Best Grady County Grants for Nonprofits in Oklahoma

Great Plains Grassland Fund

The Great Plains Grassland Fund is a public-private grant fund that helps protect and sustainably manage the native grasslands of the Great Plains by pairing land protection strategies with technical and financial assistance for ranchers. The program aims to permanently conserve high-value grasslands at risk of conversion through easements and other durable land protection tools; support ranchers and communities with resources to improve grazing management, maintain working lands, and keep grasslands intact; and build a durable funding mechanism that leverages public and private capital, supports qualified implementation partners, and advances community-led conservation projects across the region.

Summary

The Fund will operate as a funding mechanism to facilitate capital aggregation and disbursement to strategically protect grasslands across the Great Plains. The primary objectives for this Fund include:

• Permanently protect land using conservation easements in areas with high conservation value, high conversion risk, and strong community buy-in
• Leverage technical and financial resources to improve grazing land management in and around the areas under protection status
• Engage local communities in identifying sites for protection and planning conservation and grazing land management
• Measure and report key progress indicators for conversion, biodiversity, water and rancher livelihoods

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Grady County, Oklahoma can access funding through Allied Arts to support programming, administrative costs, and exhibits or performances. Eligible 501(c)(3) groups must be headquartered in central Oklahoma, classified as Arts, Culture, and Humanities, and be among the 25 Allied Arts member agencies with at least three years of operations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community revitalization in Grady County, Oklahoma may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Ferguson help U.S.-based nonprofits within its geographic footprint build partnerships that strengthen community wellbeing and economic opportunity.

Grady County, Oklahoma 501(c)(3) pet welfare organizations hosting cat and dog welfare events can seek event sponsorship, product donations, and samples. Grants from Nestlé Purina help eligible U.S. groups within 50 miles of a Purina manufacturing location cover pet-related event needs, with at least six months’ lead time required.

Grady County, Oklahoma 501(c)(3) pet welfare organizations seeking support for animal welfare programs can apply for Nestlé Purina’s Animal Welfare Grants. Grants from Nestlé Purina help fund capacity building, capital improvements, and program or spay/neuter initiatives for pet shelters and related nonprofits within 50 miles of its facilities, including eligible areas in Oklahoma.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Central Oklahoma, including Grady County, Oklahoma, can apply for small grants up to US $10,000 to support arts and culture, education, animal wellbeing, environmental conservation, and historic preservation projects. Kirkpatrick Foundation reviews requests monthly, so applicants should allow about 60 days for review and follow-up.

Grady County, Oklahoma nonprofits working on energy or public policy advocacy can access funding through Continental Resources to support oil and natural gas industry advocacy efforts. Eligible organizations are generally located in communities where the company operates and may use support to educate the public about industry benefits and economic impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Grady County, Oklahoma can apply for Wegener Foundation support for quality of life and education initiatives. The foundation funds youth and family services, health and wellness, arts and humanities, and community development in central Oklahoma, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000, with potential for long-term partnerships.

Nonprofit arts organizations serving Grady County, Oklahoma can receive up to US $5,000 from Allied Arts of Oklahoma to expand arts experiences for underserved, rural, and at-risk K–12 students and vulnerable adults. Funding supports educational outreach, including programs for veterans, hospitalized adults, developmentally disabled adults, and broader community arts participation.

Public, private, and charter K–12 schools in Grady County, Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City metro can receive up to US $1,500 to create monarch and pollinator gardens as outdoor classrooms. Oklahoma City Zoo provides selected schools with garden funding, teacher professional development, curriculum, and ongoing technical support for long-term habitat projects.

Nonprofit organizations focused on health, wellness, and healthy living in Grady County, Oklahoma can seek support for marathons, fundraisers, research initiatives, and wellness events. With a mission to invest in its operating communities, Continental Resources provides charitable donations to organizations in its service areas, excluding individuals and groups outside those communities.

Public and charter middle schools expanding an existing PLTW Gateway STEM program in Grady County, Oklahoma can apply for up to US $10,000 to add units, class periods, or teacher training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help cover PLTW participation fees, required devices, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs.

Middle and high schools in Grady County, Oklahoma can apply to launch or expand PLTW Engineering programs with funding that covers participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and teacher core training. Focused on STEM education, Project Lead The Way offers US $30,000 over two years, with priority for schools serving high-need students.

Schools in Grady County, Oklahoma seeking to launch or expand PLTW computer science and engineering programs can receive US $20,000 for participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Project Lead The Way and Phillips 66 prioritize middle and high schools in eligible Phillips 66 communities serving high-need students.

Grady County, Oklahoma middle and high schools seeking to start or expand PLTW computer science and engineering programs can access funding through Project Lead The Way, with support from Phillips 66. Awards of US $20,000 over two years may cover PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training with related travel costs.

