Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) is celebrating 11 years of Visions Awards (Visions) on November 30, 2021, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Visions honors those who act as agents of change in the community, providing leadership to enrich and enliven those whom they serve.

Casey Bakhsh, LCSW and chief programs officer, Tulsa CARES, will be honored with the Inasmuch Special Recognition Award. The award goes to a nonprofit employee who exhibited excellence throughout the past year. The honoree is a nonprofit practitioner who has worked tirelessly to make a difference in the everyday work of a charitable organization.

“Casey was meant to serve others and was immediately drawn to those affected by HIV/AIDS,” said Kate Neary, chief executive officer, Tulsa Cares. “After graduate level therapy training, Casey interned at Tulsa CARES 20 years ago, served in a variety of direct care roles, and now serves as our chief programs officer. Her quality of work and commitment to the agency and our clients is exceptional.”

Much of the staff at Tulsa CARES has been inspired by her work ethic, compassion and professionalism. She has mentored and supervised many long-term staff members and interns who requested to specifically work for her.

Her dedication expands beyond her work at Tulsa CARES. She serves as a community partner in the fields of social work and public health across the state of Oklahoma. She is a volunteer tax preparer for the United Way, North Tulsa Community Coalition, and chair for the Tulsa Fair Housing Commission.

“I have always been passionate about helping people, and once I made the connection between the selfless commitment of social workers and the tremendous impact of a nonprofit organization, I was all in,” said Casey. “Social workers are like modern-day heroes fighting for causes they believe in and showing up day in and day out to make a difference in people’s lives.”

To learn more about the 2021 Visions Awards, visit the OKCNP Visions Awards page: https://okcnp.org/Visions. 

by Craig Clemons

It is difficult to limit today’s successful TOP FUNDRAISING TIPS to under 100 tactics, techniques and best practices, but this was the outcome of a ‘stream of consciousness’ exercise after serving 27 clients and helping organizations raise more than $700 million dollars. As these are not sorted by priority, consider if your organizations are adopting some of these effective tools.

1. Have a written project plan
Run your fundraiser like a small business. Have a written project plan that spells out all goals, processes, roles and responsibilities. Slot motivated individuals (staff, volunteers, vendors…) into those roles and equip them with the tools, resources they need to do a great job.

2.  Build a Campaign

Donors appreciate that your team has created and polished a formal CAMPAIGN (capital, endowment, annual, project or program…) surrounding your organizational needs and serving your mission. Use simple and straightforward elements in your campaign so that sophisticated philanthropists as well as grass roots donors will a) get your message; b) be inspired to give.

3. Use Images

77% of individuals consume/interpret information visually. You’ll raise more if people can ‘see’ and ‘relate’, so be sure to have a campaign BRAND IDENTITY and representative images. It is always a good idea to show benefitted constituents (patients, youth, students, etc.) being blessed by donor charity.

4. Use Visual Renderings

While we are on the subject of tantalizing your prospective donors with visuals, go ahead and commission your architect, a designer or a knowledgeable graphic designer to create and deliver your visual renderings. In our opinion, these are ‘mission critical’ in a capital campaign as prospective (and often sophisticated) donors will ask questions about space, utilization, cost per square foot, access, availability, proximity to key personnel, constituent benefits, etc.

 5. Tie it all Together

Once the Board, Staff and Committee volunteers have decided on a brand identity, logo and look & feel of your campaign, tie all elements together visually for a comprehensive, professional and seamless presentation. Your final graphics could be applied to many elements including presentations, pledge cards, business case collateral, websites, blogs, thank you cards, event invitations, event banners and signage, lapel pins and recognition pieces. 

6. Convey the ‘Why?’

Tell your story behind the reason you’re fundraising. You’ve heard about the importance of a Business Case but if you are crowd-funding or making an annual appeal, try to get your case (cause) down to 90 words or less. Give people a reason to care and a platform to give.

7. Set a Target

Setting a target tends to encourage people to donate more if they recognize that your goal is within reach – but be prepared to increase it as you get closer. Use all available and strategic communication tools and share your target with the world.

8. Make a Promise

Convey to your prospective donors that their gift WILL make a difference. Whether the charitable gift drills a water well in Kenya or sponsors a youth for a camp, be specific about quantity, quality and positive impact (outcomes) with regard to contribution.  Humanize the philanthropic activity at every opportunity.

