Best Mayes County Grants for Nonprofits in Oklahoma

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations hosting community wellness, health education, or physical fitness events in Mayes County, Oklahoma may be eligible to apply for Better Health Together’s Community Sponsorship, with awards up to US $5,000. Funding supports community events and engagement activities that promote wellness and elevate community voices; applications should be submitted 6–8 weeks before the event.

Mayes County, Oklahoma 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and youth through education or related supports can access funding through Comis Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $75,000. Grants back pilot programs, proof-of-concept projects, and capacity building or innovative efforts that help children explore, learn, and thrive, including some nationally focused organizations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations facing unbudgeted, unforeseen, and time-sensitive emergencies can seek up to US $250,000 to address mission-critical needs through the Critical Needs List, including groups serving Mayes County, Oklahoma. Community Foundation of Tampa Bay connects verified requests in areas like basic needs, health, education, and animal welfare with local philanthropists and matching funds.

Mission

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network

With generous support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Social Science Research Council is pleased to invite U.S. R1 research universities in SSRC’s College and University Fund for the Social Sciences to apply for funding to join the Public Exchange Network. Public Exchange is a new network that turns university research expertise into real-world action and impact. Foundedat the University of Southern California in 2020 and expanded to Washington University in St. Louis in 2025, Public Exchange connects researchers with government, nonprofit, and industry partners to tackle pressing challenges—from disaster recovery and climate solutions to food insecurity and homelessness prevention. Since its founding, Public Exchange has developed high-impact collaborations between 48 partners and 142 researchers including:

• CLEAN LA and CLEAN STL: One of the largest free soil testing programs for lead in Los Angeles County following the January 2025 wildfires, and a related program in St. Louis to test soil and air for contaminants following the May 2025 EF-3 tornado;
• The California Solar Canal Initiative: An ambitious public-private research collaboration to advance solar panel infrastructure along California’s 4,000 miles of open aqueduct, conserving water and generating renewable energy;
• Food Base LA: LA County’s first food systems data dashboard, helping LA County and non-profit partners target distribution of millions of pounds of food and related resources to families experiencing food insecurity;
• ShadeLA: A people-powered campaign to cool Los Angeles ahead of the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics by advancing natural and built shade cover in the region.

Partners have included the City and County of Los Angeles, the State of California, the City of St. Louis, Yelp, Solar AquaGrid, the United Nations Foundation, Keck Medicine of USC, the Southern California Association of Governments, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Department of Angels and many more. In addition to real-world impact positively affecting millions of lives, Public Exchange collaborations have resulted in over $18m in research funding, some helping to incubate new centers or areas of research, more than 40 academic journal publications, hundreds of media hits, and dozens of student career opportunities. 

The Public Exchange Model

Public Exchange is a partner-driven program, working collaboratively with external partners to: (1) define a research scope, timeline, and deliverables; (2) identify the right team of multidisciplinary academic experts to analyze the problem; (3) provide project management from concept and strategy development to project outputs and tools delivery; and (4) manage the public and stakeholder engagement related to the project, as well as communications and design needs. Public Exchange staff are not researchers, but come from government, industry, and non-profit backgrounds, uniquely equipping project teams to understand partners’ needs and lead projects to action. Staff oversee activities including partnership and proposal development, funder cultivation, research translation, dissemination, and communications, impact and scaling strategy, administrative support, cross-sector convening, and more, to maximize the real-world impact of university expertise. Public Exchange builds results-driven teams that deliver measurable impact and lasting solutions for partners.

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

SSRC Public Exchange Network Expansion Grants

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

In addition, every university in the Public Exchange Network benefits from central communications support (currently housed at USC), and access to a collaborative network of project partners, researchers, and funder relationships. Separately, SSRC will select a local research fellow to study and document how the Public Exchange model develops within and between host institutions during the grant term, and how the Public Exchange Network universities work together to effect larger-scale change. 

