
Without work, who are we?
Before Lisa Busch went on sabbatical in 2022, she had three goals: meditate, spend time with older relatives and row. She did all that and more.
Read MoreThe Foundation believes nonprofit CEOs/executive directors and tribal administrators are able to better serve their organizations when they have taken extended time away to refresh and reflect on their work, gain insight into what they want to accomplish in their careers, learn better ways to run their organizations, and renew their personal energy. According to a study supported in part by Rasmuson Foundation, sabbaticals can help executives return to their jobs with renewed enthusiasm and allow their organizations to nurture up-and-coming talent within their ranks.
A Rasmuson Foundation selection committee that includes staff, board members and past sabbatical awardees takes a number of factors into consideration but are interested primarily in two things: the benefit of a sabbatical to both the organization and the executive, and the quality of the plan to ensure the organization’s sustainability during the sabbatical.
There is no expectation that participants enroll in courses to advance their professional career. The sabbatical program is intended to provide participants an opportunity to engage in activities for personal renewal.
Rasmuson Foundation gives priority to organizations that can demonstrate 100% of the board has contributed financially to the organization in the last 12 months. Tribal organizations are excluded from that requirement.
Some organizations temporarily promote an interim leader from within. Other organizations distribute the chief executive’s responsibilities among existing staff. The Foundation provides technical support to ensure success. The Foraker Group or the Alaska Tribal Administrators Association can advise participating organizations on management during the leader’s absence. A sabbatical will not be awarded if the selection committee concludes upon assessment that the organization would be unable to sustain itself.
Nonprofit and tribal leaders are encouraged to apply for these awards. Applications open in early summer and close at the end of summer for sabbaticals to be taken the following year. During the open period, leaders can apply online below.
Individuals may nominate candidates for a Sabbatical Award by emailing sabbatical@rasmuson.org. The nominee still will need to apply.
Before Lisa Busch went on sabbatical in 2022, she had three goals: meditate, spend time with older relatives and row. She did all that and more.
Read MoreDarlene Supplee said the time away gave her “time to breathe, learn, rest,” so she could return to Alaska stronger and better.
Read MoreMariya Lovishchuk, executive director of the Glory Hall shelter program in Juneau, Alaska, says she had been going at full speed for years before receiving time off through a sabbatical award in 2022.
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