At BOK Financial®, our employees are deeply committed to the corporate value around advancing the communities we serve. This is especially obvious during the annual Guide the Giving campaign, when employees nominate and advocate for nonprofits close to their hearts to receive a donation, ensuring the company’s philanthropy truly resonates with employee values.
Through this initiative, 15 local organizations across the footprint receive between $5,000 and $10,000 each year. This campaign empowers employees to engage meaningfully with causes they care about, amplifying the collective impact and fostering positive change in our communities. "Guide the Giving is about more than corporate donations," shared Leslie Paris, director of community engagement at BOK Financial. "It's about our employees making a difference across our footprint in ways they find most meaningful. Each nomination, vote and dollar is creating positive change."
Last year, out of the 15 organizations funded, Mosaic Family Services and Canopy of Northwest Arkansas stood out for their unique mission—serving refugees. Their focus areas go beyond BOK Financial’s traditional giving pillars, reflecting the caring and compassion of the company’s employees and the unique impact of Guide the Giving.
From surviving to thriving
Since 2001, Mosaic Family Services in Dallas, Texas, has provided safe, emergency housing for women and children who are escaping family violence or human trafficking. While open to all victims, Mosaic House specializes in reaching multicultural survivors who are adjusting to a new culture and may face language barriers in addition to the emotional stress of surviving abuse. Their mission extends beyond mere shelter; it encompasses holistic care, legal support, counseling and case management. With staff members fluent in over 25 languages, Mosaic ensures survivors receive culturally sensitive assistance.
For Cindy Young, Mosaic board member and BOK Financial SBA processing specialist, the nonprofit's cause hits close to home. "I grew up in Africa and saw the impact of war on the people of those countries," she shared. "Many of Mosaic's clients are survivors looking for a better life. Mosaic's staff and dedication to helping them in their journey speaks to my heart and keeps me connected."
Young nominated the nonprofit for a Guide the Giving donation, which it won in 2023. The $10,000 donation was a lifeline. As a mid-sized organization, Mosaic works tirelessly to provide life-saving services, which came into higher demand during and after the pandemic. With this contribution, Mosaic was able to expand its reach, offer more comprehensive support and continue transforming lives.
In addition to the Guide the Giving donation, Bank of Texas supports the nonprofit by providing financial literacy training to clients and recently awarded an additional $5,000 grant to support the Mosaic House shelter.
Supporting fresh starts
Another former Guide the Giving recipient, Canopy of Northwest Arkansas, focuses on welcoming refugees to their new homes in the region and helping them thrive. "Imagine a refugee's journey—often fleeing conflict, persecution or unimaginable hardships. Canopy provides them with a lifeline," shared Christopher Schaechtel, BOK Financial Arkansas market president and canopy board member. "I wanted to be a part of an organization that provides people with the skills and resources to begin a successful life."
The organization provides wrap-around integration and support for their clients during their first five years after arrival in the United States. While federal funding covers part of the cost, additional support is essential to ensure refugee families have access to housing, language classes, employment assistance and cultural orientation. The one-time $10,000 Guide the Giving donation allowed Canopy to expand its services and support its goal of helping refugees begin to rebuild their lives, find stability and contribute to their community. This year, BOK Financial also began sponsoring Canopy's quarterly "Feasts with Friends" event, which celebrates the food and culture of the refugees they assist so Northwest Arkansas residents can experience a bit of these cultures from around the world while supporting the organization.
Employee collaboration increases community care
Employee-directed philanthropy like Guide the Giving is vital as it empowers our team to engage with causes they are passionate about, fostering a sense of ownership and connection, Paris said. “This collective effort amplifies the impact, driving meaningful change within our communities to support organizations that are important to our employees.”
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