Expectations

Institutions selected to join the Public Exchange Network are expected to:

• Hire an Executive Director who can launch and lead efforts to incubate social impact projects with public and private sector partners;
• Have in place before public launch: (1) an executive director, (2) a seed fund, (3) a modest operations budget, and (4 – recommended) some in-kind project management support. 
• Develop and sustain at least three high-impact research partnerships during the two-year grant tenure;
• Invest modest resources during the grant term that demonstrate commitment to continuing the Public Exchange model after the end of philanthropic support. This is estimated at approximately $85-$90k annually (with some variation considering local labor markets) to support an operations and project seed fund and any additional capital needed for the Executive Director hire beyond the subsidy. 
• Coordinate with the SSRC research fellow who will examine the impact of Public Exchange at their university and across the network. 
• Work with faculty across their university. Public Exchange can live anywhere within a university at the school or central level. The majority of Public Exchange projects to date at USC and WashU have included researchers from two or more schools, and grantees must be able to work with faculty university-wide. 

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Mayes County, Oklahoma can seek support for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focused on long-term impact, State Farm Companies Foundation funds efforts like disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, job training, food security, and K-12 or higher education programs across the U.S.

The Goodnow Fund is a family foundation that provides approximately $1.5 million in grants annually to nonprofit organizations. Focused on supporting vulnerable children, Alzheimer's research, educational opportunities for low-income students, and environmental improvement, the Fund primarily aids organizations in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It identifies potential grantees directly and does not accept unsolicited proposals. For more information, organizations can contact the Fund's Executive Director.

Animal welfare nonprofits and government agencies in Mayes County, Oklahoma can access funding through VCA Charities to support pets affected by recent disasters. Grants up to US $10,000 can cover emergency veterinary care, pet food and supplies, temporary shelter or boarding, transportation, and other immediate needs or reimburse related costs for up to three months post-disaster.

Nonprofessional youth sports teams connected to North Carolina cities, counties, Pre-K–12 schools, or 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive up to US $5,000 for travel to sporting events, including those in Mayes County, Oklahoma. Mayes County nonprofits partnering with eligible North Carolina entities can access funding from the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission for transportation and lodging costs.

Nonprofits, local governments, fire councils, and tribal authorities in Mayes County, Oklahoma can access funding for wildfire risk reduction, capacity-building, and planning on non-federal lands. Coalitions & Collaboratives offers US $10,000 - US $75,000 AIM grants nationwide for pre-fire mitigation projects that fit into broader community wildfire strategies and include a 100% cash or in-kind match.

Nonprofit legal organizations, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for economic, environmental, racial, or social justice can apply for recoverable grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000. Focused on systemic change, the Impact Fund supports out-of-pocket litigation expenses; Mayes County, Oklahoma advocates working on qualifying cases may be eligible.

Nonprofit human service and education organizations in Mayes County, Oklahoma working to meet basic needs or promote Constitutional freedoms may be eligible for grants over More than US $2,500. Ken W Davis Foundation supports 501(c)(3) groups across the U.S., with priority for human services in specific Texas and New Mexico regions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal entities, and select government institutions seeking new equipment or technology can apply for more than US $50,000 to build capacity, including in Mayes County, Oklahoma. M J Murdock Charitable Trust supports projects in areas like education, health, community services, arts, environment, and scientific research, with grantees covering at least 50% of purchase costs.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, churches, and government agencies in Mayes County, Oklahoma can apply for Walmart Foundation’s Spark Good Local Grants, awarding US $250 - US $5,000 for community-focused projects. Organizations must operate in the local Walmart or Sam’s Club service area and be Deed-verified through a Spark Good account before applying.

