Capital Campaign

Phase 1:

OCPA's first phase of the Capital Campaign has been successfully accomplished. Construction was completed in 2005 and fundraising pledges were fully honored by 2007. It was a quantum leap for Oklahoma's free-market think tank, and a testimony to the unwavering dedication of its founding members. In only ten years, OCPA had transcended from its austere beginnings in a warehouse north of Oklahoma City, to a stately building within one minute of the Capitol Complex. Members of the legislature and other civic leaders took note of the new building, the expansion of staff, and the ever increasing effectiveness of OCPA's outreach. It signaled that those who support OCPA are truly dedicated to individual liberty and limited government, as well as instilling a greater sense of traditional civic virtue in the citizens of our state for generations to come. Phase I of the Capital Campaign funded the purchase of the property and the renovation of the upper floor into professional office space. Phase I enabled OCPA to expand the staff in order to meet increasing demand for research and analysis. It also provided an appropriate environment for meetings with individuals and advocacy groups that have interests in policy making.

Phase 2:

Phase II of the Capital Campaign will fund multiple improvements to the headquarters of OCPA. It will include a complete renovation of the first floor, modifications to the second floor, expansion of the parking lot, and improvements to the building exterior.

The most significant aspect of the first floor renovation is the creation of a large conference center that can be converted into three separate meeting rooms, all with current audio/video technology. The conference center will have a food service area to allow for full catering for meetings when needed. An adjoining research library and study will serve as a location where staff, visiting scholars and guests will have ready access to an array of literature, publications and access to online resources. The library, with its attractive collection of classic works, provides an additional location for video interview or broadcast. Creating the downstairs conference center will free up additional office space upstairs, accommodating OCPA's need for additional research and marketing offices. Expanding the parking lot is an essential component of the renovation. Forty additional parking spaces will fully accommodate daily office operations upstairs, while the conference center is being used downstairs.

Phase II will also enhance the exterior of the building, taking full advantage of its optimal location on Lincoln Boulevard. The building will project a classical and stately image, relatively modest in size with suggestions of academia. Such visuals will pair well with OCPA's solid reputation, and staunch advocacy of capitalism and the free market.

VIDEOS:

-Take a virtual tour of the proposed renovations to the OCPA headquarters

-Listen to what U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe and others are saying about the work OCPA is doing

- Follow the history behind advancing liberty

 

FAQs:

 

Is my gift to OCPA tax deductible?

Yes. OCPA is a 501(c)3 research and education organization. Contributions are tax exempt to the fullest extent provided by law. Check with your financial or legal counsel for the best way to support OCPA.

How is OCPA typically funded?

Funding is received from individuals, corporations and foundations who seek to support an independent analysis of important issues which impact the citizens of Oklahoma. Each year an Annual funding effort provides an opportunity for members to contribute who haven't given to OCPA in the previous twelve months or who seek to make an added contribution for the proceeding twelve months.

Will the Capital Campaign supplement or replace the annual funding effort?

It will supplement our other fund raising efforts. The annual funding effort will continue each year, providing an opportunity for support from those contributors that seek to renew their membership and sustain general operations of the organization. General operations are not necessarily publication, program or service costs. These funds are also used to pay for telephone, electric service, etc., and are usually spent within the twelve months following their receipt.

When will you get started on Phase II: construction of the multi-purpose conference center?

We plan to begin renovation of the first floor in the spring of 2009. That's why we need support now. It's important we work quickly to secure the necessary funding for this exciting new conference center which will bring policy makers and opinion leaders together to discuss crucial issues impacting our economic competitiveness.

How can I help?

 

Cash gifts: Gifts of cash can be deducted in the year in which you make the gift to OCPA, subject to overall limitations on charitable gifts. Cash gifts may be made be either personal or corporate check. They may be a one-time contribution or as a part of a three-year pledge. Unrestricted cash gifts are certainly appreciated as they may be applied by OCPA where they are most needed.

 

Pledges and Matching Gifts: Gifts in the form of pledges may be made to OCPA for any term. OCPA requests that pledges to the Capital Campaign be fully paid by December 31, 2010. In some instances, your employer may agree to make a matching gift through programs already established at your place of work. Also, you may from time to time initiate a gift and agree to match contributions (to a specified limit) made by members of organizations to which you belong (church, school, etc.).

 

Gifts of Appreciated Tangible Personal Property or Real Property: Gifts of appreciated tangible personal property or real property may take many forms, and in some cases provide a charitable deduction equal to the fair market value of such property. Gifts of tangible personal property include stocks, bonds, securities and the like. OCPA will be pleased to discuss the range of potential gifts with you at your convenience.

 

Deferred Gifts: Deferred giving provides you with an opportunity to make a gift to OCPA by a pledge today and payment in the future. Deferred gifts can include gifts made as a part of your overall estate plan through your last will and testament, lifetime revocable trust or charitable remainder trust. Each of these vehicles allows you to increase the amount of the total gift to OCPA in the future with modest current giving requirements.

 

How OCPA Can Help You?

If you would like to make a gift of cash or property to the Capital Campaign, the OCPA staff and general counsel would be pleased to work with you or your professional advisor to structure a gift to achieve your funding objectives and the best federal and state tax savings for you.

Please call OCPA at (405) 602-1667 for more information.