Endowments create long-term bond between donors, nonprofits
This year, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation will distribute more than $10 million among 370 nonprofits that enrich the lives of thousands of people across central Oklahoma.
For many organizations, these funds are vital to their budgets, helping to pay salaries, cover rent and keep the lights on. The best part is nonprofits can count on the funding every year, no matter what. No grant applications, fundraising dinners or golf tournaments are required. All they must do is drop by and pick up their check.
The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has been managing endowments for 45 years, paying out more over the years than what was originally contributed, thanks to the power of investment. Each year, we allocate 5% for distributions, while the rest continues to grow.
Managing money for our contributors and area nonprofits is at the heart of what we do, and the beauty of it is that our annual distributions keep getting bigger and the size of our endowments continue to grow. Today, the OCCF is managing nearly $272 million in endowed accounts that range from $20,000 to $67 million.
We are proud of being a financial resource for so many agencies and organizations that impact quality of life in our community, but that is not the only reason John Kirkpatrick established the OCCF in 1969. He also envisioned the Community Foundation as a resource for local benefactors who want to make a difference.
Whether contributors want to support the arts, Alzheimer’s research, pet adoption, public parks, private education or a myriad other interests, there are endowed funds established and ready to help. Thousands of people donate every year with contributions ranging from very small to very large, but the size of a gift is not what’s important. What matters most is that people are getting involved, and that is what Mr. Kirkpatrick had in mind so long ago.
People feel good about giving to an OCCF endowed fund because the money will continue to make a difference long after they are gone. In a few weeks, when hundreds of nonprofits make the annual trip to pick up this year’s distribution, thousands of contributors will quietly celebrate the moment, knowing that their favorite causes are being supported.