9. Actively recruit and thank volunteers

Capital, Project or Endowment Campaign Fundraising:
Have your Board, Staff and/or Campaign Committee consider to names in the community to participate as: Chairperson, Co-Chairperson, Committee Members, Area Captains, Alumni Captains, Corporate Captains, Foundation Captains, etc. Give each committed volunteer recognition on your campaign collateral, micro site, blogs, e-newsletters, etc. Have them stand at your special events or gala and be recognized.

Grass Roots Fundraising:
If you have an event, go after great volunteers and ask them to ‘join your cause’. Don’t wait for them to come to you. Use a calling tree to root out prospects. Ask for dads, siblings, sponsors and grandparents to get involved. Advertise for specific help via e-news, social media, announcements and word of mouth. Send an e-blasted communique to your dedicated volunteers for their time, talent, energy and advocacy.

10. Top Sponsors First

When collecting sponsorships, targeting year-end giving or executing a capital campaign, make sure to approach your most generous friends, family members and donors first. Having an influential donor (or several key donors) committing generous gift(s) at the beginning of your campaign. This lends tremendous validity and advocacy. See sample Campaign Pyramid:

11. Naming Opportunities

Speaking of top donors, don’t pass up the chance to speak to Naming Opportunities with regards to five, six and seven figure gifts. While these are typically found in a Capital Campaign, we have seen creative applications in Annual Giving, Endowment Campaigns and Project-centered Fundraisers. And of course naming an activity, program or space of a donor (corporate, individual, foundation…) is simple and affordable by way of digital tools. In fact, have a Graphic Designer do some naming treatment on a special space BEFORE the ask. That way, the prospective donor can ‘see the naming treatment’ with their specific name or corporate logo being featured, honored and publically recognized. See sample Campaign Naming Opportunities:

12. Quiet vs. Public Phase

Your campaign should be nearing 75% to 85% funds raised (Lead Gifts, Corporate Gifts, Foundation Gifts, Matched Gifts…) before you launch your Public Phase. Notes: Never start with the smallest gifts first and hope the larger donors are ‘inspired’ by this commitment (we have never seen this work in reality). Be prepared to feature your star donors (with their permission) when you are ready to launch Public Phase. Their Photos, Videos, Quotes…can be shared via Blogs, Websites, e-Newsletters, PR announcements, etc. See sample Campaign Visual:

13. Customize!

There is often no such thing as over-customization…meaning you should ‘get personal’ with your message and solicitation. In a capital campaign, consider tweaking the Title Page to say ‘Developed for Mr. and Mrs. Johnson’. In e-campaign solicitation, use variable data within your system (e.g. Constant Contact, MailChimp) to specifically address your prospect by their name.

14. Keep your Supporters Up-to-Date

Let supporters know how you are doing by updating your page often. Whether you’ve smashed a micro-campaign goal or had a setback (e.g. campaign temporarily halted due to pandemic…), keeping your followers in-the-know will let them see how they are part of a difference-making cause. And of course, encourage them to donate more and tell their friends! Here’s an example of how share Campaign Update (on the web) via linear graph:

15. Encourage and Recognize Givers

Make the fundraising experience more ‘real’ by sharing a variety of inclusive constituents. Let others know that 100% of the Board of Directors has given; 100% of all Staff Associates have given; 100% of all Committee Volunteers have given; 100% of applicable students have given (even if it is a small donation…). Have fun communicating that your campaign is well-received and that many constituents have been inspired to give.

16. House Parties

Ask anyone who knows the Clemons & Associate fundraising methodologies and professional coaching and two words will come up: House Parties. Used to successful raise the first $108M in a $300M Capital Campaign, this tool can have a 70% close rate. Amazing! Be sure to work with your host on RSVP and registration and complement this effective tactic with a donor’s personalized Testimonial Story.

