Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Oklahoma

BOK Charitable Contributions aims to enhance community life and economic wellbeing across several states, focusing on four key pillars: United Way, economic development, education, and basic needs. The foundation supports organizations that address poverty, education, and community health. Their strategic approach ensures impactful contributions, and they welcome grant applications year-round. BOK Financial's commitment is evident in its partnerships with local nonprofits, fostering sustainable growth and development in the regions they serve.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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 Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) offers the Operation Round Up program, a charitable initiative that allows members to round up their electric bills for community projects. This program supports nonprofits, schools, and emergency services within TCEC's service area in Oklahoma and Texas. Each participating meter contributes an average of $6 annually, significantly impacting local organizations. Grants are capped at $5,000 per organization, ensuring focused support for essential services and educational initiatives.

The Globe Life Texas Rangers Baseball and Softball Grant Program supports nonprofit baseball and softball initiatives across five states, including Texas and Arkansas. This program aims to enhance youth sports by providing funding for essential needs such as field renovations, equipment, and uniforms. Since 2012, it has awarded over $1.1 million to more than 150 organizations, ensuring children have access to the joy and community of sports. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth aged 18 and under.

The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation focuses on uplifting vulnerable populations through targeted grantmaking in Oklahoma, particularly the Tulsa area. Their mission emphasizes alleviating homelessness, improving healthcare access, supporting social services, and reducing hunger. Additionally, they provide funding for educational initiatives and community enrichment projects. The foundation prioritizes projects that empower individuals and foster community engagement, reflecting the founders' commitment to building a supportive and inclusive society.

The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation aims to alleviate poverty by funding nonprofits focused on housing, social services, healthcare, and community empowerment, primarily in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The foundation prioritizes grants for addressing homelessness, improving health services, supporting social services, and combating hunger. Additionally, it supports education and Jewish life initiatives, reflecting the founders' values of community upliftment and equality. With an annual budget of $7 million, the foundation seeks to create sustainable change for marginalized populations.

Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency

OHFA offers housing assistance to low and moderate income families in all 77 Oklahoma counties. Every day, we help families pay their rent or purchase homes so they can begin making memories and growing roots. We work with nonprofit organizations, developers and municipalities to bring quality housing opportunities to communities across the state.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

OHFA provides grants to non-profit organizations, Public Housing Authorities, Community Housing Development Organizations, local or tribal governments, and private developers to assist low-income households with housing needs.

OHFA is the HUD designated State HOME Participating Jurisdiction. The cities of Oklahoma City, Lawton, Norman, and the Tulsa Consortium also administer HOME funds. Therefore, OHFA does not provide HOME funding in these areas.

Eligible Activities

• Development Costs for New Construction or Acquisition/Rehabilitation
• Rental or Homeownership
• Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance for Homebuyers
• Rental Assistance

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund offers matching support grants to nonprofit organizations in central Oklahoma, focusing on endowment funds. Organizations can apply for grants to match their fundraising efforts, with varying amounts based on the type of endowment established. The fund emphasizes the importance of building endowments to ensure financial sustainability and supports initiatives across various areas including arts, education, and community enhancement. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the fund's interests.

The Priddy Foundation, a private funder, is committed to enhancing individual and community development through grants in human services, education, arts, and health. They offer program, operating, capital, and organizational development support grants, prioritizing applications that demonstrate sustainability and effective evaluation. Eligibility requires a 501(c)(3) status and preference for impactful programs in specific Texas and Oklahoma counties. However, they do not fund individuals or certain types of projects, including basic research and endowments.

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund offers large grants over $15,000 to nonprofit organizations in central Oklahoma and the Pikes Peak region. It focuses on projects that enhance arts, education, health, and community well-being. Applicants must demonstrate measurable outcomes and align with the foundation's mission. Prioritization is given to organizations with a broad community impact and innovative programming. Note that requests for ongoing support or capital projects are not eligible. A Letter of Intent is required one month prior to the application deadline.

The Capacity Building Fall grant by Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc offers cash grants up to $5,000 for nonprofit arts organizations to enhance their capabilities. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support various projects, including training and strategic planning. Priority is given to projects yielding concrete results and those within Oklahoma. Note that submission of a proposal does not guarantee funding, as resources are limited.

