Rasmuson Foundation Expands Sabbatical Program, Announces Oct. 1 Deadline

July 8, 2008 - PRLog -- Anchorage – This year executives from tribes and all nonprofit sectors will be eligible to apply for the 2009 Rasmuson Foundation Sabbatical Program that is designed to provide time away from the office for rest, personal renewal and professional growth. The postmark deadline for applications is Oct. 1, 2008.  

Those who hold the positions of CEO, president, executive director or tribal administrator can apply by downloading application materials from the Rasmuson Foundation website www.rasumson.org. In addition, anyone knowing a nonprofit or tribal leader that would benefit from a Sabbatical can nominate that person online at the website, and an application package will be mailed to their nominee.

"Leaders of Alaska’s nonprofits and tribal governments shoulder incredible responsibility for the health and well-being of their communities,” said Rasmuson Foundation President Diane Kaplan. “The hours are long, the demands intense and the resources are sometimes scarce. We believe that by giving these leaders a chance to rest, renew and recharge, their organizations will be stronger and Alaskans will reap the benefits.”

Many participants who have completed the program credit their sabbatical with preventing professional and emotional burn-out. Sabbatical program recipients have spent time reconnecting with family, traveling, and pursuing personal interests. Organizations have also benefited as boards and staff members assume additional responsibility during their leaders’ absence.

There have been 20 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. The application requires a written plan for how the organization will be managed in the leader's absence and a letter from the organization's board endorsing their executive's decision to apply for the sabbatical.

“For five years the Foundation exclusively awarded sabbaticals to individuals serving health and social service organizations,” explained program officer Sammye Pokryfki. "As the program matured it became clear that sabbaticals would be beneficial to organizations and individuals from across the entire nonprofit sector. So for the first time this year, the Sabbatical Program will be available to all Alaska nonprofit CEOs and tribal leaders.”

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 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.

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