Search Through Financial Assistance Grants in Oklahoma in the U.S.

Background

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation seeks to dramatically improve the lives of underserved communities across the globe by supporting scalable, innovative, and impact-first solutions that leverage existing systems and stakeholders. Our goal is to find social entrepreneurs with dynamic products or services that have a proven ability to positively impact the lives of underserved people, and nurture those organizations at the early stages by providing capacity, capital, and community.

Our application process is designed to be open and accessible, and we accept applications year round from across our priority geographies and sectors. Borrowing from our venture capital legacy, we find exceptional entrepreneurs and provide them with: 

Capacity

• The core of DRK’s model is deep and extensive operational and technical support for each portfolio organization, both through dedicated hands-on Board service and specialist capacity-building resources for fundraising, board and organizational development, leadership, financial support, and scaling strategy,

Capital

• DRK provides up to $300,000 USD in either unrestricted grant funding or investment capital over a three-year period, and

Community

• DRK convenes our portfolio and alumni annually, facilitating connections and community. 

What We Fund

DRK Foundation funds early-stage social impact organizations solving the world’s biggest social and environmental problems using bold, scalable approaches.

What stage of growth does DRK Foundation typically fund?

Early stage: Organizations who are early stage, which we define as post-pilot and pre-scale. This typically means: 

• Your program, product or service is already being used in the market or in the field, 
• You have early indication that your model is having its intended impact on the beneficiary populations,
• Your organization is relatively young (ideally between two and five years old, although we will consider both younger and older organizations).

Venture funding: In the case of for profits, we typically support Seed to Series A organizations, and never lead rounds; we also generally but not exclusively refrain from participating in financings exceeding a $15M USD post-money valuation.  

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

Our Mission:

The Learning Bridge Foundation's primary mission is to provide grants to public charities, scholarships and for education and job training for men and women that have been caught in the cycle of poverty and discrimination that is frequently associated with a person’s race, background and prior incarceration.   We at the Learning Bridge believe in second chances, and in giving determined individuals a real chance at a better life.

How we do it:

We work with charities and schools primarily in Oklahoma in order to provide an education for individuals who qualify for scholarships.

Why Learning Bridge?

We started the Learning Bridge Foundation because we saw a need for a program like this during our work with other non-profits in Tulsa.   Working with families and individuals on a weekly basis, we see the potential many of them have, and our goal is to help them break the cycle of crime and poverty that they often find themselves in by providing a means to gain skills for a career.   Our objective through this foundation is to provide a vehicle for these often overlooked individuals to have a chance for a better life for themselves and their families.

The Learning Bridge Activities:

The activities of the Learning Bridge Foundation involves five primary tasks:

• The search for possible candidates for assistance

• Interviewing and evaluating the qualifications and needs of each candidate

• Developing an assistance and scholarship plan for the candidates

• Implementation of the scholarship plan

• Verification of compliance with the terms of the scholarship plan

The typical applicant comes from a background of poverty, and has limited financial resources and/or previous incarceration in the State of Oklahoma’s Prison System.   Depending on the applicant’s financial resources and other financial aid, most scholarships are approximately $2,500 to $6,000 for tuition, books and supplies, which is the approximate cost of a program from a trade school.   There may be a situation where the Foundation would fund a scholarship for a Bachelor’s Degree, where the cost could increase to $10,000 to $20,000.   This would be an unique situation, as most applicants do not have the educational background to qualify for a four year degree program.   

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Grants

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation only accepts unsolicited proposals for specific areas within the education, family economic stability and childhood health sectors in select countries where we work, namely the United States, India and South Africa.

As a guideline, the foundation does not fund more than 25% of a project’s budget or more than 10% of an organization’s total annual operating expenses.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has always recognized the power of providing grants to partner organizations that we knew were already working hard to improve the lives of urban children living in poverty. By aligning with organizations that are already making a difference, we continue to make an immediate impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Foundation priorities:

We fund social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities.

Partnerships

We collaborate with a range of organizations focused on creating opportunities for children and families living in urban poverty, with a deep emphasis on measuring impact. Our funding advances projects already making an impact in education, health, and family economic stability. Through these enduring and long-standing partnerships, we create lasting change together.

