In the News

Project fundraiser goes public

Private donations top $5 million for a community center.

By MIKE AVERILL World Staff Writer
Published: 8/17/2010

The Greater Cornerstone Community Development Project officially kicked off the public portion of its fundraising campaign Thursday.

The private portion of the campaign raised about $5.2 million to build a nearly $7 million, 20,000-square-foot community center in the South Haven neighborhood of west Tulsa.

That leaves $1,799,543 to raise during the open campaign.

The deadline to raise the remainder is Oct. 14, said the Rev. Willard Jones, pastor at Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church and executive director of the Greater Cornerstone Community Development Project, a nonprofit group that is separate from the church.

"That's the drop-dead date because we have some matching grants. There's a lot of money out there contingent upon making this goal," he said. "We'll get it."

The community center will be located across from the Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church, 5610 S. 41st West Ave., and will have social, educational, vocational and recreational impacts.

A number of partner agencies will have a presence at the center including Family and Children's Services, DVIS, Goodwill and the YMCA, Jones said.

"It will be a one-stop shop," Jones said. "You might go to the dental partner and say you've been battered by your husband so they'll direct you to DVIS and then Family and Children's Services or DHS. They might have those services somewhere else but it's too far for these people to realize."

Other services will include family and youth counseling,
job skill training, food and clothing distribution, mental health assistance and after-school programs. All are services needed in the area that has low-income households.

"We're talking about poverty. This center will address people in this condition of need," Jones said.

The plan is to break ground in December with construction taking 12 months to complete, Jones said.

The center will be able to serve as a community shelter. There will also be a full-size gymnasium and performance hall with a basketball court and a stage with lighting and sound equipment.

Many area foundations, corporations and churches have pledged donations.

"Inaction simply isn't an option," said Donald E. Pray, trustee for the Bernsen Foundation. "We must do something significant to bring real hope to people who are helplessly trapped in a cycle of misfortune and despair."

While the center will be located in the South Haven area, it will be open to a larger part of west Tulsa from West 41st Street to the north, Arkansas River to the east, 71st Street to the south and the Turner Turnpike to the west.

Jones has been working to bring a community center to the area for five years.

"I won't say it's been everyday sunshine. There's been some ups and downs and felt like is this going to happen. You've just got to be patient," he said. "I'm not going to give up. I'm going to see this till the end."

Contributors to the community center
Foundations and businesses that have contributed to the project so far: The Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation, The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, TriStar Glass, Sarkeys Foundation, The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, The Oxley Foundation, The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, The George Kaiser Family Foundation, Inasmuch Foundation, Hille Foundation, Heatwave Supply, Inc., Hardesty Family Foundation, The Gelvin Foundation, Flint Foundation, Citgo Petroleum Corp., H.A. & Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trust, The Mervin Bovaird Foundation and The Grace and Franklin Bernsen Foundation.


Read more from this Tulsa World article here.

The Sarkeys Foundation is pleased to launch the NEW online Grant Application! The new online application allows organizations to apply for Sarkeys Grants electronically, rather than through the mail, allowing the application process to be more green and efficient.* 

The new online application offers many exciting features, a few highlights:

• Registered applicants can start an application, save the incomplete application, and come back at a later date to finish the application.
• Registered applicants will be able to view a history of all Sarkeys applications that they have submitted online.
• Multiple registered users can access an organization's online grant application.
• Applications are time and date stamped when submitted and users are immediately notified of receipt.  No more worrying about post-mark dates and the post office.

Remember that organizations wishing to apply for a Sarkeys Grant must speak with a Sarkeys Program Officer prior to applying. 

Applications for the Fall 2010 Grant Cycle must be electronically submitted or postmarked by August 2nd.  If you have any questions regarding qualifications for receiving a Sarkeys Grant please visit "Grant Making" at www.sarkeys.org or contact a program officer at 405.364.3703.


*Applicants will also have the option of mailing their application to Sarkeys; this application is available for download at www.sarkeys.org

Senate Bill 1070 Heads to Governor Henry for Signature

State Senator Susan Paddack and State Representatives Wes Hilliard and Ron Peters have been working as champions of an effort to promote charitable organizations in the state through revised legislation that will increase transparency and accountability. SB 1070 passed unanimously in the senate and in the house by a vote of 71-28 with no debate. The bill requires most charitable organizations to register with the state before soliciting contributions. Professional fundraisers and professional solicitors are also required to register.

These recent revisions to the Oklahoma Solicitation of Charitable Contributions Act will promote information and education to help charitable organizations and others register with the state. The functions of registering the required groups will remain with the Secretary of State which will implement a website dedicated to registering, identifying, and providing public information concerning charitable organizations, professional fundraisers and professional solicitors but enforcement will be with the Attorney General.