Nonprofit charitable organizations serving older adults living at home in Grady County, Oklahoma can apply for Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Services for Older Adults Community Grant, with awards up to US $30,000 for general operating support. Funding can support independent living, wellness and physical activity, and social or recreational services for residents 65 and older.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, or environment in Grady County, Oklahoma may be eligible for community program funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects near its manufacturing communities that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability; applicants should confirm proximity to a GP facility before applying.

Public and private middle and high schools in Grady County, Oklahoma can use this Project Lead The Way funding to expand existing PLTW Engineering programs, including new courses, added class periods, teacher training, and required equipment. Grants from Phillips 66 and Project Lead The Way provide US $10,000 for eligible PLTW participation fees, devices, and core training costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food access, homelessness, or military and veterans services in Grady County, Oklahoma may be eligible for program support. With a mission to uplift communities through Hunger, Heroes and Hope, SpartanNash Foundation provides nearby nonprofits with grants when they are within 30 miles of its stores, offices, or distribution centers.

Madeline Mellers Memorial Girls Golf Scholarship

Madeline started playing golf at a young age with her father, Ed Mellers, in Missouri. After moving to Colorado with her mother and stepfather, Chris and Ann Bush in 4th grade, she continued to play and started competing in CJGA events around the state. When she started as a freshman at Rye High School in 1990-91, there was no girls’ golf team at Rye High School so CHSAA said she could try out for the boys’ team, and she made it! Her junior year, Madeline along with her coach, Greg Bailey and Hollydot Professional, Prim Ivan, approached CHSAA again to see if Mad’s scores from Boys golf in fall could qualify her for the Girls State golf tournament the next spring, and CHSAA decided yes! She qualified and played in her 1st state tournament the next spring, placing 10th. In those days, the girls competed against girls from every size of high school in the state 1A to 6A.

During her Junior and Senior years, Madeline was also working with Dana Smith, a well known teaching professional from the Mike McGetrick Golf Academy in Denver. Dana took Madeline’s golf to the next level and is now graciously helping with her scholarship. He was chosen as the best teacher in Colorado by Golf digest and has several articles on golf published by Golf digest and Golf Illustrated. He is currently one of the staff at Trent Wearner Golf in Denver.

Her senior year, we were able to field a team made up of girls from various Southern Colorado small high schools and they played in girls’ season, 11 tournaments in all. Madeline was medalist in all 11 tournaments. She went on to become the Pueblo Ladies City Champion 3 times in 1994, 1995, and 1996. She was the youngest girl to win the Ladies championship at 17 years old!

Madeline was awarded a golf and academic scholarship to Stetson University, a division 1 school in Florida, where she attended and played golf for 4 years graduating in 1998. Denver University Law School was her next stop, and she graduated with her Juris Doctorate in 2002, passed the bar and started her law career with a private firm in Denver.

Tragically, we lost Madeline at 41 years old to colon cancer after a courageous 5-year battle. At the time of her death, she was a Senior Asst. Attorney General for the state of Colorado and very actively involved as a fundraiser for the Colon Cancer Alliance of Colorado. Madeline Ann Mellers played golf all of her life and was President of the Denver Businesswomen’s golf league. 

Description of the award

• We will be awarding two $2,500.00 scholarships
• Payment will be made to the institution directly
• Both in-state and out-of-state institutions are accepted
• Applicants must maintain a 3.0 or above GPA while maintaining the scholarship

The Genesis Mission by the DOE aims to transform science and energy through AI by inviting interdisciplinary teams to tackle significant challenges in energy, environment, and nuclear sectors. With multiple deadlines for FY26 Phase I and II applications, the initiative encourages leveraging diverse scientific resources to enhance R&D workflows. Successful proposals could integrate AI advancements into the American Science Cloud, fostering innovation in critical areas like advanced manufacturing and quantum information science.

About

Since awarding our first grants in 2002, the Lawrence Township Community Foundation (LTCF) has provided over $1,400,000 in grant funding for more than 50 local nonprofit organizations who serve the people of Lawrence Township. Operating with a completely volunteer board of directors, the LTCF serves as a careful clearinghouse for funds donated by corporate sponsors who have entrusted this significant funding to the Foundation.

In 2023, The Lawrence Township Community Foundation established the LTCF Community Service Scholarship to recognize outstanding Lawrence Township students with a history of volunteering in Lawrence Township.

Amount

$500 (two honorees will be selected and announced in late May)

Eugene Frank Sommerlatte Endowment Fund

Majoring in Transportation Technology and enrolling in following semester.

Awards

• (1) $3,000.00

Emma Carter Browning Scholarship Education Plan Fund

Graduating or have graduated from High School in the following Texas Counties: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Erath, Hamilton, Shackleford and Stephens.

Awards

(3) $3,000.00

Dr. C. D. Rao Memorial Scholarship

Students pursuing engineering studies.

Awards

• (2) $1,300.00