Charitable Contributions

Our goal with financial contributions from BOK Financial and the BOKF Foundation is to enhance the quality of life and economic wellbeing in the communities where BOK Financial operates and where our employees work and live including Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Our charitable contributions are focused on four pillars of giving: United Way, economic development, education and basic needs

Our long-term strategic plan guides all contributions to assure maximum impact in the community and to develop mutually beneficial relationships with our nonprofit partner agencies. BOK financial contributions are budgeted on an annual calendar basis. We accept online charitable contribution/grant applications throughout the year.

Pillars of giving

Basic Needs

We provide volunteer and financial support to organizations serving the most vulnerable members of our community. Our efforts largely focus on organizations providing direct services addressing such issues as poverty, hunger, healthcare, housing and safety.

Education

An equitable, robust educational system drives long-term community growth. We support local nonprofits whose primary mission is promoting basic education, including public school foundations, early childhood education, financial literacy, and institutions of higher education.

Economic Development

Actions that raise the standard of living and economic health of our communities make them better places to live and work. We provide support to local chambers of commerce; nonprofits focused on workforce development, job training, etc.; and public/private partnerships investing in our communities.

Mission Areas

The Foundation funds nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services supporting these program areas for low-income and vulnerable populations or individuals:

• Programs that provide basic and essential needs of children and youth;
• Programs that improve or enhance the quality of life for seniors;
• Programs that improve or enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities; and
• Funding for medical research (funding is limited and by invitation only).

Examples of Program Funding

• Home delivered/congregant meals and supplemental food for food-insecure individuals
• Emergency and transitional housing and shelter
• Medical and dental care
• Therapeutic services
• Transportation
• Day services for seniors and people with disabilities
• Respite care for caregivers and respite care for seniors/people with disabilities
• Early Childhood Intervention
• Early childhood development

Since its inception, the Foundation, which is still led by Lester T. Sunderland's descendants, has focused on supporting construction projects, awarding grants to nonprofits in the Kansas City region and other markets traditionally served by the Ash Grove Cement Company. 

 The Foundation prefers to make grants for construction and special interest projects rather than for annual operating expenses. 

Grants for planning, design, construction, renovation, repairs and restoration of facilities are considered. Areas of interest include higher education, youth serving agencies, health facilities, community buildings, museums, civic projects and energy efficient affordable housing projects sponsored by qualified tax-exempt organizations. 

Funding Areas

In recent grant cycles, the Board of Trustees has awarded the majority of grants in four broadly defined areas:

Health Care and Hospitals

A growing area of need in many of the communities the Foundation serves. In 2017, more than $2.9 million was awarded to hospitals and health-care groups to build and improve their facilities. 

Human Services

The Foundation awarded over $7 million to human service nonprofits in 2017, and the majority of grants in this area were awarded to groups that provide essential services to youth and families. Grantees included a range of youth-focused groups, including the Kansas 4-H Foundation, Kids TLC, Ronald McDonald House & Boys & Girls Clubs. 

Higher Education

In 2017, the Foundation awarded more than $10 million to over 45 educational organizations. Grantees included community colleges, private colleges, and public universities. 

Arts and Culture

Arts and culture projects received $7 million in 2017, including grants to the Eisenhower Foundation in Abilene, Kansas; the Kansas City Symphony, the Nelson Gallery Foundation and many more.

Roberta and Phil married in 1954 and, together, the couple became quiet philanthropists, focusing much of their charitable giving on nonprofit organizations in and around the Muskogee area. After Phil’s death in 1981, five charitable trusts were established to ensure their legacy would live on. After Roberta's death in 1985, her daughter, Miriam Freedman, continued administering the trusts.

In 2013, after overseeing the family’s foundation for more than 30 years, Miriam transferred the Kirschner Trusts to the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. Today, the Kirschner Trusts award grants to charitable organizations that support causes important to the family.

Funding areas

Jewish Education, Culture & Heritage

Goal:  To support Jewish organizations that provide:

• Social services, counseling and education specifically targeted to children and young adults (ages 0 - 24) of Jewish heritage.
• Public understanding related to Jewish religion and cultural heritage.