The idea is that we need to provide more transparency and accountability in the solicitation process in order to protect the public and to identify and quantify those charities, professional fundraisers and professional solicitors operating in this state.

 General information about the bill:

 SB 1070 is designed to:

• Promote integrity and accountability in the nonprofit sector

• Increase transparency regarding charitable solicitation activities

• Minimize fraud in the charitable sector

Key measures include:

• Nonprofits who raise funds for charitable purposes must file with the Secretary of State, explain how they raise funds and how they use charitable contributions

• Professional fundraisers and those they hire are required to file with the Secretary of State, disclose for whom they are working and what their contracts entail

• Members of the public will be able to search an online database to find out more about a nonprofit's charitable contribution activities

21 Nonprofits, Quartz Mountain, a great experience.

This three-day intensive retreat was a by-invitation-only program for 21 Oklahoma nonprofits held at Quartz Mountain. Leadership teams consisting of the executive director and the board president attended the retreat, which focused on building staff and board relationships, financial efficiency, and outcomes and other nonprofit best practices.

What attendees were saying about OINL:

"Extremely helpful and actually exciting to see how to use the 990 process to help our organization."

"The atmosphere of having fun while gaining so much information!"

"The wealth of information and tools to help board members and their organziations continue thier mission.   Provided an 'eye opener' to new ways of running our organization."

"It was great to have the chance to work so intensely with a board memeber.  The ED/Board member mix made the event richer."

"The knowledge gained and the wonderful networking with amazing nonprofit leaders throughout the state.  Thank you so much!"

"Networking; Topics; Speakers; all of equal value.  Learning the Form 990 is so much more than an IRS form."

"Thanks for the invitation.  The experience will help create positive results for our agency."

"Our board of directors, organization and clients will benefit immensely from this event.  This support is vital to successful nonprofit development and the return on Sarkeys' investment in Oklahoma nonprofits.  Thank you for sponsoring this event."

"Listening & Learning.  There was an intense amount of information to absorb and the schedule could not have been better.  I felt a fantastic balance between information, laughter, brain overload, break, interaction with individuals, the group, staff, food, etc."

"The networking ideas as a group on each and every topic presented were excellent!  The whole set up fostered relationship building and sharing while getting to know each and every participant."

OINL_Slideshow.mov.flv

Thunderbird seeks foundations' donations

by: SARA PLUMMER World Staff Writer
Saturday, June 05, 2010
6/5/2010 4:39:02 AM

www.tulsaworld.com

PRYOR — After Friday's tour of the Thunderbird Youth Academy campus — where the buildings range from 50 to nearly 100 years old — Gov. Brad Henry said his first visit to the alternative school was an eye-opener.

"The facilities are even worse than I ever imagined," Henry said. "They do great work here, literally saving kids that are headed to prison. They put all the money into the classroom, the program, the discipline."

Representatives from foundations and philanthropic groups such as the Tulsa Community Foundation, Sarkeys Foundation and the Inasmuch Foundation, many of whom were not even aware of the program before Friday, accompanied Henry and his wife, Kim, on their visit to the campus.

Thunderbird Youth Academy is Oklahoma's site for the National Guard Youth Challenge. Youths 16 to 18 who are failing or have dropped out of school or have discipline problems can apply to the 22-week program, which is free for participants.

The residential program, although not a recruiting school, does have a military-like structure with emphasis on academics, job training, life skills and community service.

"The program is absolutely phenomenal," Kim Henry said. "To take these kids, they're on a road to being a menace, and create kids that have self-esteem, respect for themselves, respect for others and take control of their own lives."

During an orientation and presentation to the visitors, several cadets shared why they came to Thunderbird and how it has helped them.

"In high school, I didn't know what I was doing. Now my mom is proud of me. She looks at me with excitement at all I've accomplished," said Cory White, 18, of Tulsa. "I can't thank Thunderbird enough for what they've done for me, how they've changed me."

Two classes go through the Thunderbird program each year. Most start out with about 200 students, and about 100 make it to graduation.

"It's not an easy course It's a rigorous program," said Lt. Col. Brent Wright, state resource manager with the Oklahoma National Guard.

Wright has a special connection to the Thunderbird campus. It started as the Whitaker Orphanage in the late 1890s, and his grandfather was an orphan there. Wright also stayed on the campus after it became a National Guard training facility. Now as resource manager, the program is under his authority.

The program, which started in 1993, costs more than $3.4 million to operate every year with 80 percent of the total cost going toward salaries and benefits, Wright said. As of July 1, federal dollars will cover 75 percent of funding and 25 percent will come from the state.

Wright said that doesn't leave a lot of money for building maintenance and growth.

Thunderbird Challenge Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed to help fund needs of the program, such as scholarships for cadets after graduation, recreational needs and special trips, that fall outside of the budget.