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

We have strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Our focus areas include basic needs like food and housing, workforce development and education, and community development. In addition to our philanthropic investments, we also encourage our employees to make a difference by offering robust employee giving and volunteering programs, including the opportunity to direct funds to organizations they support through volunteer efforts, and a matching gifts program that doubles their individual giving to causes they care about. Last year, we invested $350 million in the communities we serve, and employees contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours and directed $65 million through individual giving and matching gifts to support nonprofits.Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social and cultural life of the places we live and work. We provide an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships to help maintain vibrant, healthy communities.Sponsorships supporting communitiesBank of America welcomes your sponsorship proposal for opportunities that make our communities a better place to live and work. We are particularly interested in providing support to address needs vital to the health of our communities through a focus on:

• preserving neighborhoods;
• educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
• addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
• arts and culture;
• the environment; and
• diversity and inclusion programs.

Grants are made at the Foundation’s discretion based on our current funding strategies focused on housing, jobs and hunger. 

The Foundation established Saint Francis Hospital in 1960 and Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital in 1989. Today, those two hospitals as well as Saint Francis Hospital South, Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee, Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee East, Saint Francis Hospital Vinita, Saint Francis Heart Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis, and Warren Clinic comprise the Saint Francis Health System. The goal of the Foundation has been to provide the finest possible medical care available to all patients utilizing Saint Francis Health System, and to this end, it annually supports various medical programs. In addition to the hospitals and clinics, the Foundation created The William K. Warren Medical Research Center in 1973 that provides funds to medical investigators who participate in advanced medical research and creates environments that allow for the best possible delivery of care.

In addition, through the generosity and vision of William Kelly and Natalie Overall Warren, the Foundation provides financial assistance to non-profit organizations primarily located in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, area in support of worthy charitable, scientific, Catholic, and health programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for humankind.

The Foundation also supports other northeast Oklahoma organizations that directly improve wellness and provide care.

General Guidelines

The Foundation follows general guidelines to assure proper and equitable use of the Foundation’s funds. These guidelines are in keeping with its policies and purposes and assure that allocation of such funds is made within the limits of its financial resources while also keeping in mind the wishes of its founders that the Foundation would be “evergreen” as opposed to seeking to disperse all of its funds as soon as possible.

Support for certain programs is not to be interpreted as a judgment of the merits of those that do not receive funds. Rather, it is a reflection of the Foundation’s belief that adherence to its guidelines, which are regularly reviewed, leads to the most effective use of its limited resources.

The Foundation is sensitive to changes in community issues and attitudes. Within the limits of its resources, the Foundation addresses the needs that arise from the emergence of new and different social issues to maintain a balance between innovation and maintenance of ongoing programs.

This statement of policy sets forth the current views of The William K. Warren Foundation with respect to the best use of its assets. It may be revoked or amended in any respect for any reason, and there can be no assurance that it necessarily represents future policies or activities of the Foundation.

The Foundation can act favorably on relatively few of the numerous requests received each year. Many proposals must be declined even though they are appropriate to the Foundation’s areas of interest and appear to be of merit.

Proposals are evaluated on:

• Importance of the project
• Relevance to the Foundation’s areas of interest
• Significance of the project’s expected results
• Sponsor’s commitment to the sustainability of successful programs after the Foundation’s support ceases

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.

The Lawrence Foundation was established in mid-2000. We make both program and operating grants and do not have any geographical restrictions on our grants. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other similar organizations are eligible for grants from The Lawrence Foundation.  

Grant Amount and Types

Grants typically range between $5,000 - $10,000. In some limited cases we may make larger grants, but that is typically after we have gotten to know your organization over a period of time. We also generally don’t make multi-year grants, although we may fund the same organization on a year by year basis over a period of years.

General operating or program/project grant requests within our areas of interests are accepted. In general, regardless of whether a grant request is for general operating or program/project expenses, all of our grants will be issued as unrestricted grants.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

Centene Charitable Foundation

Successful corporate citizenship happens when companies invest in the local organizations that know their communities best. The Centene Foundation works with our local partners on initiatives that focus on inclusion, the whole person and community development.

Vision

Centene’s purpose is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. The Centene Foundation is an essential part of how we pursue this purpose. We achieve measurable impact for the communities we serve through partnerships and philanthropy efforts that invest in initiatives with holistic approaches to dismantling barriers to health.

Areas of Focus

Reflecting Centene’s commitment to the needs of those who rely on government-sponsored health care and to addressing social determinants of health and health equity, preference will be given to initiatives in three distinct areas of focus.

