President’s Message

A Message from Elizabeth Base Board President

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s the Sarkeys Foundation is responsible for statewide support to many Oklahoma nonprofi ts, we take stewardship of our funds seriously.

The nonprofi ts have been especially challenged during these last few years, and their resilience in these tough times inspire the work we do at the Foundation. Since its founding in 1962, Sarkeys Foundation has awarded nearly $126 million to nonprofi ts in Oklahoma. Creativity during diversity and the willingness to adapt to change, has allowed the Foundation to stay focused on founder, S.J. Sarkeys’ vision to improve the quality of life in Oklahoma. We remain focused on the work accomplished by our grantees, and I am confi dent Mr. Sarkeys would be proud of the legacy he left behind. As you will read, the Sarkeys Foundation’s assets grew in strength and stability during the 2021 fi scal year, realizing unprecedented returns, increasing its corpus to nearly $130 million, and distributing $4.8 million to nonprofi ts across Oklahoma. The Foundation’s portfolio is in a great position, and we continue to diversify and manage the Foundation with a longterm perspective. Although we may face unprecedented challenges ahead, the Foundation has fail-safe risk mitigation strategies that serve as an insurance policy against world pandemonium and will allow the Foundation to continue serving Oklahomans for the long haul. It has been an honor to serve as Board President for the Foundation. On behalf of the entire Sarkeys Foundation trustees and staff, I congratulate our nonprofi ts for the services they continue to provide despite another challenging year. I look forward to watching how the Foundation’s grants, combined with the hard work and dedication of the nonprofi ts, will continue to improve the lives of so many Oklahomans.