Derek Melton is president of Thunderbird Challenge as well as assistant chief of police in Pryor and pastor of Pryor on Fire Teen Ministries.

Thunderbird Challenge, which has no full-time or part-time employees, usually raises $10,000 to $15,000 a year for the program, but Melton said he would like the organization to raise enough money to assist in renovating buildings or constructing new ones.

"The facilities are old, and we need some help," he said. "With these leaders here, they'll see the value."

Kim Henry said she hopes Friday's visit has an effect on the visitors.

"I would like to see the philanthropic community support the program," she said. "It's absolutely amazing what they (Thunderbird) do. It's amazing what they can do with little resources."

Associate Images:



During lunch, Thunderbird Youth Academy cadets Samantha Rodriguez (top, left) and Victoria White (top, right) chat with Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry (bottom, right) and his wife, Kim Henry, after their tour of the campus in Pryor on Friday. Here, the governor gives Rodriguez a fist bump. CORY YOUNG/Tulsa World




Cadets from the Thunderbird Youth Academy fall in behind state and local officials and foundation representatives as they tour the campus in Pryor on Friday. The alternative school is seeking money to improve and expand. CORY YOUNG/Tulsa World

For more information on Thunderbird Youth Academy click here

The Sarkeys Foundation announced today grants totaling $747,000 to 30 nonprofits in Oklahoma. Eighty charitable organizations with 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status submitted proposals.   

“This year was a highly competitive process as we had a record number of requests and a lower amount to distribute because of the economic impact on our investments,” said Kim Henry, executive director.  “We are proud of these nonprofits that continue to do important work across our state and are pleased we’re able to provide critical financial support during these challenging times.”

Since its founding in 1962, Sarkeys has awarded more than $70 million in grants for education, social services, arts and culture, health care and medical research, and environmental projects.  Trustees and staff of the foundation continue to fulfill the mission of improving the quality of life in Oklahoma.

The grants are:
Boys and Girls Club in Chelsea , $15,000 for support of the summer program; BritVil Community Food Pantry in Oklahoma City, $9,950 to provide milk for each family served; Celebrations Preschool, Inc. in Oklahoma City, $15,000 to purchase new computers and software; Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, Inc., $10,000 to support the Oklahoma Salute to the Vietnam Veteran; Domestic Violence Intervention Services in Tulsa, $40,000 for their comprehensive therapeutic children's program; Gabriel's House in Duncan, $10,010 for computers for the after school program; Health Alliance for the Uninsured in Oklahoma City, $25,000 to purchase medications for the Central Pharmacy; Health for Friends in Norman, $50,000 to expand health care services; Hope Center in Edmond, $5,000 to purchase computers; Infant Crisis Services in Oklahoma City, $30,000 for food, formula, and diapers; Iron Gate in Tulsa, $41,500  for the Healthy Food Initiative program; Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, $25,000  to provide legal staffing for a courthouse help desk for victims of domestic violence; Life Change Ballroom in Oklahoma City, $9,250 for scholarships for the summer program; New Hope Camp in Tulsa, $16,000 for the residential summer camp for children whose parents are or have been incarcerated; Northwest Family Services in Alva, $44, 608 for the outreach and early intervention program in Waynoka and Freedom; Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, $25,000  for education and training programs; Parents Assistance Center in Oklahoma City, $10,000 for their children's counseling program; Possibilities in Oklahoma City, $15,000 to support of the Possibilities Innovation Program; Sayre Public School Foundation, $5,000 to purchase books for classroom libraries; Senior Law Resource Center in Oklahoma City, $20,000 to support  program to prevent and address financial exploitation of the elderly and other vulnerable adults; Shawnee Rescue Mission, $175,000 to fund a resource facility; The Junior League of Norman, $25,000 for new playground equipment for the Baby Steps program; The Prairie House Foundation in Duncan, $4,831 to purchase computer and software; Town and Country School in Tulsa, $4,385 to purchase computers for five classrooms; Travelers Aid Society of Oklahoma City, $13,200 for a phone system and multi-function copier; William W. Barnes Children's Advocacy Center in Claremore, $28,235  to purchase an iRecord video and audio system; YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, $15,000 for the military welcome center at Will Rogers airport; Young Women's Christian Association of Tulsa, $20,000 to help bridge the budget gap in daycare costs for 67 children; Youth at Heart in Tulsa, $15,000 for the summer Teen Initiative Program; Youth Services of Tulsa, $26,000 for the Transitional Living Program for homeless youth.

For additional information about Sarkeys Foundation and the process to apply for grants, visit the website at www.sarkeys.org or call 405-364-3703.

