I think everyone was glad to see 2020 end on Dec. 31. While most of us were celebrating privately this year, we are all looking forward to the future. 

I want to say that while 2020 was traumatic for our sector, nonprofits have much to celebrate. We never closed - we continued to serve our clients and communities through trusted, hardworking leadership. We adapted - our nonprofits found clever ways to connect with those we serve, our donors and our stakeholders. We planned - more than half of Oklahoma organizations created emergency plans, contingencies or new strategic plans to operate in a new normal. 

We made it! I applaud our sector. 

This new year of 2021 brings us some hope. With the rollout of vaccines, the idea of "normalcy" is now starting to take shape. While it will still be many months off, we are all beginning to see a glimmer of light at the end of this tunnel. Just before the end of the year, a federal stimulus package was signed that will offer nonprofits access to further PPP loans through the small business administration. It extends a charitable gift incentive to 2021. We are fortunate that nonprofits continue to be included, recognized for the important role we play in not only our communities but economic sector as a whole. 

Nonprofits continue to be "guarded" in their outlook for this year. Demand continues to run high, donations will take more work to solicit and receive, and leadership including management and boards will have to continue the hard conversations we had in 2020. I am certain our sector will prevail. 

This year, I urge all Oklahomans to continue their support for their favorite local charities. I encourage you to find innovative ways to volunteer. Be a cheerleader for the missions you care about. Donate to nonprofits. And most of all, be a champion for the sector. 

Let's make 2021 the best it can be by supporting our incredible nonprofit sector.