Best Grants for Rural Development in Oklahoma

The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Collections-Related Grants for Nonprofits, aimed at enhancing public interest in art through innovative projects. Grants support exhibitions, academic convenings, research, and catalog publication, focusing on art from the Spanish Americas, digital media, and more. The foundation prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., particularly from New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, fostering partnerships that advance art scholarship and cultural engagement.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

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.

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 Economic Development Infrastructure Financing (EDIF)

Oklahoma’s program is designed to provide infrastructure financing to eligible units of local government for the benefit of new or expanding industries. Eligible units of local government sponsor applications for public infrastructure financing on behalf of private businesses that will create new jobs resulting from the improvements.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Special Project Funding to support innovative initiatives in the arts, particularly in under-resourced areas. This grant encourages collaborative projects that enhance community engagement and education, focusing on art exhibitions and scholarships in the greater Texas Panhandle. By fostering leadership and creativity, the Foundation aims to empower individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact in the fields of art and art history.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Oklahoma provide essential support for small rural businesses, offering technical assistance and training. With no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller requests. Funds can be utilized for various purposes, including business planning, market research, and community development. Eligible applicants include rural public entities and nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing economic growth in rural areas. This initiative aims to empower local businesses and foster sustainable economic development.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Oklahoma Agriculture Enhancement and Diversification Program offers grants to support agricultural events that enhance public interest in farming. Funded by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, these grants aim to foster economic growth and participation in agriculture across the state. Eligible applicants must be 21 or older and residents of Oklahoma, with a focus on innovative projects that demonstrate economic impact and community engagement.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

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.

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.

Capital Improvement Planning (CIP)

This grant opportunity provides funding for units of general local government (cities, towns, and counties) to undertake a comprehensive inventory of all governmentally owned assets. Based on this inventory a 5 year strategic capital improvement plan is developed and all assets placed on GIS mapping.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The CHS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing agricultural education through its Teacher Grants program, providing up to $50,000 for innovative projects. This initiative aims to engage students in experiential learning within rural communities across various states. By supporting teachers and their creative ideas, the foundation fosters educational growth and prepares future agricultural leaders, ensuring a sustainable and empowered agricultural sector. This commitment reflects CHS's broader mission of community support and development.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Oklahoma provide essential funding to help rural communities prepare for or recover from emergencies threatening safe drinking water. These grants support projects like waterline repairs or new water sources, with funding up to $1 million. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations in rural areas. This initiative aims to ensure access to clean water and bolster community resilience after disasters, improving overall public health and environmental conditions.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

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.

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 Small Cities

Oklahoma’s Small Cities program helps fund infrastructure and economic improvement projects for Oklahoma communities with a population between 15,000 and 50,000 and that are currently not HUD designated entitlement communities or a participant in the CDBG Urban County Designation for Tulsa County. Participating communities are allocated a percentage of the total amount of available funding depending on population and income levels.

Use of Funds

The CDBG Small Cities Program funds a broad array of projects and activities listed in Section 105(a) of the Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. Such projects could include but are not limited to the following:

• Water and wastewater system improvements
• Fire protection
• Streets
• Senior citizen centers
• Gas and electrical system improvements
• Removal of architectural barriers associated with handicapped areas
• Storm water drainage improvements 

The Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in rural Oklahoma, focusing on projects that enhance arts, literacy, health, safety, and economic development. Established in 1995, the foundation has distributed over $3 million to improve community quality of life. Eligible applicants must operate in areas with populations under 6,000 in specific counties, prioritizing projects that foster community engagement and collaboration.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

About ODL

Preserving Oklahoma’s history, supporting efficient governance and ensuring libraries remain vibrant community hubs

Mission and History

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) serves as the State Library, State Archives, and Records Administrator for Oklahoma state government, overseeing public library development, statewide resource sharing, and programs such as literacy initiatives. The agency ensures every Oklahoman has access to innovative, high-quality library and information resources while fostering literacy skills essential for success in the workforce, educational attainment, active participation in democracy, and the achievement of individual life goals

Library Grants and Funding Opportunities

Oklahoma Department of Libraries offers information about grant opportunities, application resources, and funding support to help libraries serve their communities.

Technology Grants to Public Libraries

Public libraries play a vital role in providing access to technology and digital resources in their communities. The FFY25 Technology Grant supports libraries in strengthening their technology infrastructure and expanding access to modern digital tools.

Administered by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, this Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)-funded grant helps libraries address local technology needs, enhance digital literacy, and improve technology-enabled services that support learning, creativity, and community engagement.

Oklahoma Department of Libraries

Through its dual focus on government services and library development, ODL plays a vital role in preserving Oklahoma’s history, supporting efficient governance, and ensuring libraries remain vibrant community hubs.

ODL’s work is divided into two primary areas: Services to Government and Services to Libraries. The Services to Government division includes managing the State Library and administering the State Archives and Records Management Division. The Services to Libraries division focuses on Library Development and Statewide Initiatives, supporting public libraries, and fostering statewide library programs.

Professional Development Conference Grant - Association of Rural and Small Libraries

The Professional Development Conference Grant supports Oklahoma public library staff attending the 2026 Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) Annual Conference. Funded through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the grant helps library professionals expand their skills, connect with peers, and strengthen library services in communities across Oklahoma. Funding is available to assist eligible applicants with conference registration reimbursement for the ARSL conference in Montgomery, Alabama.  This grant is for reimbursement ONLY.