Charitable Giving for Today and the Future

Community service has always been an important part of life for Carla and Nelson Pickrell. Nelson has spent countless hours volunteering with the Arts Council Oklahoma City, becoming chair of the 1991 Festival of the Arts. And, it was through Carla’s role as founding co-chair for the Junior League’s child care connection that she met Oklahoma City Community Foundation Executive Director Nancy Anthony in the mid-80s.

Carla soon joined Nancy at the Community Foundation, and for the next 24 years, they worked together to grow the organization from just three employees to well over 30 today. But for Carla, it was far more than a job. Working at the Community Foundation meant she was able to discover new ways “

Working with donor advised funds, I became fascinated with their efficiency and flexibility,” Carla said. “They allow you to advise on grants as well as make decisions on how to support organizations after your death and are an excellent tool for income tax and estate planning.”

Carla’s passion carried over to her home life where the couple’s volunteerism and the Community Foundation became part of everyday conversation for the family. In the late ‘90s, they established a donor advised fund, viewing it as a savings account for their charitable giving. Through this fund, they have supported a number of causes important to them while also growing their fund for the future.

Photo Credit: Brandon Snyder

Caption: Community supporters Carla and Nelson Pickrell use their advised fund to impact causes today — and plan for the future.