• Healthcare Access
• Social Services
• Education

Our Mission

Our mission is to continue and further the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. and the Cowles family, which includes promotion of education, social justice, health, and the arts.

The Founder

The Cowles Charitable Trust was first established in 1948 by Gardner “Mike” Cowles, Jr. (1903-1985). Born into the Cowles publishing family of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike was the youngest of Gardner Cowles and Florence Call Cowles’ six children. A newspaper editor and publisher by trade, he was committed to his family’s traditions of responsible, public-spirited, and innovative journalism as well as philanthropy. 

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports the arts, education, the advancement of ethical journalism, medical and climate research.

Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) Grants Program

In 2010, the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) established OCASCR to promote research in the emerging field of adult stem cell biology in Oklahoma. Since then, adult stem cell research has flourished in our state, and Oklahoma universities, research foundations, and biotechnology companies are now fortunate to employee many world-recognized investigators who conduct research in this area. In 2019, OCASCR expanded its focus to include research in regenerative medicine—a field that is closely related to adult stem cell biology and that strives to restore the normal functions of cells, tissues, and organs that have been damaged by disease. OCASCR joins TSET in acknowledging that smoking- and obesity-related diseases are particularly deadly in Oklahoma and is therefore keen on promoting regenerative medicine research that is relevant to these diseases. The overall goal of OCASCR is to help adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research thrive in Oklahoma and to serve as a trusted resource for public information on these topics.

Other Grant

OCASCR is aware that there may be other valuable ways to support adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research, and inquiries are welcome. For example, partial salary support might be requested for personnel in core facilities that are heavily used by OCASCR grantees. A successful proposal would have to document need and show how this funding mechanism would be uniquely valuable.

Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) Grants Program

In 2010, the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) established OCASCR to promote research in the emerging field of adult stem cell biology in Oklahoma. Since then, adult stem cell research has flourished in our state, and Oklahoma universities, research foundations, and biotechnology companies are now fortunate to employee many world-recognized investigators who conduct research in this area. In 2019, OCASCR expanded its focus to include research in regenerative medicine—a field that is closely related to adult stem cell biology and that strives to restore the normal functions of cells, tissues, and organs that have been damaged by disease. OCASCR joins TSET in acknowledging that smoking- and obesity-related diseases are particularly deadly in Oklahoma and is therefore keen on promoting regenerative medicine research that is relevant to these diseases. The overall goal of OCASCR is to help adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research thrive in Oklahoma and to serve as a trusted resource for public information on these topics.

Shared Equipment Grant

Requests for shared equipment should include a manufacturer’s quote and information about users. The instrumentation should be part of a core facility and available to investigators in other institutions. The budget should only include the cost of the equipment. It is assumed that personnel or supply costs will be absorbed by the institution or charged to users.

Funding

The average equipment grant awarded over the last 3 years has been about $150,000. The smallest equipment grant awarded was $27,000, and the largest was $450,000.

Requests for small equipment (<$10,000) can be included in a Research Grant budget, provided the equipment is critical for the proposed research. OCASCR also awards Shared Equipment Grants, which facilitate purchase of equipment that becomes available to all Oklahoma scientists via the virtual OCASCR Core Facility—regardless of whether the equipment is housed in an individual lab or in an institutional core facility. A list of such equipment is maintained on our website. Large equipment purchased through this Shared Equipment Grant mechanism (>$50,000) is often complemented with matching funds. 

Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) Grants Program

In 2010, the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) established OCASCR to promote research in the emerging field of adult stem cell biology in Oklahoma. Since then, adult stem cell research has flourished in our state, and Oklahoma universities, research foundations, and biotechnology companies are now fortunate to employee many world-recognized investigators who conduct research in this area. In 2019, OCASCR expanded its focus to include research in regenerative medicine—a field that is closely related to adult stem cell biology and that strives to restore the normal functions of cells, tissues, and organs that have been damaged by disease. OCASCR joins TSET in acknowledging that smoking- and obesity-related diseases are particularly deadly in Oklahoma and is therefore keen on promoting regenerative medicine research that is relevant to these diseases. The overall goal of OCASCR is to help adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research thrive in Oklahoma and to serve as a trusted resource for public information on these topics.