Educational & Vocational Opportunities for Children & Young Adults with Disabilities

Goal: To support organizations that provide children and young adults living with disabilities (ages 0 - 24) educational and vocational opportunities that contribute to their independence and self-sustainability.

If you plan to apply under this funding category, please note the following:

• Social services are beyond the scope of this grant program unless they specifically contribute to independent living.
• Applicants may only request program/project-based support. Requests for General Operating Support will not be considered.

Eastern Oklahoma Charitable Organizations

Goal: To support organizations that are meeting the social, economic and educational needs of their communities.

About the Foundation

The history of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund is closely aligned with the Kirkpatrick Foundation and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. These philanthropies all benefit from the foresight and generosity of John E. and Eleanor B. Kirkpatrick, their daughter Joan E. Kirkpatrick and her son Christian K. Keesee. The Kirkpatrick Family has established a legacy of giving that will continue to benefit future generations in central Oklahoma.

Founders John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick believed that a strong cultural and service community would benefit their hometown for generations to come. The Kirkpatrick family and trustees of the fund continue to honor this vision through their grant programs to support nonprofits that contribute to the cultural landscape, health and well-being of the community.

Project Support

Project support grants are available to assist with the direct expenses associated with specific projects or programs of an organization. These grants are restricted to projects that provide direct benefit to the organization’s constituents, in fulfillment of the organization’s mission. Project support grants may be used to pay for any costs directly related to the implementation of the project. Project support grants cannot be used for general administration of the organization.

Program Areas of Interest

Arts & Humanities 

We believe access to fine arts and humanities experiences enriches the quality of life for all members of our community. We support programs that nurture learning, encourage the creative process and demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

Children, Youth, & Families

It is our belief that healthy families raise healthy children. We support organizations that work to foster a beneficial environment for families through essential services and prevention programs that ensure healthy development for children in vulnerable situations.

Community Development

We believe that social and economic transformation is within the reach of all communities. We support organizations committed to inclusion, impact and innovation in addressing neighborhood and community needs.

Education 

An investment in education from early childhood to graduate school is an investment in students, families, teachers and schools. We support educational programs and institutions that help children and youth become confident, caring and contributing adults.

Environment 

We believe the appearance and treatment of the built environment reflects the values and priorities of the community. We support projects that stimulate beautification and provide pleasing aesthetics. These projects seek to improve quality of life in the community.

Health 

We place a priority on organizations that improve access to health services and promote wellness.

Social Services 

We value the desire of individuals and families to achieve self reliance. We support organizations and programs designed to provide a temporary safety net, break dependencies and change family cycles of abuse.

NOTE: Organizations will need program officer approval in order to submit a request for a grant $75,000 and above.

Our History

Inasmuch Foundation was established in 1982 by Edith Kinney Gaylord for charitable, scientific and educational purposes.

Edith Kinney Gaylord was known as Oklahoma’s quiet philanthropist, Ms. Gaylord often made anonymous donations to help those in need. After a lifetime of giving, she formally created two foundations that allowed her contributions to do the most good, for the most people. Recently, these two foundations merged to become one. In doing so, Ms. Gaylord created foundations that would stand the test of time and continue giving long after her death in 2001.

Focus Areas Inasmuch Foundation administers an open request cycle each spring and fall for all focus areas: Journalism, Education, Human Services and Community.The following grants will be considered:

• Human Services - Inasmuch Foundation seeks to strengthen individuals, families and the entire Central Oklahoma community by increasing access to social services and basic human needs.
• Community Enhancement - Inasmuch Foundation seeks to improve Central Oklahoma’s quality of life by promoting cultural experiences, recreation, tourism, entrepreneurship and economic development
• Education  - Inasmuch Foundation seeks to increase Central Oklahoma’s access to high quality educational experiences that provides all learners with the ability to become informed, civically engaged and productive members of their community.
• Journalism - Inasmuch Foundation seeks to improve news and information ecosystems in Oklahoma. With a primary focus on greater Oklahoma City, the Foundation seeks to build strong networks of journalists and journalism organizations to inform communities and create an engaged citizenry.