Researchers at U.S. nonprofit institutions, including those in Mayes County, Oklahoma, can apply for Elsa U. Pardee Foundation grants supporting one-year innovative cancer research projects. Eligible post-docs on the tenure track and investigators exploring new approaches to cancer detection, treatment, or cure may benefit, especially for small-scale, early-stage studies that are hard to fund elsewhere.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations developing innovative programs, sharing new approaches, or providing direct services for children with special needs, acute illnesses, or chronic disabilities in Mayes County, Oklahoma may be eligible. Grants from Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation support pediatric health and special needs initiatives, though they generally do not cover salaries, operating expenses, or building projects.

Mayes County, Oklahoma nonprofits and public agencies preserving modern buildings by Black architects can access funding through the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Conserving Black Modernism program offers US $150,000 for planning, limited capital improvements, and technical studies to steward eligible 20th-century historic assets such as cultural centers, schools, libraries, residences, and similar community sites.

The Helen M. McLoraine Nonprofit Employee Scholarship, offered by The Denver Foundation, supports nonprofit employees in the Denver Metro area pursuing education in human services. Eligible candidates must have at least a 2.5 GPA and be employed part-time or full-time for a minimum of one year. Awards are granted based on academic performance, passion for nonprofit work, and financial need. Recipients can reapply for funding over a maximum of three years, with awards directly applied to educational expenses.

Central Carolina nonprofits seeking general support and donor growth in Mayes County, Oklahoma–like contexts can access funding opportunities through Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Midlands Gives initiative. This region-wide program supports eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in specified South Carolina counties by boosting online fundraising, expanding donor bases, and offering capacity-building training through an annual 18-hour giving day and year-round resources.

Rural municipal, tribal, and county governments, nonprofits, and planning organizations in Mayes County, Oklahoma with populations under 50,000 can seek support for local design challenges and creative placemaking. With a mission to strengthen rural communities through design, the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design provides up to US $6,000 plus technical assistance, workshops, and a design learning cohort.

The Levin Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofits focused on critical issues in Montgomery County, Ohio, such as the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, anti-bullying, and suicide prevention. Established in 1996, the foundation has invested over $12 million globally, emphasizing projects that align with its mission. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. Priority is given to initiatives in the Greater Dayton Area, fostering positive community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, towns, cities, healthcare entities, and agencies seeking support for community development, youth, education, agriculture, or public health and safety can apply for program, equipment, or capital funding. With a mission of broad charitable support, Paul Lauzier Scholarship Foundation may fund eligible projects in Mayes County, Oklahoma, though it prefers rural central and eastern Washington.

Arts and culture nonprofits, arts-related for-profits, and individual artists creating tourism-focused arts experiences can apply for $5,000 - $50,000 to support projects in Mayes County, Oklahoma and beyond. Focused on arts and culture, Creative Pinellas invites eligible U.S.-based applicants to propose performances, exhibitions, workshops, public art, or immersive experiences scheduled around November 2026.

Nonprofits and government entities in Archer County offering charitable community services can apply for grants supporting projects that enhance quality of life. The Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations and other charitable activities that relieve government duty; eligible organizations may apply annually and must use awards strictly for charitable purposes.

About Henry L. Hillman Foundation

Henry L. Hillman Foundation inspires, invests in, and leverages great ideas to improve the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania.

Backup Power When Your Community Needs It

The Powered & Prepared Initiative seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Southwestern Pennsylvania is increasingly impacted by severe weather events that cause widespread power outages and disruptions. The Powered & Prepared Initiative, supported by Henry L. Hillman Foundation, seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Local governments, public schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Mayes County, Oklahoma can use this funding to host Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events that promote activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. Safe Routes to School National Parternship provides US $500 - US $1,000 for student-focused activities, materials, and celebrations encouraging walking, biking, or rolling to school.

Historic Black churches and related 501(c)(3) or public stewards can seek US $50,000 - US $500,000 to preserve Black religious heritage through capital work, planning, programming, and capacity-building projects in Mayes County, Oklahoma. With a mission to save historic places, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides U.S. preservation and cultural organizations with flexible support for these sites.