OKLAHOMA CENTER FOR NONPROFITS INC

Lease space: through the chesapeake community plaza, tulsa legacy plaza, and the centers headquarters, the center leases space to more than 30 nonprofit agencies. Space is designed to provide quality office lease space, common meeting and conference rooms, and internet and telephone networks to nonprofit agencies at a below market lease expense.

One oklahoma nonprofit excellence awards: the oklahoma nonprofit excellence awards program is the centers signature recognition program for nonprofits statewide. Twenty-one nonprofit organizations are selected by an independent commission for excellence in service and honored at an event each april. The selection commission works throughout the year to nominate and select the 21 nonprofits honored. The 21 nonprofits each receive a cash award of $5,000 - $10,000 that may be used at their discretion operating or program funds). Honorees are designated into seven categories: arts and humanities, community, education, health services, self-sufficiency, youth services, and general impact.

Policy and outreach: nonprofits are educated on the rules and regulations regarding advocacy and are updated on legislative developments that affect the nonprofit sector. Legislators are educated about the social and economic impact of nonprofit work. The center engages in lobbying activities when necessary.

Shared professional financial services program: providing financial services for nonprofits day-to-day accounting processes and record keeping. Within the past fiscal year, the center has provided 639 hours of shared services programming to 19 inidividual nonprofit organizations.

Standards for excellence: created by the maryland association of nonprofits, the standards for excellence clinic series is a 4-part series addressing eight guiding principles and 55 performance standards to increase transparency and efficiency of fiduciary and organzational management. The principles exceed the minimum legal requirements for nonprofits and address board governance, mission, programs accounting, human resources, legal and ethical compliance, fundraising, public education and public policy lobbying.

Visions a celebration of nonprofit leadership awards: the visions awards program honors six individuals who act as agents of change in the community, providing leadership to enrich and enliven those whom they serve. Those honored are thoughtful, passionate, tenacious and creative in seeking solutions to problems that effect tangible impact to change.