Education and Travel Grant

Requests can be made for support to attend educational opportunities regarding stem cells and/or regenerative medicine, participate in courses, or train in other laboratories. Support will also be considered for “mini-sabbaticals” to learn stem cell and regenerative medicine-related technology.

Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) Grants Program

In 2010, the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) established OCASCR to promote research in the emerging field of adult stem cell biology in Oklahoma. Since then, adult stem cell research has flourished in our state, and Oklahoma universities, research foundations, and biotechnology companies are now fortunate to employee many world-recognized investigators who conduct research in this area. In 2019, OCASCR expanded its focus to include research in regenerative medicine—a field that is closely related to adult stem cell biology and that strives to restore the normal functions of cells, tissues, and organs that have been damaged by disease. OCASCR joins TSET in acknowledging that smoking- and obesity-related diseases are particularly deadly in Oklahoma and is therefore keen on promoting regenerative medicine research that is relevant to these diseases. The overall goal of OCASCR is to help adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research thrive in Oklahoma and to serve as a trusted resource for public information on these topics.

Enabling Technology Grant

Investigators with current OCASCR funding or federal funding for stem cell and/or regenerative medicine research may apply for help in obtaining enabling technology, such as commercially available animal models, monoclonal antibody preparation, or genetic assays. The enabling technology should have the potential to make the investigator’s stem cell and/or regenerative medicine research more competitive for subsequent or additional federal funding.

Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) Grants Program

In 2010, the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) established OCASCR to promote research in the emerging field of adult stem cell biology in Oklahoma. Since then, adult stem cell research has flourished in our state, and Oklahoma universities, research foundations, and biotechnology companies are now fortunate to employee many world-recognized investigators who conduct research in this area. In 2019, OCASCR expanded its focus to include research in regenerative medicine—a field that is closely related to adult stem cell biology and that strives to restore the normal functions of cells, tissues, and organs that have been damaged by disease. OCASCR joins TSET in acknowledging that smoking- and obesity-related diseases are particularly deadly in Oklahoma and is therefore keen on promoting regenerative medicine research that is relevant to these diseases. The overall goal of OCASCR is to help adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research thrive in Oklahoma and to serve as a trusted resource for public information on these topics.

Research Grant

Research Grants should be focused on adult stem cells and/or regenerative medicine. For applications focused on adult human stem cells, OCASCR defines adult human stem cells as those obtained from umbilical cord blood or other adult samples. For applications focused on regenerative medicine, those projects related to diseases caused by smoking or obesity (i.e. cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc.) will be prioritized, since OCASCR funding comes from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), which is dedicated to reducing these leading causes of death in Oklahoma. Studies involving experimental animals and model systems will be considered. Reprogramming of adult cells for use in tissue regeneration and stem cell-based reconstruction are of interest, as are studies devoted to a better understanding of tissue-specific stem cells, development, and regeneration. These are not inclusive examples, and exciting advances are possible in many areas of adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research.

Funding

There is no formal limit, but a maximum of $150,000 is recommended. The average research grant awarded over the last 3 years has been about $130,000. 

Battlefield Preservation Fund

Grants from the Battlefield Preservation Fund will serve as a catalyst to stimulate efforts to preserve battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures and to leverage fund-raising activities.

Eligible Activities

National Trust Preservation Fund grants are awarded for planning activities and education efforts focused on preservation. Grant funds can be used to launch new initiatives or to provide additional support to on-going efforts.

Planning

Supporting existing staff (nonprofit applicants only) or obtaining professional expertise in areas such as architecture, archaeology, engineering, preservation planning, land-use planning, and law. Eligible planning activities include, but are not limited to:

• Hiring a preservation architect or landscape architect, or funding existing staff with expertise in these areas, to produce a historic structure report or historic landscape master plan.
• Hiring a preservation planner, or funding existing staff with expertise in this area, to produce design guidelines for a historic district.
• Hiring a real estate development consultant, or funding existing staff with expertise in this area, to produce an economic feasibility study for the reuse of a threatened structure.
• Sponsoring a community forum to develop a shared vision for the future of a historic neighborhood.
• Organizational capacity building activities such as hiring fundraising consultants, conducting board training, etc.

Education and Outreach

Support for preservation education activities aimed at the public. The National Trust is particularly interested in programs aimed at reaching new audiences. Funding will be provided to projects that employ innovative techniques and formats aimed at introducing new audiences to the preservation movement, whether that be through education programming or conference sessions.