The Inasmuch Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives in Central Oklahoma, focusing on areas such as education, human services, and journalism. Established in 1982 by philanthropist Edith Kinney Gaylord, the foundation emphasizes community engagement and transparency in funding. Organizations can apply for general operating support grants, with amounts ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, and are encouraged to pursue partnerships in priority areas, including education reform and workforce development.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

The Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in southern Oklahoma by providing funding for healthcare, education, and social services. Established in 1950, this foundation plays a vital role in enhancing community welfare. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) organizations operating within a 50-mile radius of Ardmore. Grant applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines on December 1, March 1, June 1, and September 1. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for area residents.

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 Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation aims to enhance the oral health of Oklahomans by providing grants for dental care access, education, and research. Funding is focused on nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies that develop programs for underserved populations. The Foundation prioritizes projects that are free or low-cost, support volunteer dental professionals, and demonstrate significant community impact. Notably, grants cannot be used to compensate dental professionals or fund new clinic operatories unless under exceptional circumstances.

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 Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Impact Oklahoma Grants empower women by funding local nonprofits in Central Oklahoma. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three years of operation and $300,000 in revenue can apply for $100,000 grants. Proposals must target specific populations and be executed within 24 months. The program prioritizes projects in community, family, health, education, and arts. Non-eligible expenses include debt reduction and operational deficits, ensuring funds directly benefit the community.

The Salad and Go Charities Grant supports local 501(c)(3) nonprofit meal programs that provide nutritious food to those facing food insecurity. Aimed at enhancing community wellness, the program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for initiatives like expanding kitchen facilities and sourcing healthy ingredients. Organizations in Texas, Oklahoma, Nevada, and Arizona are encouraged to apply, fostering access to affordable food for vulnerable populations in need.

The Capacity Building Spring grant, offered by Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc., supports nonprofit arts organizations in enhancing their capabilities. Grants of up to $5,000 are available without a matching requirement, aimed at projects that yield tangible results. Priority is given to professional development opportunities within Oklahoma and the surrounding region. Organizations with a budget exceeding $500,000 may submit only one request per fiscal year. Funding is limited, and submission does not guarantee support.

Oklahoma AmeriCorps

Oklahoma AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. We bring people together to tackle some of the state’s most pressing challenges by providing grants to Oklahoma nonprofits. These programs are located throughout the state and focus on the areas of Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Healthy Futures, and Veterans & Military Families. Those who serve in the programs are known as “Members” and earn an education award for their participation. 

AmeriCorps Oklahoma Funding

Oklahoma AmeriCorps is seeking grant applicants to operate or develop AmeriCorps programs in Oklahoma. The AmeriCorps programs will enroll AmeriCorps members to address community-identified needs in one or more focus areas during their term of service: Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Healthy Futures, or Veterans and Military Families.

Oklahoma AmeriCorps is the legal applicant to the federal AmeriCorps agency, and applicants applying under this notice are subgrantees of Oklahoma AmeriCorps. Applicants will initially submit their grant in the Oklahoma AmeriCorps internal application system and successful applicants will enter the final grant application in eGrants for submission to the AmeriCorps agency. Indian Tribes are eligible to apply directly to the AmeriCorps agency.

Application Types

Oklahoma AmeriCorps grants may be either an operating grant with AmeriCorps members to support the program’s operations or a planning grant to develop a future operational program. Planning grants are not awarded AmeriCorps member slots. 

The Arts in Alternative Education Community Partnership Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma to enhance arts education for students in alternative education settings. By facilitating artist residencies, field trips, and quality arts programs, the grant aims to improve student engagement and graduation rates. Eligible arts-focused nonprofits can receive funding up to $30,000, promoting creative self-expression and educational success among at-risk youth. This initiative addresses barriers faced by these students, fostering skills through diverse arts experiences.

The OAC Creative Aging Partnership Grant aims to enhance arts education for older adults in Oklahoma. This program provides funding for workshops and artist residencies, fostering community connections and promoting health benefits. Organizations can receive up to $30,000, with a 1:1 match requirement. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions. This initiative supports creative aging opportunities, encouraging lifelong learning and engagement among seniors, ultimately improving their quality of life through the arts.