Monthly articles from President and CEO Marnie Taylor, published in the Journal Record and online.
We’ve all seen the statistics. We’re familiar with the lackluster outcomes. We all know where Oklahoma falls in the rankings. Our state has a lot to overcome. But where do we even start? While I consider that question, the words of the late President John F. Kennedy ring in my head,... Continue Reading
As natural disasters displace thousands across the country and many parents are settling into an empty nest for the first time, I am reminded of the importance of home. Acting as a place of refuge and respite, home serves as our still point in the constantly turning world, as T.S. Eliot writes.... Continue Reading
At the intersection of nonprofits and change lies advocacy. While many nonprofits work on the front lines of society’s largest issues, fewer attempt to address the problems’ systemic causes through public policy advocacy efforts. A new Independent Sector study finds that only 31% of... Continue Reading
The way we see the world can change over the course of a lifetime or in an instant. It can shift intentionally or unconsciously. The one constant is that the perspective we use to view our world and experiences directly correlates with our happiness. After working in the nonprofit sector for many... Continue Reading
When I use the word “nonprofit” in my monthly article, many people probably think of a food bank, an arts center, or maybe an education center. Rarely do they think about Oklahoma’s various houses of worship. However, the largest – and most overlooked – part of the... Continue Reading
Former President Teddy Roosevelt famously said, “It is not the critic who counts … The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” However, technology and social media gives critics a higher platform and louder microphone than ever before. From food to sports to... Continue Reading
Will another bank fail? Will the Fed raise interest rates again? Will the economy dip into a recession? Uncertainty is running at a fever pitch. There is not much in our world that we can rely on anymore, which can be pretty disconcerting; however, nonprofits remain steadfast. The sector is the... Continue Reading
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives Appropriations & Budget Committee has approved legislation to exempt 501(c)3 nonprofits from sales tax.Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, said making Oklahoma's 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organizations sales tax exempt has been one of... Continue Reading
OKLAHOMA CITY – House Majority Leader Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, on Friday commented on Oklahoma's new First Access program that will allow Oklahoma nonprofits, school districts and governmental entities the opportunity to purchase State Surplus items before they are made available at... Continue Reading
With the beginning of a new year come exciting possibilities. It is a time when we can restart neglected goals or create new ones. At The Center, we are leaning into all 2023 has to offer. The incredible staff hit the ground running after the holidays and is in full preparation mode for classes,... Continue Reading
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... Continue Reading
Is it mere coincidence that the electoral season and the holiday season fall so closely together? Both seem to me to be times of introspection and thoughtfulness. During elections, we carefully consider our personal values and how they are represented by the leaders and laws we vote for. During... Continue Reading
