Endings and Beginnings

The end of 2022 is almost upon us, and what an ending it’s been! This quarter has been filled with a flurry of activity and news for our state’s nonprofit sector. After more than 18 months of advocacy efforts, Oklahoma nonprofits finally received a $25 million grant program to help ease the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank everyone who worked diligently on these advocacy efforts, especially the members of my staff at the Center.

Speaking of funding, November 29 marked the 10th anniversary of the global philanthropic phenomenon known as Giving Tuesday. People and organizations in every single country in the world set new records, with a 25% increase in giving since 2020. The United States alone raised $3.1 billion in support for causes and nonprofit organizations. There is a spirit of generosity at work in the world right now that astonishes me, and I cannot wait to see the growth in 2023 that results from seeds planted this year.

A project I am personally very excited about will see some of that growth next year. It has been a dream of mine for years to create a state-of-the-art hub of training, advocacy and collaboration for our members, as well as for other nonprofits around the state. The October 4 groundbreaking of the future home of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits represents a huge step forward in realizing that dream. By this time next year, the Center will be able to serve you on a whole new level.

Service was the word of the night at our annual Visions Awards, which were held on Giving Tuesday. This ceremony never fails to thrill me as I witness the work being done by our honorees, and I invite you to hear their stories. We were fortunate to have a very special guest this year: Tim Delaney, my good friend and President of the National Council of Nonprofits. Tim holds the Oklahoma nonprofit sector in high regard and shared very uplifting words about the work being done here. You and I know the magnitude of need in our local communities, and there is some gratification in knowing that your dedication to the mission has been noticed and appreciated across the country.

As neighbors and as communities, we have all been through so much over the past three years. I truly believe, however, that we are entering a period of new growth and boundless potential. It is in that spirit that I share the words of English author G.K. Chesterton:

“The object of a New Year is not that we should simply have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. For unless one starts afresh, one will certainly do nothing effective. Let us make New Year resolutions, but not only resolutions to be good. Also resolutions to notice that we have feet, and to thank them for carrying us.”

In the year to come, remember to care for yourselves, so that you may have the strength to care for others. I look forward to seeing all the good you will do.

With Gratitude,

Marnie Taylor

President and CEO, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits