Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) is celebrating 10 years of VISIONS on December 1, 2020, virtually.

The Visions Awards honors those who act as agents of change in the community, providing leadership to enrich and enliven those whom they serve. These men and women are thoughtful, passionate, tenacious, and creative in seeking out solutions to problems that affect change. They inspire others with their conviction and drive, give a voice to those without, and act with the highest integrity to provide Oklahomans with resources otherwise not available. Visions recognizes these great men and women as passionate champions of service to Oklahoma.

Over the next few weeks leading up to the event, we will spotlight each of the honorees.

Frank Merrick formed Foundation Management (FM) in 2000 with the knowledge and perspective needed to assist others with their philanthropic goals. When he started FM, there was one staff member and three clients. FM has since grown to a staff of 10, serving over 17 management clients and more than 250 nonprofit consulting clients.

Their private foundation management programming includes police development, administrative services, asset management, grantmaking, regulatory matters, foundation accounting and board retreats. In addition, they provide public charity management, hospital conversion foundation management, corporate philanthropy management and consulting.

In 2001, the first clients of FM (Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, Philip Boyle Foundation and The Merrick Foundation) gave 252 grants totaling $936,541. In 2018, their 17 clients gave $11 million and managed $254 million in assets.

The grants they gave in 2018 supported arts, culture, humanities, animal welfare, community development, education, health and wellness, human services, religious institutions and others.

Frank is being honored with The President’s Award. This award goes to an individual(s) as a special recognition of the President and CEO of OKCNP.

“Frank is one of those people that everyone needs to have on speed dial,” said Marnie Taylor, president and CEO, OKCNP. “He is a friend, a mentor, confidante and a really great community partner. His expertise in nonprofits, governance, philanthropy and Oklahoma communities is like no one else’s. Frank has taught me so much. We can share, collaborate and even commiserate. Frank is a blessing – for me and the sector. I couldn’t think of a better recipient of this award.”

Past honorees of The President’s Award include Dr. Robert L. Spinks, Beth Short and Bill Citty.

For more information about Visions 2020 visit: https://www.oklahomacenterfornonprofits.org/connect/visions/