Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) has reached a historic milestone, achieving a direct community impact of $30,995,152 in its centennial year. The organization raised a record-breaking $27,076,000 through its traditional fundraising drive, surpassing its ambitious $26,733,101 million goal announced at the Downtown Deco Challenge fundraising kickoff, on August 17, 2024.
Additional revenue streams, including in-kind gifts, and the monetary value of volunteer service pushed the total community impact number even higher to nearly $31 million to be invested in our six-county region’s most high-performing nonprofits. More than 8,700 volunteers—including nearly 6,000 Days of Caring participants—dedicated over 65,600 service hours, representing an estimated contribution of more than $2 million in volunteer service hours.
TAUW unveiled its record-breaking total at the March 18 Live United Awards at the Arvest Convention Center, where more than 900 business leaders, nonprofit partners, and volunteers gathered to celebrate the community’s achievement. The event underscored the power of collaboration and collective action, reinforcing TAUW’s commitment to supporting nonprofits, strengthening families, and building a more resilient Tulsa—now and into its next century of service.
The fundraising drive supports more than 160 nonprofit programs operated by 70 organizations throughout the Tulsa region, promoting healthier communities, expanding opportunities for young people, strengthening financial stability, and addressing urgent local needs.
This fundraising drive’s success was made possible through the dedication and leadership of:
Centennial Chair: Becky Frank (Partner and Chair, Schnake Turnbo Frank)
Honorary Centennial Chair: Chet Cadieux (Chairman and CEO, QuikTrip)
Fundraising Drive Tri-Chairs:
- Stephania Grober, President of Oklahoma Plan and Western Markets with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
- Emeka Nnaka, licensed professional counselor and founder and CEO of Live Beyond Labels
- Pierce Norton, President and CEO of ONEOK
United Way Worldwide President and CEO Angela Williams delivered an inspiring keynote address at the Live United Awards, emphasizing the evolving role of United Way organizations in driving meaningful community change.
“Tulsa has shown what is possible when a community comes together with generosity and purpose,” Williams said. “Surpassing this centennial goal means it’s possible for Tulsa Area United Way to change more lives. Every dollar raised strengthens the programs and partnerships that make Tulsa stronger, more resilient, and full of opportunity for all. Tulsa Area United Way has been a force for good for the last 100 years, and this achievement ensures it will continue to serve and uplift this community for the next century, and beyond.”
TAUW President and CEO Alison Anthony reflected on the record-breaking community impact total and the profound impact it will have on the Tulsa area.
“Exceeding our goal with record-breaking fundraising and volunteer impact means creating lasting opportunities and building a future our community deserves,” Anthony said. “Sustained funding creates strong programs, and strong programs change lives. That’s why our annual fundraising drive is so critical. Every dollar raised represents hope, stability, and the chance for every family to thrive.”
