Best Major County Grants for Nonprofits in Oklahoma

Sports Matter Mission

We believe that sports change lives. In addition to physical and mental health benefits, sports have the power to change our perspectives, our character and our communities for the better. This core belief has guided DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation since the beginning – but not everyone has the same access to play. Through grants and other support, The DICK’S Foundation Sports Matter Program helps under-resourced 501c3 organizations, schools and community teams across all 50 states provide opportunities for youth to play sports.

Why It Counts

• Low-Income Kids Play at Half the Rate of Wealthier Peers
• Participation in Team Sports has Declined 4% Since 2017
• One in Three Kids Can't Participate in the Sports They Want 
• Number of Kids Playing Multiple Sports Has Declined

Sports Matter Program

We Believe Every Kid Deserves a Chance to Play

The Sports Matter Program focuses on supporting youth sports in under-resourced communities.

All grant applications are made subject to review of the applying organization’s reputation and activities, and its agreement to comply with applicable terms and conditions. 

About

Being deeply connected to the community means more than providing access to excellent healthcare. It means understanding, and investing in, the health needs of our community.

Through our Community Investment Fund (CIF), Endeavor Health has awarded more than $38.5 million to 59 local partnerships dedicated to enhancing community health and wellbeing, advancing health equity and supporting local economic growth. Together, we’re committed to helping everyone in our communities be their best.

Award categories

Through the CIF, we will make meaningful and intentional investments through impact awards and capacity builder awards. These awards are intended to meaningfully advance the health of our community over time towards three bold aspirations through investments in five areas of focus.

We aspire to a future where:

• A person’s zip code does not determine how long they will live
• Hunger and homelessness in our communities are history
• The healthcare workforce is thriving and representative of the communities we serve

To help advance these aspirations, the CIF will invest in the following areas:

• Access to healthcare
• Behavioral health
• Food insecurity
• Housing insecurity
• Workforce development for careers in healthcare

Impact awards

• Designed for 5-year initiatives where organizations come together to drive measurable impact and longer-term change in the communities we serve by improving existing systems and innovation
• Emphasize strategic cross-sector and/or intra-sector partnerships between community-based organizations
• Uplift community members of greatest need
• Directly align with CIF areas of focus and meaningfully contribute to CIF goals
• Award amount: $1 million per year, up to 5 years

The CIF Capacity Builder Awards by Endeavor Health focus on enhancing community health through strategic investments. With over $38.5 million allocated to local partnerships, these awards aim to address critical areas like healthcare access, food insecurity, and workforce development. Designed for nonprofit organizations, the awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 annually for 1-2 years, fostering long-term community impact and advancing health equity in the service areas.

About American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF)The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) promotes firsthand exchange of intellectual and creative influence between the United States and the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. ASF offers fellowships, cultural grants, internships/training, publications, exhibitions and other public programs reinforcing the strong relationships between the two regions, honoring their shared values, and appreciating their differences.ASF Public Projects GrantThe American-Scandinavian Foundation promotes the cultures of the Nordic countries in the United States and American culture in the Nordic countries by encouraging programs that will enhance public appreciation of culture, art, and thought. In establishing priorities, the Foundation considers the lasting benefits that may be achieved by any grant and favors projects where its contribution will complement support from other sources. 

NASA's Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute Cooperative Agreement Notice-5 invites multi-institutional proposals aimed at advancing human exploration of the Moon and Mars. This initiative focuses on innovative research to address critical scientific questions and develop technologies for future missions. The program emphasizes community development, training the next generation of scientists and engineers, and fostering partnerships to integrate science with exploration goals.

This project aims to facilitate collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy and State governments across four regions in the U.S. The focus is on planning for the safe transportation of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. By engaging local stakeholders, the project seeks to ensure a transparent and effective transportation program that garners public trust. DOE plans to award four agreements, promoting regional partnerships in this critical area of nuclear waste management.

The DARRP Restoration Implementation Grants aim to enhance marine and coastal habitat restoration through collaboration between NOAA and non-federal partners. These grants address oil spills and hazardous substance releases by supporting restoration activities authorized under various environmental laws. Eligible applicants will implement projects that promote sustainable fisheries, recover endangered species, and boost local economies. Through careful planning and evaluation, recipients will contribute to effective restoration strategies that align with NOAA's mission and the needs of coastal communities.

The ROSES 2025: A.16 Cryosphere program by NASA focuses on the vital role of Earth's ice within the global climate system. It aims to enhance understanding of cryospheric processes through satellite and airborne observations, addressing the challenges posed by the remoteness of icy regions. The program supports research on Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, glaciers, and Arctic sea ice to monitor changes and their impacts on sea level rise, ocean biology, and climate feedback mechanisms.