17. Fly-Through Videos

If you are in a Capital Campaign, we HIGHLY recommend a fly-through visual of your finished facility (new or remodeling project). This gives prospective donors a professional, polished and impactful glimpse of your completed facility and exactly what they are investing in philanthropically. Add some inspiration music and keep time between two and five minutes. See fly-through example we created for a $10M campaign to re-located a faith-based school in Western Oklahoma: https://www.cornbible.org/grow-cba-campaign

18. Show Smiling Examples of your Difference-making results

Whether your campaigns are annual, endowment, capital or project/program oriented, show your audience (through a variety of media) the smiles of impacted constituents. This could represent patients going through medical adversity, youth, artists, homeless individuals, tribal members celebrating new water wells in third-world countries, etc.

19. Matching Funds
Ask corporate or private sponsors for matching donation as a percentage match. Many large corporations are eager to place their brand on one of their favorite causes…and a private donor will enjoy the ‘leverage’ (inspiration) that his gift will have. You might even look for grants who find this dynamic attractive. See how we leveraged 1:1 giving in a $10 million Endowment Campaign:

20. Have a Stewardship Plan

Before you raise the first dollar, ensure all stakeholders understand the Stewardship Plan designed to successfully recognize, thank and steward your donors. Have a plan which is ‘tiered’ with regard to recognizing four, five, six and seven figure gifts. In fact, have a staff member dedicated to this important element as it is key for a) proper donor recognition; b) positive public relations and branding for your organization; and c) helps position the organization for the NEXT successful campaign. See website showing strong examples of Stewardship Plans https://www.clemons-associates.com/

21. Don’t Stop at the Finish Line

Almost a quarter of donations can come in after the gala, campaign or event window (and many Family Foundations wish to be ‘closers’ at the end of a campaign…) so send a final update packed full of achievements, milestone accomplishments and reminders to your target audience at each milestone including the FINISH! Donors may catch the momentum and donate once you’re done!

by Craig Clemons

Good Gravy! Quit boring your audience to death. Far too often, fundraisers, volunteers and well-meaning Board Members put audiences to sleep instead of delivering an informative, compelling and inspirational message.

Below are some flawed techniques and deliveries…along with considerations for a better (more effective) approach.

Some General Rules: The average presentation should run no more than 15-25 minutes. Best Practices ‘sprinkle in’ a hand-raising survey, audience interactivity, animation, a fly-through video, a testimonial speaker (2-3 minutes is nice) or some other interactive element. Go ahead and promise your audience that you will deliver remarks/wrap up in 20 minutes and cover Q&A at the end. This sets up focused attention and (hopefully) no one will be studying their smart device for this short window.

So here are 7 bad approaches observed by Clemons & Associates:

1. Too long, too much information. If using a visual slide show (and 77% of individuals receive information visually so this is a good idea), limit to no more than 15-20 slides and 1-3 concepts/bullets per slide. A good rule of thumb (average pace) is :60 second per slide.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice on delivering a high-energy, authentically-impassioned presentation. If a presentation is boring, 10 minutes can seem like 10 hours.

3. Reading the slides. Don’t you dare read the same text word for word represented on the screen. Your audience is not likely a class of 4th Graders.

5. Lack of interactivity or testimonials. You can wear your Sunday best and be a supreme orator but you will get the audience’s full attention if you showcase an Educator, Student, Staffer, Recipient…whose life was/is changed from a benevolent gift. Be thinking how to curate, direct and facilitate meaningful ‘story sharing’ moments from select constituents.

7. Room Set-Up and Technology. I highly suggest these three tactics: a) ask host about smart TV, monitor/screen, speaker array and ability to ‘screen share’ from your PC; b) arrive early (one hour?), set up and test systems; work through all bugs and check visuals and audio; c) have a back-up plan in place which might involve a friendly technician should things go awry.

Now that we’ve covered the “Seven Sins,” the below tactics will help deliver an impactful, beautiful and effective (high close rate) presentation:

1. Interactivity. Think of the endless opportunities for the speaker to interact with a top donor, an impassioned staffer, a thankful student/program recipient, a special volunteer, a committed Board Member or other representative.

BONUS IDEA: If a donor is in the room which gave six or seven figures in the last campaign, highlight his/her philanthropic spirit and ask if they will share a few comments (give them notice in advance and gain their permission; they will likely appreciate a few notes surrounding metrics/outcomes from last campaign).

2. Enthusiasm and Passion. It’s a crying shame when so much energy/effort takes place to successfully gather stakeholders, prospects…only to fail on message delivery with the right amount of inspiration, motivation and enthusiastic messaging.

