Photo description: We connected with previous sabbatical recipients at our 2025 Sabbatical Luncheon at The Foraker Group’s Leadership Summit.

Hello Alaska,

Summer in Alaska has a way of pulling us into motion. The long days and the light that never quite fades invite us to keep going, to make the most of every hour. Even in this season of momentum, there’s a quiet reminder: we need to pause, too. One of my former leaders would say, “Rest is a weapon.” Rest isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s how we sustain the work that matters most.

Since 2004, Rasmuson Foundation’s Sabbatical Awards have offered nonprofit and tribal leaders the chance to do just that: step back, recharge, and return with a fresh perspective. The program is simple but powerful. Three to four months away from daily demands, with support in place so your organization can continue to thrive. More than 120 leaders across Alaska have taken this step, and their stories remind us that rest is not a retreat from responsibility; it’s a way to lead forward.

We know the realities you face. You may be the only paid staff member. You may wear every hat. You may be worried about the future. And still, with the right plan, a sabbatical can work. That’s why we partner with The Foraker Group and the Alaska Tribal Administrators Association to help you prepare. From pre-planning and board engagement to support during the sabbatical to re-entry, you’ll have guidance every step of the way to ensure your organization is supported, and even thrives, while you’re away.

We’re also grateful to GCI, which generously provides each sabbatical recipient with a new phone. It’s a small but powerful gesture, one that symbolizes a clean break from work and a fresh start, to encourage rest. A number no one has helps leaders truly unplug, knowing they can return recharged and reconnected.

If you’re thinking, “I could never take that much time away,” you’re not alone. Many of the leaders who benefit most from this program started in the same place. Sometimes it takes more than one nudge to realize: I need this, and the time is now.

So consider this a gentle nudge, from me to you. And if you are a Generation Xer like me, I’ll nudge you again.

Applications for the 2026 Sabbatical Awards are open now. Learn more at rasmuson.org/find-funding/sabbatical-program.

Thank you for all you do,