Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Oklahoma

With a mission to strengthen communities, Kirkpatrick Family Fund provides Oklahoma nonprofit organizations with large project grants to support arts, education, health, human services, and community enhancement initiatives. 501(c)(3) public charities serving central Oklahoma with time-bound projects and measurable results may secure more than US $15,000 for community development and related service programs.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Commerce is a trusted government agency that partners with businesses and communities for strategic and sustainable growth and success, moving Oklahoma forward to becoming a top ten state. As a result of SB 1447 (2024 Oklahoma Legislative Session), Commerce has recently restructured to focus on two key areas of focus: Community Outreach & Revitalization Enterprise (CORE) and Economic Development, Growth & Expansion (EDGE).

Our job is to bring jobs, investment, and economic prosperity to the state of Oklahoma. Through dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government leaders, we are building a business environment that supports business growth and shared community prosperity.

CDBG Community Revitalization

The primary National Objective of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is the “development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, particularly for persons of low and moderate incomes.” The CDBG National Objective “benefit to low and moderate-income-persons” is considered a funding PRIORITY under the State’s CDBG Program and is treated as such under the State’s individual CDBG set-asides. 

The Community Revitalization Program addresses quality of life needs in rural Oklahoma communities, helping these communities thrive, grow, and spark a sense of pride in citizens. An Applicant may submit a project proposal for any eligible activity listed under Section 105(a) of the Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, other than water or wastewater projects.

James Avery Corporate Grants support 501(c)(3) organizations located within 50 miles of a James Avery retail or corporate location. The foundation prioritizes projects that enrich community life, focusing on arts, veteran services, and wellness. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with applications accepted once per year. Organizations must demonstrate community impact, effective management, and provide necessary documentation for eligibility. Note that certain types of funding, such as for individuals or for-profit organizations, are excluded.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Here at the Department of Commerce, our job is to bring employment, investment, and economic prosperity to the state of Oklahoma. Through dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government leaders, we are building a business environment that supports business growth and shared community prosperity.

Community Development Block Grant Programs

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program enables rural Oklahoma communities to finance a variety of public infrastructure and economic improvements and helps promote job growth as a result of these improvements. CDBG funds are provided by the federal government (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and managed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to help ensure Oklahoma’s most critical needs are addressed.

CDBG Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP)

The CDBG REAP Program was developed in partnership with the Substate Planning Districts (SSPD) to make a greater impact on each district by matching CDBG funds dollar for dollar on each project in their respective area.

With a mission to improve quality of life, Kirkpatrick Family Fund provides Oklahoma community organizations with project support for time-limited, mission-driven initiatives. 501(c)(3) public charities in areas like community development, education, health, human services, arts, and environment can request up to US $15,000 for small community service projects that achieve measurable results.

The Mortgage Foreclosure & Community Redevelopment Grant supports nonprofits in Oklahoma that provide essential mortgage foreclosure defense services to underserved communities. This funding aims to revitalize neighborhoods, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary assistance to prevent foreclosure. Grantees must adhere to strict guidelines, including signing Grant Agreements and submitting progress reports to ensure accountability and effective use of resources.

The Cresap Family Foundation Grant supports charities in Central and Northeast Oklahoma, reflecting the family's commitment to the community after their long-standing business. With a focus on youth, health, education, arts, and welfare, the Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life for Oklahomans. It prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those in counties where the family operated, ensuring a targeted impact in the areas most connected to their legacy.

Oklahoma 501(c)(3) nonprofits, especially near Tulsa or Eufaula, can apply for Gelvin Foundation’s grants supporting family and community services, health care, education, and arts and culture projects. Funding typically focuses on capital items like equipment and special program needs, which may benefit community service and community development efforts in the state.

The James Avery Fundraising Support provides limited cash contributions, sponsorship of special events, and in-kind support to organizations enriching community life within 50 miles of a James Avery retail location. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on arts, community improvement, veteran support, and wellness. Requests must be made at least 60 days prior to events, and organizations can receive support only once per year.

About

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality web site’s goal is to provide all users with a functional, accessible and interactive web experience. We are continually striving to make all of our online resources as accessible as possible. In the meantime, if you encounter problems with any area of our site, please contact the site’s Webmaster. DEQ strives to ensure the accessibility of all electronic applications and publications to all individuals in compliance with applicable laws, including Oklahoma HB 2197 and Federal Section 508 accessibility laws.

Community Revitalization Program

The Site Cleanup Assistance Program (SCAP) has updated its Community Revitalization Program and introduced an application and ranking tools to select projects. Our goal continues to be working with City and County governments across the State to resolve environmental issues that are preventing property revitalization. This program allows for renewed use of a building or a site for business or government, and has the potential to revitalize communities by increasing the tax base, creating new jobs, and removing community eyesores and safety hazards. This program allows local communities to access the DEQ’s expertise in site cleanup, paving the way for reuse of a site or building.

While the focus of the Community Revitalization Program is asbestos and lead-based paint, properties that pose an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and/or have other types of environmental contaminants may be considered on a case by case basis. If you believe your property poses an imminent and substantial threat, please contact the Community Revitalization program contact, Trenton Wilhelm.