Guidelines

Grants from National Trust Preservation Funds (NTPF) are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by supporting on-going preservation work and by providing seed money for preservation projects. These grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for preservation projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage financial participation by the private sector.

A small grant at the right time can go a long way and is often the catalyst that inspires a community to take action on a preservation project. Grants generally start at $2,500 and range up to $5,000. The selection process is very competitive.

Eligible Activities

National Trust Preservation Fund grants are awarded for planning activities and education efforts focused on preservation. Grant funds can be used to launch new initiatives or to provide additional support to on-going efforts.

Planning: Supporting existing staff (nonprofit applicants only) or obtaining professional expertise in areas such as architecture, archaeology, engineering, preservation planning, land-use planning, and law. Eligible planning activities include, but are not limited to:

• Hiring a preservation architect or landscape architect, or funding existing staff with expertise in these areas, to produce a historic structure report or historic landscape master plan.
• Hiring a preservation planner, or funding existing staff with expertise in this area, to produce design guidelines for a historic district.
• Hiring a real estate development consultant, or funding existing staff with expertise in this area, to produce an economic feasibility study for the reuse of a threatened structure.
• Sponsoring a community forum to develop a shared vision for the future of a historic neighborhood.
• Organizational capacity building activities such as hiring fundraising consultants, conducting board training, etc.

Education and Outreach: Support for preservation education activities aimed at the public. The National Trust is particularly interested in programs aimed at reaching new audiences. Funding will be provided to projects that employ innovative techniques and formats aimed at introducing new audiences to the preservation movement, whether that be through education programming or conference sessions.

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here.  The focus areas for 2025 are:

• Animal Wellbeing: We are dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals. We must have animal-focused organizations that advocate for animal rights and provide humane treatment across all spectrums.
• Early Childhood Education: We are looking for schools that are providing young children with a creative and balanced approach to education. Things we love in early childhood curriculums:
  • Life Skills
  • Collaboration With Their Peers and Teachers   
  • Having Fun   
  • Montessori Teachings   
  • Project Based Teachings   
  • Diversity   
  • More Time Outside   
  • Less Screen Time
• Teachers: Teachers are essential to providing children with the best possible education. We must invest in their future and are always looking for teams that help them succeed in educating future generations.
• Get Outside: Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure, and more! We support organizations that facilitate and encourage more outdoor activities that help create healthier communities. 

Community Ties Giving Program

As part of the Community Ties Giving Program, Local Grants help us achieve our mission by providing small and medium-sized grants within our priority cause areas to local organizations spread widely across Union Pacific's footprint.

Funding Priorities & Objectives

Throughout its existence, the success of Union Pacific's business has been inextricably linked to the economic and community wellbeing of cities and towns across the nation. We take pride in the role we have played in helping communities thrive and believe the impact we can have on local communities is greatest when it is authentic to our history and reflective of the diverse company we are today.

As such, we have carefully aligned our Local Grants cause areas to our company's unique heritage, strengths, and assets. Specifically, we prioritize funding for direct services and efforts that build the capacity of organizations focused on the following causes within our local operating communities. Within each focus area, we aim to support programs and organizations working to advance the diversity, equity and inclusion of underrepresented populations within the local context and issue areas addressed. Find more information about our commitment to DEI in our FAQs.

Safety

In order for communities to thrive, all residents must feel safe. Just as the safety of our employees and community members is paramount to how we operate, Union Pacific is committed to helping communities prevent and prepare for incidents and emergencies, and helping residents get home safely at the end of each day. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to: 

• Encourage safe behaviors and prevent incidents through education and awareness, particularly projects which focus on rail, driver, bike, and pedestrian safety, and ensure outreach efforts reach underserved populations.
• Eliminate risks and improve safe and equitable access to community spaces through infrastructure improvements, such as signage, proper lighting, and public trail improvements.
• Prepare and equip residents and emergency responders* to effectively respond to incidents and emergencies if or when they occur.
  • *Union Pacific supports publicly funded emergency responders through a variety of corporate programs; only independent nonprofit, 501(c)(3) emergency response organizations, such as volunteer departments, are eligible for funding through this grant program
• Prevent crime and violent incidents and support survivors of domestic violence through efforts that address the root causes of these issues and seek to mitigate their occurrence.
• Build the capacity of safety-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Workforce Development

