OCF fundholders showed up for our community in a big way in 2020, demonstrating the knowledge and nimbleness of our collective efforts.
Martin Luther King said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Our community exhibited incredible collective strength while facing division and devastation. As I reflect on 2020, several things stick out to me during my first year leading OCF’s remarkable team and organization:
- The global pandemic magnified local disparities with more clarity than ever.
- Even as we socially distance, we can find ways to come together.
- The generosity in this community is resolute and powerful.
No one will forget this year. In 2020, we experienced devastating loss, but we also saw tremendous generosity. You gave 50% more than the previous year.
Altogether, we saw 1,546 fundholders make a record 18,071 grants to nearly 3,197 nonprofits, totaling over $200 million in giving.
On the nonprofit front, we were able to deepen our impact when they needed support most, as many saw demand for services rise as a result of the pandemic—and others had to shut down programs, performances, and exhibits for months.
- 51 nonprofits received grants from our COVID-19 Response Fund
- 242 nonprofits received CARES Act funding from our partnership with Douglas County
- And in total, 780 local nonprofits were engaged in OCF programs
Thank you for your tireless generosity this past year. Your responsiveness to the needs in our community was extraordinary and were more important than ever.
It was also confirmed to everyone this year that life is short.
At the Foundation we felt this deeply with the loss of our beloved colleague and friend, Kali Baker, OCF’s Vice President of Community Investment. Kali’s spirit, leadership, and commitment to this community helped drive our work for 13 years. We have all been touched by loss this year in some way which has served as an important reminder to think about the legacy we want to leave behind.
As we reflect on 2020, we want to thank every member in our community—but especially our fundholder family— for remarkable leadership during a very challenging time. Let’s make 2021 the year of rebuilding and renewal.