nonprofit Sabbatical deadline October 1
Anchorage - The Rasmuson Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2007 Nonprofit Leaders Sabbatical Program. The postmark deadline for applications is Oct. 1, 2006. The annual program is designed to provide time off for executive directors and chief executive officers of health and human service agencies in Alaska for personal growth and renewal.
“The people who run nonprofit health and human service agencies are incredibly dedicated individuals working in intense environments for long hours,” said president Diane Kaplan. “The Foundation values high-performing and effective leaders, and through this program, we hope to help prevent job-related stress and burn-out."
There have been 10 sabbatical recipients since the program began in 2004. Sabbaticals can run from two to six continuous months. Each grant awarded can total up to $30,000 to cover salary and expenses incurred during the sabbatical.
Applicants must be employed by a 501(c)(3) health and human services organization to be eligible for the grant. Tribal executives who spend in excess of 50% of their time managing health and social services are eligible to apply. The application requires a plan for how the organization will be managed in the leader’s absence as well as a letter from the organization’s board endorsing their executive’s decision to apply for the sabbatical.
“The decision to take a sabbatical may require months of advance planning by both the executive of an organization and the board,” explained program officer Sammye Pokryfki. “We want to give organizations sufficient time to discuss and prepare for this opportunity."
The two primary criteria for selection are the benefit of the sabbatical for the individual and the organization and the demonstrated ability of the organization to sustain itself in the executive’s absence. Personal interviews with finalists play a major role in the decision process.
Guidelines and application materials are available here at the Foundation’s website or by calling (907) 297-2700 or toll free (within Alaska) at 1-877-366-2700.
About the Foundation
The Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson to honor her late husband “E.A.” Rasmuson. The Foundation is a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans.
-30-
