“In my first five years, I took one vacation. That’s not healthy.”

“A lot of people think sabbatical has to be about self-improvement. I worked as hard as I could to do absolutely nothing on my sabbatical.”

“I knew that if I wanted to keep doing what I love, something had to change.”

Major league burnout is a common hazard of nonprofit leadership. The stories one sees and hears – such as 80-hour work weeks and years without a real vacation – reinforce the very real and practical need for executives to take meaningful time out. That’s what Rasmuson Foundation’s Sabbatical Program offers Alaska nonprofit and tribal executives.

October 1 is the deadline for applications. Now entering its 10th year, the program offers awards up to $40,000 to cover salary and expenses incurred during the executive’s absence.

Research shows that when nonprofit leaders engage in well-planned sabbaticals, the results can transcend the individual to reach the organization itself. An extended leave can lead to new perspectives for the leader, the board and staff, and often energizes organizational innovation. (Download the Creative Disruption: Sabbaticals for Capacity Building and Leadership Development in the Nonprofit Sector here.)

Executives from tribes and all nonprofit sectors are eligible to apply. Applicants must hold the position of CEO, president, executive director, or tribal administrator. The program is designed to provide time away from the office for rest, personal renewal and professional growth.

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.

Applications may be downloaded from the Rasmuson Foundation website. Leaders can also be nominated online. Individuals nominated must also complete and submit an application.

The primary criteria for selection are 1) the benefit of the sabbatical to the individual and the organization; 2) demonstrated ability of the organization to sustain itself in the executive’s absence; and 3) the executive’s demonstrated level of performance and leadership within the organization. Personal interviews with finalists play a major role in the decision process. The process is competitive.

Since the first sabbaticals were awarded in 2005, dozens of Alaskans have gone on Sabbatical through the program. Search past recipients here. Guidelines and application materials are available on our website or by calling (907) 297-2700 or toll free (within Alaska) at 1-877-366-2700.