Best Grants for Museums in Oklahoma

The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Collections-Related Grants for Nonprofits, aimed at enhancing public interest in art through innovative projects. Grants support exhibitions, academic convenings, research, and catalog publication, focusing on art from the Spanish Americas, digital media, and more. The foundation prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., particularly from New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, fostering partnerships that advance art scholarship and cultural engagement.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Kirkpatrick Foundation Small Grants program supports diverse initiatives in arts, culture, education, animal wellbeing, environmental conservation, and historic preservation, primarily in Central Oklahoma. With no specific deadlines and monthly reviews, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life through strategic funding. Organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3) nonprofits and serve the local community are encouraged to apply. This program reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable environment for all citizens.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Special Project Funding to support innovative initiatives in the arts, particularly in under-resourced areas. This grant encourages collaborative projects that enhance community engagement and education, focusing on art exhibitions and scholarships in the greater Texas Panhandle. By fostering leadership and creativity, the Foundation aims to empower individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact in the fields of art and art history.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund offers matching support grants to nonprofit organizations in central Oklahoma, focusing on endowment funds. Organizations can apply for grants to match their fundraising efforts, with varying amounts based on the type of endowment established. The fund emphasizes the importance of building endowments to ensure financial sustainability and supports initiatives across various areas including arts, education, and community enhancement. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the fund's interests.

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund offers Project Support through small grants aimed at enhancing community quality of life in central Oklahoma. Eligible projects must achieve measurable outcomes within a specific timeframe and align with the organization's mission. The fund prioritizes support for arts, education, health, and community development initiatives. Importantly, it excludes requests for ongoing program support or capital projects, ensuring a focus on impactful, time-limited projects that benefit local communities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The OK DEQ Environmental Education Grant supports educators in Oklahoma by providing resources and training to enhance environmental education. Eligible applicants include teachers, youth group leaders, and organizations focused on youth engagement in environmental issues. Projects must emphasize environmental education, involve students directly, and align with classroom objectives. Collaboration with community partners is encouraged. This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of environmental conservation among Oklahoma's youth.

The Kirkpatrick Foundation, a private foundation in Oklahoma City since 1955, focuses on enhancing quality of life through grants in arts, culture, education, animal wellbeing, environmental conservation, and historic preservation. It supports eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, emphasizing community impact in the Oklahoma City area. The foundation seeks to empower organizations that contribute to the cultural and educational fabric of the region while ensuring the humane treatment of animals and environmental stewardship.

Oklahoma Historical Society

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people.

The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) was founded on May 27, 1893, by members of the Territorial Press Association to preserve newspapers. Over the years the OHS has developed numerous collections, programs, research centers, museums, historic homes, and military sites across the state. The OHS is an agency of the State of Oklahoma and a private membership organization governed by a Board of Directors.

Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program

Grants-in-Aid Program

The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program is a grants-in-aid program offered by the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) with a goal of encouraging the collection, preservation, and sharing of Oklahoma history at the grassroots level in all parts of the state. Open to tribal and municipal governments and not-for-profit historical organizations located in Oklahoma and registered with the Oklahoma Secretary of State, this grants program offers funding ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 for projects focused on collections, exhibits, educational programming and capacity building. Applications for this annual program open in the fall, and award announcements are made in January.

All applicant organizations must have a strategic plan for your organization to be eligible. 

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

About the Oklahoma Historical Society

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people.

The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) was founded on May 27, 1893, by members of the Territorial Press Association to preserve newspapers. Over the years the OHS has developed numerous collections, programs, research centers, museums, historic homes, and military sites across the state. The OHS is an agency of the State of Oklahoma and a private membership organization governed by a Board of Directors.

National Register of Historic Places

Nomination Grant Application Instructions and Qualifications

The Oklahoma Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) receives an annual allocation from the US Department of the Interior's Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) for conduct of the National Register Programs. The SHPO has set aside $12,000 from the HPF award for matching grants for preparation of National Register of Historic Places nominations. This special grant program is designed to encourage nomination of individual properties to the National Register increasing the number of Oklahoma's valuable archaeological and historic resources that can benefit from this special designation.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.