The Professional Formation of Engineers: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF) program aims to foster research in the Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) while expanding the community of researchers in this field. It targets early-career Principal Investigators (PIs) with limited experience in social science or education research, enabling them to develop expertise in engineering education research and address critical challenges in engineering formation.

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program aims to enhance the library and archival workforce by addressing community information needs and strengthening institutional capacities. It supports innovative projects that explore alternative pathways into library services, advance continuing education, and foster recruitment and retention of future professionals. By focusing on diverse training and development, the program seeks to cultivate a new generation of library leaders equipped to meet evolving challenges.

The Native American Library Services Basic Grant (NAB) aims to enhance library services for Native Communities. By supporting the acquisition of materials, programming, and staff training, the program empowers Tribal libraries to adapt to evolving information needs. This initiative fosters knowledge centers that contribute to community wellness and cultural preservation. Through targeted project activities, the NAB program ensures that libraries effectively meet their users' diverse needs, promoting accessibility and engagement across the nation.

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance library services across the nation. By supporting projects that promote adult reading, health and financial literacy, and effective use of new technologies, this initiative fosters community prosperity and builds partnerships among libraries, archives, and museums. The grants ensure that libraries can respond effectively to public needs and enhance their contributions to education and information access.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Violence Against Women Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Initiative invites eligible applicants, including Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, to apply for funding. This initiative aims to enhance the prosecution of VAWA crimes in Indian country by enabling Tribes to hire attorneys to work alongside U.S. Attorneys' Offices, thereby improving jurisdictional coverage and law enforcement collaboration.

The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aids Native Communities in enhancing library services. It empowers Tribal libraries to adapt to evolving information needs and serve as vital resource centers. By addressing the unique priorities of each community, this initiative fosters knowledge sharing and supports the overall wellness of Tribal members, ensuring they have access to essential information and resources.

The Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2027) aim to enhance library services for Native Hawaiian communities. Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, this program empowers organizations to adapt to evolving information needs, promoting wellness and knowledge sharing. By supporting unique priorities across various islands, it fosters stronger community resource centers that serve the cultural and informational needs of Native Hawaiian users effectively.

The National Leadership Grants for Museums, offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, support innovative projects addressing critical needs in the museum sector. These grants aim to enhance museum services for the public by fostering the development and replication of effective practices, tools, and collaborations, particularly leveraging new technologies. Eligible projects can significantly advance the professional field, ensuring museums remain vital community resources.

The Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture (2027) program aims to strengthen American Latino history and culture museums by enhancing their capacity to serve communities. It supports initiatives that foster professional development within these cultural institutions, ensuring they can effectively promote and preserve Latino heritage. This grant, offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is crucial for advancing the growth of a dedicated workforce in the American Latino cultural sector.

The Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (NANH) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), aims to support Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and organizations serving Native Hawaiians. It focuses on preserving heritage and culture through educational services, workforce development, capacity building, community engagement, and effective collections stewardship. This initiative is crucial for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of Native communities.

The 21st Century Museum Professionals (21MP) Program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance career pathways and professional networks in the museum sector. This initiative focuses on developing current museum staff, recruiting new professionals, and fostering partnerships that promote effective workforce training. By emphasizing peer learning and alternative career pathways, the program seeks to create a robust and diverse museum workforce across the nation.

The Museums for America (MFA) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), supports museums across the nation in enhancing their educational programs, community partnerships, and collection stewardship. This initiative aims to serve diverse audiences through experiential learning, address community needs, and ensure the proper management of collections. By investing in museums of all sizes, the MFA program plays a vital role in preserving America's cultural heritage for future generations.

The Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027) initiative, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to empower small museums across various disciplines. This program focuses on project-based funding to enhance public service through educational programs, exhibits, and community partnerships. By supporting small, often underfunded institutions, Inspire seeks to strengthen their capacity to engage communities and improve collections management, fostering experiential learning and discovery.

The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance the capacity of African American museums. This initiative supports professional development for museum staff and promotes accessibility to collections at these institutions and HBCUs. By fostering institutional growth, the program plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing African American history and culture through museum initiatives.

The Christine Riggins Shepherd Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, aims to support students from Lamar, Pike, Monroe, Upson, or Spalding counties attending Georgia Southern University. With at least one award given annually, the scholarship amount varies. Recipients can renew their scholarships for up to four years if they maintain eligibility. Preference is given to applicants from Lamar County, promoting educational opportunities for local students.

