Applications open April 14 for Rasmuson Foundation’s Sabbatical Awards, which supports the opportunity for nonprofit leaders and tribal administrators to rest, reflect, and recharge. Up to eight Alaska organizations will each receive $50,000 to support a sabbatical lasting 90 to 120 days.

The Sabbatical Awards recognize the value of allowing leaders to take time away for personal renewal. Tribal and nonprofit leaders can better serve their organizations and remain in the sector longer when they have the support to fully step away from their work, focus on rest and rejuvenation, and then return to their organizations with revitalized enthusiasm.

The award is more than a gift of time and funding. Through partnership with The Foraker Group and the Alaska Tribal Administrators Association, designated organizations receive support before, during, and after the leader’s sabbatical, including assistance with preparing for the leader’s absence and strategies for reintegration after the sabbatical ends.

“So many of our leaders fully dedicate themselves to their work, often setting aside their personal needs to focus on the needs of their employees and the people they serve,” said Gretchen Guess, president and CEO of Rasmuson Foundation. “The Sabbatical Awards are meant to encourage leaders to invest in personal renewal. When our leaders thrive, so do their organizations.”

In addition to providing restorative time to nonprofit leaders and tribal administrators, the sabbatical program nurtures leadership from within, as other staff members step into temporary roles while their executives are absent.

Interested organizations can learn more about the application process during our next Funding Basics session, Friday, April 17, at noon. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions of program staff. Register for the session here.

To be eligible for the Sabbatical Awards, organizations must be an Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofit or tribal entity. The leader must have at least five years’ experience in their current leadership position and must have worked in the sector for seven years. Additional application eligibility information and program details are available at rasmuson.org/sabbatical-program.

Applications are open through Tuesday, June 23, 2026.