Chesapeake Energy Corporation is donating its Chesapeake Community Plaza to the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits located next to the energy company’s sprawling campus in north Oklahoma City.
Chesapeake made the announcement Thursday morning and said the contribution will give the organization full ownership and operation of the Plaza.
The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits has been a tenant of the property for the past six years.
“Chesapeake has taken great pride in the development and growth of the Chesapeake Community Plaza, particularly as the facility has helped start and support many of Oklahoma City’s strongest nonprofit organizations,” said Gordon Pennoyer, Director of Communications and Investor Relations for Chesapeake. “The Center for Nonprofits is the state’s leader in building successful nonprofits, and we can think of no better organization to cultivate the growth and further the vision of the Plaza.”
It was in 2008 when Chesapeake purchased the property and started operating it as the Chesapeake Community Plaza two years later. The Plaza is located at 710 W. Wilshire Blvd. and currently serves 30 nonprofit groups.
“This transformational contribution to the Center is truly a gift to all nonprofits,” said Marnie Taylor, President and CEO of the Center. “For 35 years, we have helped to build better communities through effective nonprofits……we are thankful to Chesapeake for the opportunity to continue this tradition and culture of generosity by providing office space to nonprofits at affordable rates in addition to all of the other training, consulting, membership and advocacy services we provide.”
The Center for Nonprofits has more than 900 members and nearly 19,000 nonprofits in the state. Since 1981, it has provided an array of services to help nonprofits manage themselves more efficiently and effectively. It is considered the state’s preeminent provider of training, consultation, membership services and public advocacy for Oklahoma’s charitable sector.
