How BOK Financial Empowers Employees to Decide Nonprofit Donations

Tulsa Bank's Charitable Initiative: Empowering Employees to Give Back

In an inspiring move that reflects the heart of community engagement, BOK Financial Foundation has launched a unique initiative allowing employees to decide how charitable funds are spent. In this endeavor, over 30 local nonprofits gathered recently at the BOK Tower in downtown Tulsa, creating a vibrant environment where employees could meet, learn, and ultimately vote on where a generous $10,000 donation will go.

Connecting with Local Nonprofits: A Hands-On Approach

Described as a nonprofit fair, the event provided a platform for BOK Financial employees to interact directly with representatives from various organizations. Each nonprofit showcase was a chance to share their mission, making every conversation meaningful. Among the notable attendees was City Year Tulsa, an education-focused nonprofit dedicated to improving graduation rates through AmeriCorps members assisting teachers in classrooms. "Every dollar counts in fundraising, and that funding really does make our program possible," shared Kristen Schooley, Development Director at City Year Tulsa. This hands-on approach illustrates the critical link between community support and educational outcomes.

The Power of Community Participation

According to Leslie Paris, the Foundation President, engaging employees in the donation process significantly enhances the corporate culture of giving. She remarks, "If it wasn’t important to us, I wouldn’t be here,” emphasizing that the value of philanthropy is deeply ingrained in the bank’s identity. Such initiatives allow employees to feel personally connected to the community, fostering a culture where giving back is a shared priority.

Why Employee Choice Matters

The collaborative nature of this donation initiative highlights a fundamental aspect of employee satisfaction and engagement in the workplace. Participating employees get a sense of ownership in the decision-making process, leading to a stronger emotional connection to their work and community. As Schooley notes, even the exposure from organizations participating can ignite broader community awareness, serving beyond just potential financial aid to an essential platform for discussing vital causes.

Looking Ahead: The Impact of Collective Action

As BOK Financial prepares to announce the winning nonprofit at the end of this month, the excitement surrounding this project continues to build. Regardless of the outcome, the collaborative spirit shown by the bank and participating nonprofits exemplifies a community dedicated to advancing the welfare of its residents. Initiatives like this not only enhance the fabric of community life but also inspire others within Tulsa to engage, volunteer, and support local causes.

Join the Movement: How You Can Make a Difference

Everyone can contribute to nurturing community spirit. Whether through volunteering, sponsoring, or advocating for local causes, the collective impact of individuals can make a profound difference. By participating in community events and supporting initiatives like those from BOK Financial, you, too, can help empower local organizations working to make Tulsa a better place.