We find ourselves at the turn of another year, gifted the opportunity to take stock of the last and make plans for the new. Today, we may only be halfway through it, but it seems we will someday look back on the decade of the 2020s as a time of transformative change. Through the pandemic, record inflation, major policy shifts and the cultural transitions that come with it all, many of us who have been in the workforce a long time may agree that many of the ways we do business won’t look the same in the future as they have in the past. This is especially true of the nonprofit sector, which has been on the above-described rollercoaster ride along with everyone else, and additionally has experienced major, systemic changes in 2025 to the nonprofit funding environment. This includes but is not limited to cancellations of government contracts and grants as well as increased competition for private charitable funds, among myriad other factors. With all this in mind, year-end charitable giving is as important as ever! Both charitable giving by individuals and volunteerism have been on the decline for the past two decades. The rising cost of living we’re all feeling this year is only likely to continue this trend. Simultaneously, we know Oklahoma is a state of great need. Statistics show we are the eighth poorest state, ranked 50th in education, ranked 49th in public health, and so on. One in five Oklahoma children lives at or below poverty level. And many of these needs have been exacerbated this year with disruptions to SNAP and other supplemental services. Charitable giving boomerangs in the economy. Charitable dollars support services that help keep Oklahomans in the workforce and paying bills, such as food assistance, dependable childcare, affordable health care services and many other “hands up” when neighbors are in need. Further, the nonprofit sector itself is the state’s third largest non-government employer. Please consider contributing to a cause that speaks to you and your family during this season of giving. Even if a donation isn’t in the budget, take this moment to map out how your family or workplace can set aside time in 2026 to give back through volunteerism or board service. Every dollar – and every minute – makes a difference. Wishing my Oklahoma neighbors across all 77 counties the very best for 2026. As I always say, we are stronger together!