3. Length and Structure. Practice delivery with your team, volunteers, spouse or dog at home ensuring you can deliver all points (and include your metaphors, humor and antidotes in your practice) aiming for specific allotted time before taking Q&A.

4. Clear Message. Be sure to limit your key points to three or four concepts and be sure they are well-framed and thoughtfully positioned (crystal clear). Practice on a ‘mock audience’ before standing in front of donors/business leaders/philanthropists.

5. Visuals. We are HUGE fans of visuals. We worked with a media agency and spent $35,000 on a branded campaign film to enthusiastically explain our project with music, voice over and high-end renderings (we raised $108 million in three years). The point is: you might want to spend operational monies in order to compellingly communicate opportunity via Fly-Through, Video, Animation, Live Streaming with recipients or stakeholders or other visually-rich element.

6. The ‘Ask’. 99% of the time, you should deliver the Call to Action and make the ‘ask’ at the end of your campaign presentation and compelling case for support. Don’t be shy; your audience is usually sophisticated and wants to know ‘what is it you are looking for’ anyway. Be genuine. Be honest. Be diplomatic but passionate in your solicitation. And genuinely thank your audience for their time, attention and consideration.

7. Post Presentation. Be sure to engage all key attendees (the donors) even if it’s a quick handshake, hug or expression of appreciation. If you get a “come see me” from an attendee, this is usually a good sign you have inspired their philanthropic intentions and a pledge/gift could be discussed at your coffee meeting.

Read the original oped  published by the Journal Record on  June 30, 2021

Oped by Marnie Taylor, president & CEO, OKCNP

Last year’s pandemic and economic downturn affected each of us differently. Some lost a loved one. Some lost a job. Others caught the COVID-19 virus and quickly recovered. Others who caught the illness are still grappling with its lingering effects. Medical professionals call them “long-haulers.” Much like the patients who are living with the virus’s aftermath, Oklahoma’s nonprofit community is unraveling the unforeseen impacts of the 18-month pandemic.

When nationwide unemployment skyrocketed to 14.8% in April 2020, a large portion of it was the 1.6 million jobs lost from the charitable sector, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits found that nearly a quarter of nonprofits in the state eliminated at least one position. That number would have been much higher if not for the $478.4 million in PPP loans the Small Business Administration gave almost 4,000 charities. The sector’s long-term challenge is identifying when to rehire employees while concurrently welcoming staff members back to the office.

The pandemic hit nonprofits with a one-two punch. As funding decreased, 60% of Oklahoma nonprofits saw an increased demand for services. Most had difficulty meeting that need. Nonprofit professionals have an infinite capacity for helping others, but when the need is too great, an emotional weight bears down. From compassion fatigue to burnout, our sector is and will be confronting it all.

Going forward, it’s crucial that all nonprofit leaders address what the American Psychological Association calls “the country’s mental health crisis.”

The various federal funding packages aimed at COVID-19 relief insulated nonprofits from destruction, but the long-term impacts of the giving decline will be here for a while. The new Giving USA study found that donations increased 3.8% when adjusting for inflation, but the money was unequally distributed. Most of it went to the nation’s largest human services organizations. Arts, culture and humanities organizations saw a $19.47 billion decline. In Oklahoma, 26% of nonprofits saw a decrease of more than $100,000 in philanthropic gifts. It will take years for our sector to financially recover.

The services the charitable community provides Oklahomans are essential for our state’s well-being – mental health services, food, housing and health care to name a few. Our resilient, determined nature, coupled with generous funders, will ensure that our sector continues to help those in need, but it will not be easy. Many of the impacts have yet to be seen. The pandemic’s immediate effects will linger for years, but as our sector has proven time and time again, we will not waver. We are in this for the long haul.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Marnie Taylor, President and CEO of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP), is now the Board Chair of the National Council of Nonprofits. Taylor spent two years as the Board’s Vice Chair while working as the President and CEO of OKCNP, a statewide association representing the charitable sector.

 “The work of the National Council is felt in every nonprofit in this country,” Taylor said. “Our state has benefited enormously from the advocacy and policy work, and we have connections throughout the country to learn and share together so that we have the strongest economic sector in America.”  