Grant Requests

Grant Requests $25,000 or Less:

• Organizations applying for this size grant are likely to have:
  • Mission aligns with one or more of the foundation’s focus areas
  • No prior funding relationship with the foundation
  • Emerging relationships with other community partners

Grant Requests $25,001- $74,999:

• Organizations will meet the following criteria:
  • Mission aligns with one or more of the foundation’s focus areas
  • Stable funding sources
  • Annual budget above $250,000
  • Collaborative working relationships with community partners
  • Established grant relationship with the foundation
  • Organizational growth potential 

Grant Requests $75,000 and Above:

• Organizations will meet the following criteria:
  • Proven impact on our community and focus areas
  • Annual budget above $750,000
  • Exceptional and/or promising leadership
  • Established and diversified funding base
  • Existing grant relationship with the foundation
  • Strong collaboration and partnerships throughout the community

About the Foundation

The history of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund is closely aligned with the Kirkpatrick Foundation and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. These philanthropies all benefit from the foresight and generosity of John E. and Eleanor B. Kirkpatrick, their daughter Joan E. Kirkpatrick and her son Christian K. Keesee. The Kirkpatrick Family has established a legacy of giving that will continue to benefit future generations in central Oklahoma.

Founders John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick believed that a strong cultural and service community would benefit their hometown for generations to come. The Kirkpatrick family and trustees of the fund continue to honor this vision through their grant programs to support nonprofits that contribute to the cultural landscape, health and well-being of the community.

Project Support Large Grants

These grants are restricted to a specific program or project that provides direct benefit to the organization's constituents over a period of time to achieve measurable results.

Program Areas of Interest

Arts & Humanities 

We believe access to fine arts and humanities experiences enriches the quality of life for all members of our community. We support both established and promising cultural organizations that value excellence in programming, broad community participation, and quality learning opportunities for youth and adults.

Children, Youth, & Families

It is our belief that healthy families raise healthy children. We support organizations that work to foster a beneficial environment for families through essential services and prevention programs that ensure healthy development for children in vulnerable situations.

Community Development

We believe that social and economic transformation is within the reach of all communities. We support organizations committed to inclusion, impact, and innovation in addressing neighborhood and community needs.

Education 

An investment in education from early childhood to graduate school is an investment in students, families, teachers and schools. We support educational programs and institutions that help children and youth become confident, caring, and contributing adults.

Environment 

We believe the appearance and treatment of the built environment reflects the values and priorities of the community. We support projects which prompt beautification and pleasing aesthetics. These projects seek to improve quality of life in the community.

Health 

We place a priority on organizations that improve access to health services and promote wellness. The Oklahoma City-County Health Department's Wellness Now Adolescent Health Work Group is focusing their efforts on teen pregnancy prevention. You can also visit the Wellness Now website for more information.

Social Services 

We value the desire of individuals and families to achieve self reliance. We support organizations and programs designed to provide a temporary safety net, break dependencies, and change family cycles of abuse.

Our Mission and Vision

Mission: To continue the philanthropic legacy of Lloyd Noble by funding agricultural research and making charitable grants that cultivate good health, support education and build stronger communities.

Vision: To see our grant recipients successfully address agricultural challenges, expand educational opportunities, advance medical research, improve health services and strengthen our communities.

General areas of interest

The primary focus of the Noble Foundation granting program is funding agricultural research conducted by Noble Research Institute. In addition, funding is provided to charitable organizations that cultivate good health, support education and build stronger communities.

Anne & Henry Zarrow FoundationThe mission of The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation is to lift our neighbors out of poverty by supporting housing and shelter resources, social services and basic human needs, mental health and indigent healthcare initiatives, and programs that empower and inspire community members to improve their lives.Our philanthropy reflects the faith, vision and values that guided our founders, Anne and Henry Zarrow, who believed in building communities where marginalized populations are elevated in ways that uplift us all.We fund nonprofit organizations working to improve the physical and intellectual lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people primarily in the metropolitan area of Tulsa, and in special cases statewide in Oklahoma and in Israel. Grants from the Foundation may be made in the form of operating, program or capital support.Funding PrioritiesAlleviating & Preventing Homelessness