For more than 160 years, Union Pacific has helped stimulate economic growth in cities and towns throughout the nation by training and providing employment to millions of workers. More than ever, we are committed to helping underrepresented residents in our communities achieve family-supporting careers like those offered by Union Pacific. As such, we prioritize funding for programs that seek to:

• Put youth on the right track by creating awareness of and pathways toward employment opportunities; building foundational skills, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); establishing necessary technical skills and life skills; and providing mentorship and positive role models for the future.
• Raise awareness of, educate and prepare young adults for middle skills jobs like those Union Pacific offers, for instance through community colleges, vocational and career training programs, workforce readiness initiatives, and programs that assist with job placement and/or on-the-job experience.
  • Programs that develop proficiency in areas relevant to Union Pacific operations such as welding, electrical work, machine operations, and civil and electrical engineering are given priority.
• "Up-skill" the existing workforce by providing training and resources that enable them to reach the next level of their career.
  • Programs that develop proficiency in areas of relevance to Union Pacific operations are given priority.
• Resolve barriers to employment such as transportation, childcare, acquiring necessary equipment for work, and second chance employment programs.
• Build the capacity of workforce development-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Community Vitality

Union Pacific Railroad is committed to establishing vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for employees, customers and residents to work, visit and call home. Just as the railroad opened avenues for economic development and opportunity more than 160 years ago, we maintain this tradition by cultivating unique cultural and recreational experiences and equipping community members with opportunities to live healthy, vital lives. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to:

• Create, sustain or expand artistic and cultural experiences offered to a broad and diverse audience (e.g., museums, theaters, zoos, cultural and local heritage, visual and performing arts, etc.)
• Provide recreational opportunities that foster wellbeing, enrichment and/or an appreciation for our natural environment (e.g., parks, libraries, senior centers, recreation centers, learning centers, etc.).
• Revive neighborhoods and main street areas, especially in historically underinvested neighborhoods, to improve livability, promote commerce and attract more residents, businesses and visitors to town.
• Ensure residents’ basic needs are met and barriers are overcome (e.g., safe shelter and homelessness prevention, hunger relief, mental health and community health needs, etc.).
• Offer youth development and educational opportunities to ensure young people can thrive into healthy and productive community members (e.g., mentoring, leadership development, tutoring, services for youth in foster care, etc.).
• Build the capacity of community vitality-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Environmental Sustainability

The future of our business, communities and planet depends on bold, collective action to reduce and slow the impacts of climate change while building a more sustainable economy for the next generation. Union Pacific is taking deliberate steps to reduce our environmental impact and helping our partners improve their own. Extending this commitment to our community investments, we seek to support leading environmental nonprofits and community-based organizations to advance the health of our environment. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to:

• Preserve and restore nature, including programs focused on natural habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Protect and enhance water, soil and air quality through innovative and proactive solutions such as water conservation, carbon sequestration and emission reduction programs.
• Reduce waste through initiatives focused on promoting recycling and circularity throughout the community, including recycling and composting programs and other efforts that reduce waste.
• Develop environmental stewards through youth programs focused on fostering environmental appreciation, responsibility, and leadership.
• Advance a sustainable economy by helping communities accelerate their transition to environmental jobs and renewable energy, as well as helping nonprofits and small businesses build their own capacity to operate more sustainably.
• Promote environmental justice through initiatives that ensure access to clean air, water, and land and protect underserved populations from disproportionate and adverse environmental effects.
• Build the capacity of sustainability-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience.

Calling to Serve

Since its inception in 2016, the Robinson Foundation has sought to demonstrate God’s love through sharing the gifts we have received. We understand the often unspoken hardships and struggles that people in and outside of our community face everyday. As such, our contributions are focused on relieving these hardships for the betterment of our world.

As a family-operated foundation, we pray that our small efforts will not only create immediate change in the lives of our neighbors, but will help set those lives on a course for success in the future. We are thankful for each and every day we have on this earth to use what God has granted us to make a difference.

Areas of Interest

• Animal Welfare
• Children & Families
• Disaster Relief
• Education
• Medical Assistance
• Nature & Wildlife Conservation
• Poverty Relief
• Religious & Spiritual Endeavors
• Veterans' Issues

Grant Considerations

We take many different aspects of applications into account when making grant issuing decisions, however these are some of the high-level questions we ask ourselves during the process:

• How does the organization serve their key audience goals?
• Is the organization fiscally responsible?
• Will a grant have a tangible, meaningful impact?
• Will we see direct results from this grant?
• Does the organization have other financial contributors?