The Career Women’s Network Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, empowers non-traditional female students aged 25 and older to pursue higher education. This scholarship promotes leadership and personal development for women in the community, offering varying amounts each year. Recipients may renew their awards for up to four years, contingent on meeting eligibility criteria. The fund honors Katherine Walters, who valued education and aimed to assist women in achieving their academic goals.

Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation

The mission of the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation is to support research, education, and training within the hospitality industry by bestowing scholarships and grants to those seeking careers or advancement in the hospitality industry; funding education programs that promote the hospitality industry; and awarding research grants to those interested in blending academia with practical industry know-how. 

Primary Goals: To support the professional development and academic advancement of the hospitality industry by continuing to support the foundation’s current programs, promote recipients, maintain positive working relationships with associations, and provide support to underserved communities with individuals pursuing hospitality education, training, and job advancement. 

In 2024, TSYLF introduced new initiatives to support and empower underserved communities and underprivileged and underemployed individuals. We invite all hospitality associations, students, research teams, and professionals to explore how the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation can support your educational and professional endeavors in the field of hospitality. 

Research Grants

Grantmaking Focus

The foundation supports programs that are practical and directly benefit the hospitality industry. Of particular interest are efforts that apply rigorous academic research to solve practical hospitality issues. All grants are measured on the direct results of improved efficiency and efficacy for the hospitality industry. The Foundation emphasizes activities in the following areas and organizations that work in the following areas:

• Research programs that improve employment possibilities and career advancement for those entering or incumbents in the hospitality industry.
• Research programs that enhance efficiency in the hospitality industry.
• Articles or textbooks that contribute to the comprehensive body of knowledge and/or promote industry practices, standards, and ethics.
• Practical and applicable research projects with immediate benefit to the hospitality industry.

Grants are payable to the organization or institution and not to an individual.

Grant funding is dispersed in two payments. One payment will be made upon award approval and the second will be made once the research grant report has been submitted.

Research Grant funding should be used for the following:

• TSYLF funds should be used for research facility overhead and general maintenance.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable software, computer systems or programs to organize, track and store data.
• TSYLF funds can be used for tangible research items such printed documents, writing utensils, books, office supplies or related tools and materials needed to document research and practical observations.
• TSYLF will fund equipment or materials used for hands-on training such as cleaning, and sanitation supplies, safety items or other personal protection, furnishings found in hotels, restaurants or other hospitality related facilities being used to observe applicable productivity or conditions.
• TSYLF funds can be used to obtain proper permits for conducting research or staging a practical observation or production space.
• TSYLF funds can be used be used for creating resource material and related distribution costs to hospitality professionals, businesses and educators.
• TSYLF funds can be used for support materials or services for hosting focus groups, interviews or other activities related to the research topic.
• TSYLF funds should be used wisely for reasonable and cost-effective accommodations for staff, research team and subjects such as meals, travel or lodging.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable mileage or transportation fees for research subjects, team and special advisors.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable travel accommodations related to research topic data collection.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research team for their time in collecting, analyzing and organizing data related to the funded research topic.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research subjects.
• TSYLF funds can be used for expenses related to community engagement.
• TSYLF funds can be used for fees related to attending a hospitality event that aligns with the funded research topic.

Pray4Gray Foundation

The Pray4Gray Foundation was created to honor Grayson Pope’s courageous journey following a traumatic brain injury sustained under circumstances beyond his control. Grayson’s resilience, optimism, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire all who know him.

As Grayson works toward recovery with a smile and a strong heart, our mission is to provide prayer, support, resources, and education to families of young people facing similar challenges. We aim to build a community rooted in hope, faith, and resilience—empowering youth and their families to navigate brain injury recovery with strength and purpose.

Grayson looks forward to giving back as others did for him—sharing his story and spirit to help others heal. Through our programs and services, we are committed to walking alongside families in crisis and helping young people thrive beyond adversity. 

Grant

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), we’re here for you.

Our foundation is dedicated to walking alongside families of young adults recovering from TBI by offering support, resources, prayer, and education. Whether you're navigating the early stages of recovery or continuing a long-term journey, you don’t have to do it alone.

We invite you to apply for assistance through our foundation. Support may include financial aid, educational materials, access to community resources, and spiritual encouragement tailored to your family’s needs.

The Blackstock Family Foundation Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, offers scholarships to Georgia students pursuing degrees in healthcare, special education, or STEM fields. With a focus on supporting individuals with special needs, the fund provides at least one award annually, with renewal options for prior recipients. Eligible candidates must be Georgia residents, high school seniors or currently enrolled students, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7. Preference is given to students from Upson County.