• The Foundation supports programs that work to end homelessness as well as lessen the struggle of homelessness, including Built for Zero, a housing-first campaign focused on housing all of Tulsa’s chronically homeless and homeless veterans.
• The Foundation supports nonprofits that provide shelter, utility assistance, and basic needs as well as sustainable models of supportive housing, such as those advanced by the Mental Health Association Oklahoma, with its 1500 affordable rental units as well as therapeutic housing and programs. The Foundation also funds housing efforts targeting young adults and seniors.
• In 2017, the Foundation was awarded the HUD Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships for its innovative and impactful cross-sector housing initiatives.

Improving Access to Health Care & Mental Health Services

• The Foundation supports programs that improve health and mental health, especially for those living in poverty. Additionally, the foundation supports collaborative efforts to improve mental health care and delivery systems to positively impact disadvantaged individuals and families.
• In 2017, the Foundation funded a comprehensive assessment of Tulsa’s mental health services in partnership with the Urban Institute and The University of Tulsa.
• Early results from the study encouraged the foundation to make a leadership investment toward planning and construction of a new 114,000 square-foot Parkside Psychiatric Hospital. The project will nearly double the hospital’s capacity, serve 136 patients daily with 80 new single-occupancy rooms, a new mental health emergency room, and 16 new substance abuse rehabilitation beds.

Supporting Social Services

• It is a cornerstone belief at the Foundation that providing annual, unrestricted operating support to social service providers is critical to their mission and to ours. The Foundation also awards grants for piloting new initiatives, organizational planning, and capital projects.
• One capital investment that aims to supports our vibrant nonprofits is Legacy Plaza.
• In 2015, the Foundation purchased the 3-facility campus to be remodeled and owned by five Tulsa nonprofits which were in need of expanding service and headquarter spaces.
• Legacy Plaza owners include Assistance League of Tulsa, Mental Health Association Oklahoma, LIFE Senior Services, Community Action Project, and the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.

Reducing Hunger & Supporting Basic Needs

• We believe that food insecurity and hunger are solvable, unnecessary, unjust and impact everyone living in Oklahoma. The Foundation has long supported the state’s food bank efforts to improve nutrition with expanded produce offerings and broader rural outreach.
• In 2016, the Foundation funded a statewide hunger assessment which identified millions of available federal funds for children’s meal and supplemental nutrition programs that were being left on the table annually. In response, the Foundation launched Hunger Free Oklahoma, an organization dedicated to leveraging partnerships to secure these funds for children’s hunger and other programs in Oklahoma.

Areas of InterestTo a lesser degree, The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation focuses on four additional areas of interest.Supporting Education 

• For The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation, lifting neighbors out of poverty also means expanding access to higher education and improvement of K-12 programs likely to increase a disadvantaged child’s chance of entering college.
• The Foundation considers capital and operations grants to organizations that support education, and also provides ongoing scholarship support for programs at seven area universities including Langston University, Northeastern State University, Oklahoma State University, Rogers State University, Tulsa Community College, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Tulsa. For information on scholarships, please contact the universities directly.

Special Projects

• From time-to-time the Foundation will fund Legacy Gifts, which go beyond target areas of interest, especially where there is an opportunity to honor the strongest interests of our founders.

Jewish & Israel Giving

• The trustees of The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation are committed to supporting Jewish communities, especially where projects can improve the lives of the disadvantaged.
• The Foundation’s strategy for Jewish Giving centers largely on support for social services and vulnerable populations, primarily in Israel. There will continue to be a preference for these types of projects located in the rural regions of Israel, such as the Galilee and the Negev. In addition, local and national grants will be considered along with other special projects internationally.
  • Please see the grant page for Israel grants here. 

Enriching Local Culture & Quality of Life

• The trustees of The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation envision a community where people from all walks of life can interact, gain insight, engage with beauty, and be inspired to reach their full potential.
• Grants to cultural institutions, civic improvement, arts organizations, and advocacy projects build on a longstanding commitment made by Anne and Henry Zarrow to invest in the community where they built their company and raised their family.