Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Oklahoma

The Civil Money Penalty Fund Program, established by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, aims to enhance the quality of care in nursing facilities through projects funded by penalties collected from non-compliant nursing homes. This program supports various evidence-based practices and initiatives that focus on improving residents' health and wellbeing. Eligible organizations, including skilled nursing facilities, can apply for funding to implement innovative solutions that promote quality of life for nursing home residents.

The Oklahoma Arts Council offers Classroom Supply Grants for Visual and Performing Arts, providing up to $500 annually for schools to purchase essential art supplies. This funding addresses the critical need identified by teachers for effective visual and performing arts education, enabling schools to maintain valuable programs that enhance student learning and creativity. Applications are due by August 22, 2025, and require a user account in the Fluxx grant portal.

The OAC Expanded Arts Education Grants for Schools support arts education programs in Oklahoma that occur outside regular school hours. Schools can apply for up to $2,500 annually with a 10% cash match. These grants enhance academic performance, increase student engagement, and promote civic involvement. Arts education fosters creativity and critical thinking, benefiting students in various subjects. The program encourages sequential, hands-on learning led by qualified educators to provide meaningful arts experiences for students.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

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.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Audie Baker Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate or graduate student majoring in education with an emphasis on special education at Northeastern State University with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year scholarship awarded in the fall semester, reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Brent & Janees Taylor RSU Business Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate student majoring in business at Rogers State University with a minimum 2.5 GPA. This is a one-year scholarship awarded in the fall semester, reserved for a Cherokee Nation citizen residing in Rogers or Mayes County.

The Lawton Scholarships, supported by the United States Field Artillery Association Foundation, aim to assist Lawton area students by providing financial support for their educational goals. The scholarship considers academic potential, personal character, and responsibility, ensuring that deserving students receive the assistance they need to succeed in higher education. This initiative is part of the Lawton Community Foundation's broader mission to enhance the quality of life in the community.

The Lawton Community Foundation, through the Lawton Scholarships, offers the U.S. Field Artillery Association Eagle Scholarship Fund to support local students. This scholarship considers academic potential, personal character, and the financial need for higher education. Established by donors to benefit Lawton area students, it aims to enhance educational opportunities in the community. The foundation's commitment to improving life quality in Lawton is reflected in its grants and support for nonprofit organizations.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The Lawton Community Foundation offers the Dennis J. Reimer Scholarship Fund to support Lawton area students pursuing higher education. Selection criteria prioritize academic potential, personal character, and financial need. This initiative is part of the foundation's broader mission to enhance the quality of life in Lawton through community grants and support for nonprofit organizations. The scholarship aims to empower students by providing the necessary financial assistance to achieve their educational goals.

The Lawton Scholarships, supported by the United States Field Artillery Association Foundation, aim to assist students in the Lawton area in achieving their higher education goals. These scholarships are awarded based on academic potential, personal character, and financial need, ensuring that deserving students receive the necessary support to pursue their educational aspirations. The Lawton Community Foundation plays a key role in administering these funds, contributing to the community's overall growth and development.

The Oklahoma Bar Foundation's Educational Block Grant supports qualified educational institutions offering court reporting programs. This grant aims to enhance the availability of court reporters in rural areas of Oklahoma, ensuring that funds are utilized for charitable purposes aligned with the foundation's mission. Eligible institutions are encouraged to apply and contribute to addressing the pressing need for court reporting services in underserved communities.

About The Council

The mission of the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma is to advance communities where everyone has the opportunity to live, learn, work, and play where they choose. The Council builds partnerships to change systems to improve services, resources, and supports for Oklahomans with developmental disabilities and their families.

Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma

The Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma (DDCO) welcomes unsolicited proposals and applications for contracts to fund activities to advance the independence, productivity, and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

What does DDCO do?

Provide information and technical assistance to legislators, policymakers, and state agencies, private organizations, and advocates.

Provide assistance to individuals and organizations to support individuals with developmental disabilities and family members to participate on advocacy boards and attend conferences.

Participate in work groups, task forces, and coalitions that affect policy making at the state and federal levels.

Fund leadership and advocacy training for advocates and field professionals.

Fund work performed by council staff or other entities that will: 

• Identify individuals and their families who may need services or supports,
• Foster inter-agency collaboration and coordination resulting in improved service or support,
• Reduce or eliminate barriers to services; or redesign systems of support to better meet individual needs,
• Inform policymakers on the results of its work, policy design, best and promising practices, or other findings that may inform future policy decisions, or 
• Create model projects or programs demonstrating new approaches to serving Oklahoman's with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• DDCO can fund up to 75% of the total project cost that provides training or an innovative demonstration of new approaches, but will not fund direct services to people as a primary goal of a project.                                                                           

Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education

The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (ODCTE), Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Division acts as the pass-through agency for the Adult Education Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) grants. The AEFLA, a federal law, can be found in Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Part of the AEFLA’s stated purpose is to assist adults with becoming literate, obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency, and obtaining the skills necessary to lead to sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities of their family. In addition, to the federal grants provided under the AEFLA, ODCTE's AEFL team also administers adult education allocations supported with state funds. 

Adult Education & Family Literacy Grant

The Oklahoma Department of Career & Technology Education's Adult Education & Family Literacy federal programs division requests proposals for funding to implement AEFL programs. The purpose of this grant proposal is to fund programs that:

• Assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and economic self-sufficiency.
• Assist adults who are parents or family members to obtain the education and skills that (1) are necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children; (2) lead to sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities for their family.
• Assist adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and in transitioning to postsecondary education and training, including through career pathways.
• Assist immigrants and other individuals who are English language learners in: (1) improving their (a) reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills in English and (b) mathematics skills; (2) acquiring an understanding of the American system of government, individual freedom, and the responsibilities of citizenship (AEFLA Section 202).

The Lawton Scholarships, established by the United States Field Artillery Association Foundation, aim to support Lawton area students pursuing higher education. This scholarship considers academic potential, personal character, and financial need to help students achieve their educational goals. Managed by the Lawton Community Foundation, it reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the region through educational support and community engagement.

The Lawton Scholarships, established by the Lawton Community Foundation, support students in the Lawton area through the United States Field Artillery Association Foundation - General Donald R. Keith Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship focuses on academic potential, personal character, and financial need to help students achieve their educational goals. It represents a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community development in Lawton.

The Lawton Scholarships, including the General Jack N. Merritt Scholarship Fund, support Lawton area students pursuing higher education. Funded by the Lawton Community Foundation, these scholarships are awarded based on academic potential, personal character, and financial need. The foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in Lawton through various community grants and scholarships, making education more accessible for local students in need.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

The OVAC Professional Basics Grant supports Oklahoma artists by funding essential aspects of their art practice, including quality samples, display, and travel. Grants of up to $500 help artists develop their professional practices and engage in community projects. Eligibility requires applicants to be over 21 and have at least 12 months of residency in Oklahoma. This grant aims to empower visual artists, curators, and art writers to enhance their creative projects and visibility.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

The grant will enable libraries to support public programming connected to the America 250 commemoration, encourage civic engagement, historical reflection, and community dialogue, highlight history through local and national perspectives on American experiences, and expand access to high-quality educational and cultural programming for communities across Oklahoma.