Taylor cited the organization’s strong past leadership that includes former board chair and OSU-Tulsa President Emeritus Howard Barnett. Taylor will succeed Donna Murray-Brown, President and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association.  

“I come in on the heels of an incredible woman, leader and friend,” Taylor said. “I can’t thank her enough for her partnership over the past two years. She leaves me with a big role to fill and I am excited for the challenge.”  

Tim Delaney, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, believes Taylor’s strong understanding of organizational governance, strategy, public policy, strong ethics and accountability will continue the Council’s growth.  

“Marnie Taylor’s peers – accomplished nonprofit leaders from across the country – unanimously selected Marnie to serve as Chair of our national board of directors because they respect and value Marnie’s strong leadership skills and longstanding dedication to the vital work of charitable nonprofits,” Delaney said. “They recognize that our network of nonprofits – the largest in the country – will benefit by having Marnie’s special blend of inspiring vision and practical insights.” 

Taylor believes the sector will continue to change America for the good.  

“If you know me, I quote John Wesley all the time,” Taylor said. “Do all the good you can. That’s the power of our sector – doing good. We need a lot of that good in our communities and our country right now, and nonprofits are going to lead that race.”  

For more information about the National Council of Nonprofits, visit www.councilofnonprofits.org.

The demand for human services is greater than ever. The pandemic coupled with past cuts to social programs have stretched the nonprofit sector to its limit. Now, as lawmakers debate Governor Stitt’s $8.3 billion budget plan, it is imperative that legislators come to an agreement that does not include reduced funding to critical programs.

Oklahoma’s philanthropic community stands ready and eager to assist our communities. During the pandemic, the nonprofit sector took the place of the state’s grocery stores, mental health providers, child care agencies and employment advocates. Yes, private charities are positioned to be more nimble and less bureaucratic than government programs. However, they need government funding to effectively and efficiently address today’s societal issues. Nearly 32% of nonprofits’ revenue comes from the government through grants and contracts. Without those dollars, the sector cannot continue to lift up communities.

Government funding for programs is essential. No other sector or organization can provide the amount of support our state does. Oklahoma’s funding stretches across economic segments then trickles down to various areas. Charitable entities are not equipped to handle such a wide array of need. There is no denying that the 6,676 Oklahoma nonprofits that reported income with the IRS are financially powerful – collectively they have more than $13 billion in revenue – but those funds are far better when they can be used for innovative programs and strategies aimed at preventing and eliminating systemic issues negatively impacting Oklahomans.

Charitable organizations are victims of the same economic cycles as the rest of society. Giving falls when it’s most needed. During the pandemic, nearly half of Oklahoma nonprofits received less grant funding than they expected. Some 54% have “low or very low” confidence that revenue goals will be met in this fiscal year. These budgetary concerns are magnified by the fact that 60% of organizations had to cancel or postpone fundraisers – a major source of nonprofit dollars.

It is also of note that taxation does not greatly affect giving. National research shows that while lower taxes might result in a minimal rise in donations, the funds do not offset the reduction in tax revenue at the state level. A fair tax burden on all Oklahomans must be part of the budget process.

Philanthropic giving is not solely synonymous with helping those in need. There are, of course, many who give to organizations that fulfill basic needs – food bank, medical clinics and housing relief programs. There is a larger portion, however, who support organizations that serve the arts, higher education and animals – to name a few. According to Giving USA, most charitable dollars in America go to religion. Government funding helps Oklahomans put food on the table and a roof over their heads. Charities cannot replace those programs, but they can expand them.

Nonprofits’ goal is to create a world where they don’t have to exist. That is not our current reality. Oklahoma nonprofits work tirelessly to make our state better, but we cannot replace government. It is vital that lawmakers pass a balanced budget that funds the services so many rely on for their survival.  

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) will host the 2021 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards on April 24, 2021, in Tulsa, with limited attendance. The event will be livestreamed on OKCNP’s website as well. Leading up to the event, OKCNP is celebrating the 21 Oklahoma nonprofit finalists in seven categories. Circle Cinema is a finalist in the Arts and Humanities category.

Founded in 2002, Circle Cinema is Tulsa’s only nonprofit, art house cinema and film arts organization. It has helped preserve local film history through restoration of the 1928 theatre building, making it Tulsa’s last standing historic movie theater. The location is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Circle Cinema’s mission is “to use film to foster understanding and appreciation of the diversity of the human experience and create community among the viewers in the restored Circle Cinema.”

