Best Community Development Grants in Oklahoma

Kirkpatrick Family Fund provides Oklahoma 501(c)(3) nonprofits with project-based support for time-limited initiatives that achieve measurable results in areas like community development, education, health, and human services. Eligible organizations, especially those serving central Oklahoma, can request up to US $15,000 for small community-focused projects rather than ongoing operations or capital campaigns.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oklahoma can apply for Kirkpatrick Family Fund large grants of more than US $15,000 to support time-bound projects with measurable results in areas like community enhancement, education, and human services. Programs that strengthen neighborhoods, expand economic opportunity, or improve quality of life in Oklahoma communities may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oklahoma seeking to build or grow endowments can access matching support for endowment campaigns through the Kirkpatrick Family Fund, with awards around Approximately US $15,000. Focused on community development and related areas, applicants must hold or establish an endowment at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and raise required matching funds.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development and related services in Oklahoma can seek support for programs benefiting youth and families, health and wellness, education, arts, and animal welfare. Cresap Family Foundation prioritizes charities in Central and Northeast Oklahoma counties where Premium Beers operated, though this preference is not mandatory.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near James Avery retail or corporate locations in Oklahoma can apply for James Avery Charitable Foundation’s corporate grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000 for community-focused programs. Eligible projects may include community development and revitalization, arts and cultural initiatives, veteran and first responder support, and people and wellness services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oklahoma seeking support for family and community services, health care, education, or arts and culture projects can apply for funding, with a focus on capital items and special program needs. Centered on northeastern Oklahoma, the Gelvin Foundation particularly supports work near Tulsa and Eufaula that benefits local residents.

Nonprofit entities in Oklahoma that provide mortgage foreclosure defense for underserved residents or run community revitalization programs can apply for the Mortgage Foreclosure & Community Redevelopment Grant. Grants from Oklahoma Bar Foundation help community development and revitalization efforts, legal services, and housing initiatives, with funds restricted to these specified purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting community development, arts, veterans, wellness, diversity, or first responders in Oklahoma and other eligible areas can receive cash sponsorships and in-kind support for events and direct-service programs. The James Avery Charitable Foundation offers more than US $10,000 to groups located within 50 miles of a company-owned James Avery retail location or major corporate facility.

Oklahoma community development and revitalization nonprofits can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in areas like education, public health, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and youth development. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of outcomes may receive up to US $10,000, with preference for work benefiting New Jersey communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities in Oklahoma can seek funding for community development, food security, agriculture, and education projects or general operations. Greenpoint Foundation supports initiatives that enhance local communities, with priority for efforts advancing food security, community enhancement, education, and agriculture; multiple applications per year are allowed.

Nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions working on community development and revitalization in Oklahoma’s Mid-South counties can receive US $1,000 - US $25,000 for projects that create positive change. PGA Tour’s Positively Memphis Community Fund accepts one application per year and awards quarterly, prioritizing a different focus area each cycle.

The EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental program provides critical funding to support communities recovering from severe economic distress caused by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. With no submission deadlines for Readiness and Implementation Paths, and a specific deadline for Industry Transformation applications, this initiative aims to enhance community resilience and improve economic trajectories through strategic projects that engage local stakeholders and private industries.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

The OCCF: Lawton Community Grants program, managed by the Lawton Community Foundation, awards grants up to $5,000 to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the Lawton area. It supports projects that enhance the community's quality of life, require matching support, and benefit a broad audience. Eligible projects should be new or significantly expanded initiatives. The program aims to empower citizens by providing resources for impactful community improvements.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

Melton Foundation

The Melton Foundation is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the USA, and a leading proponent of Global Citizenship education and practice worldwide. Established nearly thirty years ago with the credence that collaborations across boundaries can forge sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, today, our programs reach millions of young leaders, having crystallized into a network of over 750 life-long Melton Fellows spread across 40+ countries. Our primary operations are in Chile, China, Germany, Ghana, India, and the United States of America, with legal subsidiaries in Bangalore, India; Jena, Germany; Temuco, Chile; and Accra, Ghana. 

Through our fellowship and collaborative programs we promote and enable global citizenship as a way for individuals and organizations to work together across boundaries of place and identity to solve challenges in an interconnected world.

Melton Foundation Action Grants

The Melton Foundation offers grants year-round to support Melton Fellows in developing skills, perspective and wider networks to further their capacity as global citizens and contribute towards building an equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.

In almost 10 years of granting, more than 100 Fellows’ initiatives have been awarded with a Melton Foundation grant to

• Build awareness and/or further awareness raising around global issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
• Develop individual and collective responsibility for sustained, collaborative action,
• Grow capacity to collaboratively drive and sustain social impact at the local and/or global level,
• Further the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative actions that embody the spirit of global citizenship practice and further social impact, or
• Support coordinated social-impact efforts in a particular or across (emerging) Melton Foundation Hub regions to promote global citizenship practice (s) and the organization’s mission.

501(c)(3) public charities working on community development, education access, international development, or humanitarian programs, including those serving Oklahoma, can apply for Strategic Impact Grants to support impactful projects. Bertin Family Foundation supports community development by funding feasible, well-governed initiatives that demonstrate strong stewardship, measurable outcomes, and alignment with its values, with applications accepted annually in Q3.

Nonprofit organizations working on community development, housing, homelessness, youth, veterans, or social services in Oklahoma and other eligible areas can seek program or project support through the St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation’s 1908 Funds. Grants, typically US $500 - US $5,000, support activities that build financial literacy, thrift, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals and families.

Nonprofit organizations providing youth, housing, homelessness, social services, veteran support, or civic and community programs can apply for St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation’s community support grants, awarding US $500 - US $5,000. While the funder is based in New Hampshire, Oklahoma community development groups with similar missions may be eligible if they serve the foundation’s priority areas.

U.S. nonprofit staff leading community development projects can request micro grants of US $500 - US $1,000 for new initiatives or new components of existing work. Focused on uplifting unseen leaders, Enhearten Unseen Leaders invites Oklahoma community development efforts that reflect humility, integrity, and love to apply for project-specific funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community development within Ferguson’s U.S. service areas can seek project support. Grants from Ferguson help Oklahoma community development groups and similar organizations in its geographic footprint build stronger, more resilient communities through partnerships that enhance local wellbeing.

Nonprofit organizations, TDHEs, and federally recognized tribes working on rural affordable housing and community development in Oklahoma can receive direct technical assistance to strengthen operations and programs. With a mission to support rural communities, Housing Assistance Council provides customized coaching, training, and resources to improve program management, meet community needs, and advance housing and economic development projects.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations with programs in Oklahoma can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding to support community development, economic mobility, and stronger local communities. Eligible projects may also address financial literacy, workforce readiness, environmental sustainability, or social services within Canada or the U.S.

Oklahoma 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or community empowerment can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s local funding. Grants support economic mobility and community development for low- and moderate-income residents, including vulnerable groups such as working families, youth, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and justice-impacted individuals.

The GKFF Accelerator Grants aim to enhance funding access for historically disadvantaged nonprofits in Tulsa. By providing financial and technical support, the program empowers community leaders to implement effective solutions addressing local needs. Grants are available on a rolling basis, with quarterly reviews in February, May, August, and November. This initiative aligns with the George Kaiser Family Foundation's mission to ensure equitable opportunities for all Tulsans, fostering community engagement and improving overall well-being.