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What is the purpose of the Oklahoma Bankers Foundation?
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation formed solely for charitable, benevolent and educational purposes within the banking community, including the Robbery Reward Program and the OBA Summer Intern Program. It is administered by the Oklahoma Bankers Association.
Since its formation, the Foundation has disbursed monies for rewards to assist in the apprehension and conviction of individuals committing crimes against banks or bank officers; scholarships to children, grandchildren, etc. of employees of member banks; and contributions to other organizations operating exclusively for charitable, benevolent and educational purposes. Donations to the Oklahoma Bankers Foundation are tax-deductible.
Robbery Reward Program
This program has rewarded more than $36,750 to individuals who helped solve bank robberies from 2010 to present. The objectives of the program are:
- to prevent and discourage robberies and other crimes against Oklahoma banks and their employees, and
- to provide funds for rewards to assist law enforcement agencies in obtaining information that will assist in the arrest and conviction of suspected criminals.
As a general rule, rewards of up to $2,000 per incident will be offered.
Summer Intern Program
Sponsored by the Oklahoma Bankers Association, the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, the Summer Intern Program is open to seniors of all majors who have one or two semesters remaining until graduation, at least a 2.75 grade point average and demonstrated leadership skills.
Internships range from 10 to 12 weeks in length. Interns work 40 hours per week and receive a salary of $1,800 per month.
The internship program is an excellent opportunity for both banks and students. Banks benefit from having an additional employee on hand during the summer months, and students enjoy the opportunity to gain real-life work experience. The Oklahoma banking industry as a whole benefits, as well, as the intern program encourages the state’s best students to remain in the state.
Scholarships
One student is selected annually for a one-time scholarship in the amount of $1,000 each.
To be eligible, one of the student’s parents, grandparents, sibling or spouse must be a Professional Member of the Oklahoma Bankers Association and must have at least a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average. Students must be enrolling in an accredited Oklahoma institution of higher learning.
Charitable Causes
The Foundation is a vehicle through which the banking community can help people in need. For example, the Foundation raised $371,000 to provide scholarships for children orphaned by the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and more than $263,000 for victims of the 2013 Moore tornado. Support Oklahoma’s banking industry with your contribution to the Oklahoma Bankers Foundation. Your bank’s gift to the Oklahoma Bankers Foundation enables the OBA to support many educational and benevolent activities in the state, such as the Robbery Reward Program and college scholarships. Please help us by sending your tax-deductible donation today.