Located in downtown Tulsa, Circle Cinema services 75,000 patrons every year, spanning all ages.

The theatre offers matinees, evening and late night films, weekend screenings and a free-matinee series in the summer for youth. Circle Cinema also offers foreign-language film programs allowing them to serve those whose primary language is not English.

Circle Cinema curated film showings include first runs, repertory, classic, documentary, foreign-language, historical and Oklahoma-made films. In addition, the nonprofit partners with schools to bring educational films that tie closely to classroom curriculum.

Adding to the experience, Circle Cinema creates opportunities to experience silent films with live musical accompaniment played on the original 1928 theatre pipe organ.

Circle Cinema has expanded on traditional film screen experiences to include guest speakers, celebrities and asked for audience participation creating interactive film experiences.

Circle Cinema’s wide variety of programing, film curation and topics allows it to connect with individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Employees work to provide a welcoming and safe environment that allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together and experience film.

To learn more about Circle Cinema visit their website: https://www.circlecinema.org/.

The ONE Awards is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits statewide. The ONE Awards also serves as the primary fundraising event for OKCNP. Proceeds from the ONE Awards enable OKCNP to serve communities throughout Oklahoma.

To learn more about the OKCNP ONE Awards or to watch the event, visit: https://www.okcnp.org/page/one-awards.

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) will host the 2021 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards on April 24, 2021, in Tulsa, with limited attendance. The event will be livestreamed on OKCNP’s website as well. Leading up to the event, OKCNP is celebrating the 21 Oklahoma nonprofit finalists in seven categories. Sisu Youth Services (Sisu) is a finalist in the Youth category.

“Sisu is honored to be recognized among some of the finest nonprofits in our state,” said Jamie Caves, executive director, Sisu. “I am extremely appreciative of the long days and nights that our staff, volunteers and board of directors put in this year; and incredibly proud of the change we’ve affected and growth we’ve achieved. OKCNP sets the standard for organizations driving change in our community; their reputation and high expectations lend credibility to our small nonprofit and empower us to continue pressing onward.”

Founded in 2015, Sisu serves 300 homeless and at-risk-youth, ages 15-14, every year across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Its mission is “to ensure that youth experiencing homelessness have a safe place to sleep, the security to dream, and the support to make a positive impact on the world.”

Sisu’s programs include a drop-in resource center that offers access to warm meals, a clothing closet, food pantry, laundry, hygiene services and connection to resources. Sisu partners with other organizations to provide mental health services, HIV testing, pregnancy prevention, physical health, life skills training and connections to educational and employment opportunities. The organization also has an 18-bed emergency youth shelter for find themselves experiencing homelessness.

The team at Sisu focuses on document recovery, educational support and helping remove other barriers that prevent youth from obtaining sustainable housing. Staff works with youth to build the skills necessary to get and retain housing.

“Sisu is a place for people who don’t have anywhere else to go, but in reality, when I think about the people who were at Sisu when I was, I see people who have been through more trauma than I could ever imagine,” said Sally, a former client, Sisu.

Sally has benefited from Sisu’s services and has not only obtained sustainable housing, she is now perusing a degree in social work.

Sisu prides itself on being an affirming space for youth who identify as LGBTQ and recognizes the importance of affirmation in suicide prevention.

“I see people who have jobs, but cannot afford an apartment,” said Sally. “I have seen teen moms who were abandoned by their boyfriends. I have seen kids who have been kicked out for identifying as gay. The thing that tied us all together, wasn’t our homelessness, it wasn’t Sisu. It was that we were all human beings who had our own struggles that led us to that point. That is what Sisu is, and who the people at Sisu are. It is a reminder that we are all human beings who deserve to have their needs met, no matter our experiences or mistakes.”

To learn more about Sisu Youth Services visit their website: https://www.sisuyouth.org/.

The ONE Awards is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits statewide. The ONE Awards also serves as the primary fundraising event for OKCNP. Proceeds from the ONE Awards enable OKCNP to serve communities throughout Oklahoma.

To learn more about the OKCNP ONE Awards or to watch the event, visit: https://www.okcnp.org/page/one-awards.