In our 2008 Annual Report, Sarkeys Foundation travels over to northeastern Oklahoma to take a look at five organizations that are weathering the economic bumps and continuing to make a difference in the lives of thousands of Oklahomans. We are facing difficult times, but we know Oklahoma’s nonprofits with the help of Sarkeys will be able to buckle up and focus on the road ahead.

To download the report click here.

Sarkeys Foundation Executive Director Kim Henry has announced the Foundation’s 2009 grant awards in the amount of $1,186,054. Grants will go to a variety of Oklahoma nonprofits. “During these difficult economic times, it’s especially important to help those in need,” said Henry, “and the Sarkeys Foundation’s mission of improving the quality of life in Oklahoma is something we take very seriously. We are pleased to be able to award over $1 million worth of grants and are proud to provide financial help and resources to our fellow Oklahomans.”

• Youth and Family Services of El Reno was awarded $55,000 to assist with the Independent Living and Foster Care Programs.
• Meals on Wheels of Norman was awarded $46,725 to provide subsidies for low income clients.
• Armed Services YMCA, Lawton, was awarded $100,000 in support of childcare scholarship assistance for families of those enlisted personnel deployed or returning from overseas.
• Iron Gate, Tulsa, was awarded $20,000 to support a food pantry.
• Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City was awarded $50,000 to assist with roofing repairs or replacements for low-income, elderly homeowners.
• Variety Health Center, Oklahoma City, was awarded $50,000 to assist with the “Espera Mas” project.
• YMCA of Greater OKC was awarded $20,000 to assist with the funding of the Military Welcome Center.
• YWCA of Oklahoma City was awarded $100,000 in support of the Children’s Crisis Center.
• Senior Law Resource Center, Oklahoma City, was awarded $29,550 in support of a program to prevent and address financial exploitation of the elderly and other vulnerable adults.
• Youth at Heart, Tulsa, was awarded $10,000 to assist in the After School Program and Summer Programs.
• Center for Children and Families, Inc., Norman, was awarded $50,000 to assist with the Trauma Focused Program.
• Clarehouse, Tulsa, was awarded $14,249 in support of the education and resource library and labyrinth facilitator training.
• Community After School Program, Norman, was awarded $25,000 to assist with the pilot of a nutrition and physical education program.
• Community Literacy Centers, Oklahoma City, was awarded $50,000 in support of the LEAP program.
• Hearts for Hearing, Oklahoma City, was awarded $62,000 to assist with the Pediatric Hearing Aid Project.
• NAIC-Center for Oklahoma Alcohol and Drug Services, Norman, was awarded $18,260 to assist with the expansion of the gambling treatment program.
• OKC Metro Alliance was awarded $25,000 to help fund the completion of the Women’s Firstep facility.
• Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, was awarded $49,750 to help fund the Girl Scouting in Juvenile Correction Facilities and Alternative Schools program.
• Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, Tulsa, was awarded $53,800 in support of Project MEND.
• Happy Hands Education Center, Tulsa, was awarded $100,000 in support of scholarships.
• Enid Arts and Sciences was awarded $10,000 to purchase security cameras and fund upgrades to flooring for their telescope.
• Special Care, Oklahoma City, was awarded $50,000 in support of scholarships.
• Mental Health Association in Tulsa was awarded $50,000 in support of the continuation of the SafeTeam program.
• Associated Center for Therapy, Tulsa, was awarded $15,000 in support of the Transition Services Program.
• Community Crisis Center, Miami, was awarded $50,000 to assist in funding a development team.
• Oklahoma Arts Institute, Norman, was awarded $25,000 to provide scholarships for public school educators to attend the Oklahoma Fall Arts Institute.
• Oklahoma Humanities Council, Oklahoma City, was awarded $9,170 to assist in funding the Museum on Main Street program.
• Nature Conservancy, Oklahoma City, was awarded $25,000 to assist in funding a program to mitigate damages of wind energy development.
• A New Leash on Life, Norman, was awarded $22,550 to help provide educational funds and training supplies.

Sarkeys Foundation announced Wednesday that it has selected First Lady Kim Henry as its new Executive Director.

She will succeed Cheri Cartwright, the longtime Sarkeys’ executive director who passed away this spring. Henry, a former teacher, has served on the Sarkeys Board of Trustees since 2003.

“Kim was the natural choice for the job,” said the Sarkeys Board of Trustees in a written statement issued after their decision. “She has long experience with Sarkeys and tremendous leadership and administrative skills that will serve Sarkeys well going forward.”

Sarkeys Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life in Oklahoma by supporting the work of non-profit agencies across the state and offering professional development opportunities in those agencies.

“I am delighted to serve Sarkeys Foundation in this new role and look forward to working with the board and staff to continue improving the quality of life in Oklahoma,” Henry said.

Although Henry will assume her Sarkeys’ duties immediately, she will continue to fulfill all her responsibilities and commitments as First Lady of the State of Oklahoma.