Mission StatementThe Sam Viersen Family Foundation, Inc. was founded in 1987 by Oklahoma oil man and philanthropist, Sam K. Viersen, Jr. The Foundation board is made up of family members and close family associates whose collective goal is to carry on the legacy of significant charitable giving commenced by Mr. Viersen and his parents—Sam and Aleene—years ago.The Foundation endeavors to provide meaningful financial assistance to qualified non-religious educational, charitable, cultural, and scientific organizations located primarily in northeast Oklahoma, with a primary focus on Okmulgee county.In particular, the Foundation is especially interested in supporting projects which meet basic human needs defined as food, shelter, and basic education, and which help dependent people obtain independence.Cultural programs whose aim is to provide cultural enrichment and experiences to those who otherwise would be unable to participate also receive high priority. The Foundation welcomes grant requests of any size but aims to provide assistance in amounts of not less than $1,000 or more than $500,000 to any particular recipient on an annual basis.

Community Partnership Award

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award recognizes outstanding nonprofit organizations in the United States that have shown exemplary leadership by facilitating partnerships with public, private or social sector leaders who are working together as equal partners, not as donors and recipients, to build a cohesive community that serves as a model for collaborating with others for the greater good.

Each year, the Mutual of America Foundation sponsors a national competition in which hundreds of organizations demonstrate the value of their partnership to the communities they serve, their ability to be replicated by others and their capacity to stimulate new approaches to addressing significant social issues.

Six organizations are selected by an independent committee to receive the Community Partnership Award.

• The Thomas J. Moran Award is given to the national award-winning program and includes $100,000 and a documentary video about the program.
• The Frances R. Hesselbein Award is given to a partnership that is addressing social challenges in more than one community, or which demonstrates the potential to be replicated in other communities. This recipient receives $75,000.
• Four other organizations are named Honorable Mention recipients for their programs, and each receives $50,000.

Since its inception in 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 262 partnerships from cities and towns across America. Like so many of our clients working in the nonprofit community, Mutual of America is dedicated to having a direct, positive impact on society.

Our Mission

The Hansen Family Foundation provides opportunities to domestic, international, secular, and non-secular organizations that support the American way of life, which is defined by the principles of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

Causes

Children

The Hansen Family Foundation supports causes dedicated to helping children both home as well as abroad. Learn More

Education

The Hansen Family Foundation believes that a decent education should be made available to everyone, young or old, the world over. Learn More

Animals

The Hansen Family Foundation believes in helping those who cannot speak on their own behalf. Learn More

Environmental

The Hansen Family Foundation is dedicated to preserving the world we all share. Learn More

Humanitarian

The Hansen Family Foundation views the plight of our fellow man as an opportunity to actively engage and effect change. Learn More

Arts & Culture

The Hansen Family Foundation supports all forms of artistic and cultural endeavors. Learn More

Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund

The most enduring highway in our public consciousness, Route 66 represents a unique moment in history that continues to define the nation’s identity: the rise of the automobile and its implications of freedom, mobility, and a quintessential American story. Grants from this fund will help preserve and enhance historic places on or connected to Route 66 for future generations.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund provides financial support to public agencies, tribal governments or nonprofit organizations to preserve and interpret historic places along the Route 66 corridor. The National Trust has a special interest in illuminating the narratives of communities whose places and stories have been historically underrepresented, which may include communities and neighborhoods along the Route 66 corridor associated with People of Color (including but not limited to indigenous peoples, Latinx, Black Americans and others), women, immigrants, LGBTQIA communities, veterans, and economically distressed communities.

Grants made from the Preserve Route 66 Fund will generally range from $2,500 to $10,000.

Corporate Contributions

Community involvement and corporate citizenship are an example of Insperity’s mission in action. We are committed to helping the communities where we live and work because together, we know we can make great things happen.

Grants

Philanthropic grants are a strong part of our community outreach and aid institutions needing financial support to meet important service goals.

Event Sponsorship

Fundraising events are an important part of nonprofit support. Insperity provides event sponsorships to approved charities to assist them in meeting their financial and community goals.