Tulsans are a charitable people. In 2003, Tulsa was ranked #15 among the nation’s largest cities in percentage of discretionary income given to charity by residents: $68,844 is the average discretionary income, $5,922 is the average charitable donation, and 8.6 percent is the average donation as a percentage of discretionary income.  (Source: Chronicle of Philanthropy – 5/2003).

In 2007, an annual study on charitable giving showed wealthy Oklahomans rank second among the 50 states in the amount residents give to charity. The 11th annual study by the Catalogue of Philanthropy for the first time this year measures only the philanthropic generosity of those with incomes above $200,000. People in Wyoming with an income of more than $200,000 who itemized charitable contributions on their tax returns gave an average of nearly $95,000 to philanthropic organizations in 2005, and Wyoming is the only state ranking higher than Oklahoma. 

The Corporation for National and Community Service in Washington conducted surveys on volunteerism in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and in its 2007 report, ranks Tulsa in the top 10 of metropolitan areas with the highest volunteer rates. According to their report, 34 percent of Tulsans volunteer, with 73 percent of Tulsa volunteers renewing their efforts year to year.  

Innovative financing strategies have been implemented throughout the Tulsa area to make the city a better place to live, work and play.