by Marnie Taylor, president and CEO, OKCNP

Read original oped posted by the Journal Record on August 4, 2021

Not much captures imaginations in Oklahoma like news of $1.87 billion pouring into our state’s government. The American Rescue Plan Act funding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Oklahomans to correct the systemic problems that have plagued our state for generations. It is also a unique opportunity for government and nonprofits – two sectors that serve the public’s interests – to work together to expand the funding’s influence.

The more than 5,000 active nonprofits in Oklahoma have improved our state’s landscape. Their work addressing food insecurity, education gaps and health disparities, to name a few, has brought lasting social and economic changes that directly benefit Oklahomans. Additional funding and resources from the government would mean more people facing socioeconomic challenges would get the assistance they need.

Nonprofits are masters at doing a lot with a little. Most of Oklahoma’s best charities send 80% or more of every dollar back into the community. They keep overhead low and focus on how to stretch every donation in order to serve clients better. The decision on where and how to spend the $1.87 billion will not be simple by any means. It should be noted though that nonprofits can and will plunge whatever funding they receive straight into responding to the public health emergency that COVID-19 created.

The generosity of nonprofit funders is the sector’s lynchpin. Every year, they donate millions to help Oklahoma’s charitable causes. Their support is unique to our community and strengthens our ability to serve Oklahomans. Nonprofits can combine whatever government funding they receive with donors’ gifts, magnifying their growth, reach and abilities.

The partnership between nonprofits and Oklahoma’s government has been one of mutual trust and shared goals. The opportunity that the historic ARPA funding presents cannot be overlooked. By working together, the two sectors that were built on public service can serve Oklahomans better.