Nonprofit Summit
Schedule
Thursday, January 28, 2027
Capitol View Event Center | 5201 Lincoln Blvd. | Oklahoma City
8:00-8:30 a.m. Event Registration
8:30-10:00 a.m. General Session
Building the Association Enterprise: The Basics of Tax-Exempt Purposes and Affiliated Entities
Speaker: Kevin M Serafino, Esq., CAE
As associations grow, each new program needs a corporate “home” in the association. This may mean tailoring the program to an existing tax-exempt entity, creating a new subsidiary or controlled affiliate, or restructuring the constellation of entities that make up the modern association enterprise. To support growth planning and operational efficiency, association leaders must understand the key concepts of nonprofit tax and corporate law that inevitably shape the business strategy.
This 90-minute educational session will give attendees an understanding of the basic concepts of federal tax exemption and the ways that specific tax-exempt purposes influence association corporate structures. It will review the most common tax-exempt classifications (including Section 501(c)(3) public charities, Section 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, Section 501(c)(6) trade and professional associations, and Section 527 political organizations) and explore the tax-exempt purposes and activities that fall under each classification. Additionally, attendees will learn about which activities must be limited or prohibited, understand the rules for how the various entities may interact with each other (such as funding restrictions and governance constructs), and develop strategies for structuring affiliated entities to help associations best achieve their missions.
10:00-10:15 a.m. Networking Break
10:15 - 11:15 a.m. General Session
Funding the Mission: Grants, Giving and Revenue Strategies
Panel: Karen Paul, CFRE (certified fundraiser) Jennifer Meckling (Oklahoma City Community Foundation), and Brenda Granger (Oklahoma Museums Association, a 501 (c) 3 Association)
Moderator: Tawni Phelan, CAE, CMP
A strong mission needs a strong financial foundation. This panel will explore how nonprofits can build a more sustainable and diversified revenue mix through grants, charitable giving, endowments, and earned income. Hear practical insights on identifying the right funding opportunities, reducing reliance on a single revenue source, and developing strategies that support both immediate needs and long-term organizational sustainability.
11:15-11:30 a.m. - Networking Break
11:30-Noon General Session
Nonprofit Update
Stay informed on the latest trends, challenges, and changes impacting the nonprofit sector. This session will highlight key developments nonprofit leaders need to know and what they could mean for their organizations in the year ahead.
Noon-1:00 pm. Lunch and Networking
1:00-3:00 p.m. General Session
The PAC Playbook: What Every Association Needs to Know
Speakers: Oklahoma Ethics Commission
Whether you’re considering establishing a Political Action Committee (PAC) or already managing one, this session will cover the essentials. Learn about acceptable contributions, Guardian system basics, Ethics Commission reporting requirements, and other key responsibilities for effectively managing a PAC.
3:00-3:15 p.m. Networking Break
3:15-5:00 p.m. General Session
Advocacy in Action: Lobbyists, Grassroots & Your Members
Effective advocacy starts with the right strategy and the right partners. Learn what to look for when selecting a lobbyist and how to build a grassroots campaign that engages your members and strengthens your organization’s advocacy efforts.
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