Alumni of the Foundation’s Sabbatical Program gathered in 2023 for a celebration. (Photo by Matt Waliszek)

Sabbatical Program offers leaders of nonprofits and Tribal organizations paid time away to reset and refresh.

6 Sabbatical Awards to support Alaska nonprofit and Tribal leaders in 2022.
$227,400Total to organizations in 2022 for salaries and other expenses during the leader’s time away.

Time away helps a leader see herself

Joann Horn was exceptionally qualified to serve as executive director of Emmonak Women’s Shelter, yet the work was increasingly heavy.

The Southwestern Alaska community relied on the 24-7 shelter to fix all kinds of things. Life was “get up, go to work, come home, rush to cook, rush to clean, rush to do laundry.”

Horn needed to remember who she was. She got her chance in 2022 through a Sabbatical Award that provided three months of paid time away. Her staff grew more fully into their jobs. She got time to sew. The family went on a Hawaii vacation. “This three-month leave made me realize what I was like before.”

A $31,500 Sabbatical Award supported her time away.