Best Oklahoma Grants for Nonprofits

Oklahoma Historical Society

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people.

The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) was founded on May 27, 1893, by members of the Territorial Press Association to preserve newspapers. Over the years the OHS has developed numerous collections, programs, research centers, museums, historic homes, and military sites across the state. The OHS is an agency of the State of Oklahoma and a private membership organization governed by a Board of Directors.

Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program

Grants-in-Aid Program

The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program is a grants-in-aid program offered by the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) with a goal of encouraging the collection, preservation, and sharing of Oklahoma history at the grassroots level in all parts of the state. Open to tribal and municipal governments and not-for-profit historical organizations located in Oklahoma and registered with the Oklahoma Secretary of State, this grants program offers funding ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 for projects focused on collections, exhibits, educational programming and capacity building. Applications for this annual program open in the fall, and award announcements are made in January.

All applicant organizations must have a strategic plan for your organization to be eligible. 

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

Oklahoma District Attorneys Council

The primary function of the District Attorneys Council is to provide a professional organization for the education, training and coordination of technical efforts of all District Attorneys of the State. The DAC assists local District Attorneys by providing financial, personnel, and other administrative services upon request. The Council is the administrative agency for the Crime Victims Compensation Board and the state administrative agency for several federal grants.

It is important to note that the DAC does not have control over individual District Attorneys. Its functions are advisory and administrative support only. The DAC does not have the power to investigate, stop, or otherwise prevent a District Attorney from prosecuting an individual or group.

S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Grant (VAWA)

The purpose of the S.T.O.P. (Services-Training-Officers-Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Grant Program is to develop and strengthen the criminal justice system's response to violence against women and to support and enhance services for victims. The S.T.O.P. VAWA Grant Program encourages victim service providers, prosecutors, law enforcement, and the courts to implement coordinated multidisciplinary approaches to address domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each year.

The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship, established in 1989, offers financial support to students pursuing degrees in horticulture across 16 southeastern states. Administered by the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund, this scholarship honors the legacy of Sidney B. Meadows, a dedicated advocate for education in the horticultural industry. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria related to academic standing and residency, with preference given to those intending to work in the field after graduation.

Zink Family Foundation

Supporting Oklahomans through education, fine arts, youth development, and the conservation and enjoyment of the outdoors since 1972. Since 1972, the Zink Family Foundation, originally the John Steele Zink Foundation, has contributed more than $100 million throughout Oklahoma.

Our Mission

The Zink Family Foundation is dedicated to building a brighter future for Oklahomans by empowering youth through education and leadership development while supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life in our community.

Our Focus

• Arts & Culture: The Zink Family has long supported Tulsa’s performing and fine arts community. We believe that the arts’ creativity and cultural influence are crucial to the city’s uniqueness.

• Community: We believe passionate people, empowered to make a difference, can change lives. This long-standing belief has driven financial contributions to numerous Oklahoma parks and community organizations, including Turkey Mountain, River West Festival Park, the Gathering Place, Tulsa Zoo, the Tulsa Library Trust, Tulsa Area United Way, Youth Services of Tulsa, and so many more.

• Education: In line with its mission to support higher education in Oklahoma, the Zink Family Foundation is committed to several local universities, including Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa. This support is demonstrated through dedicated scholarship programs, campus housing initiatives, and the development of educational centers.

• Youth Development: By investing in today’s youth, we are securing tomorrow’s leaders. For multiple generations, the Zink Family has believed in this truth. Through annual contributions to nonprofit organizations serving our youth, we encourage kids to develop life and leadership skills, explore vocational opportunities, and receive academic support to learn on par with their peers.

Grants

ZFF supports non-profit organizations and programs that are relevant to our mission. Our core areas include: Arts & Culture, Community, Education, and Youth Development.

Grant amounts vary by category and organization size. If you have previously received a ZFF grant, an amount in that same range is a good starting point.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Jack and Martha Carter Grant, offered by the Native Plant Society of New Mexico, supports projects that enhance public understanding of native plants and their conservation. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, aimed at educational, ecological, and botanical research initiatives. Both members and nonmembers are eligible, with a focus on practical, innovative proposals that align with the Society's mission. Applicants must report on their project outcomes, fostering accountability and continued support for environmental efforts.

The Wellness Across the Lifespan Grant supports the health of communities by providing access to nutritious food and essential nutrition education. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates. This funding emphasizes health and nutrition education, as well as programs that promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition security, ultimately benefiting adults and vulnerable populations.

The Growing Healthy Kids Grant, funded by The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, aims to support community-based programs that enhance children's nutrition access and health education. With grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, this initiative focuses on hands-on programs that promote healthy habits among children and their families. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates, helping to ensure that the funds directly benefit local communities.

The Oklahoma Urban and Community Forestry Grants, offered by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, aim to enhance urban forestry initiatives across the state. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, support projects such as public tree inventories, management plans, and educational programs. Organizations are encouraged to propose creative solutions that foster community engagement and sustainable forest management, ultimately improving local green spaces and promoting citizen involvement.

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality offers grants for Food Waste Management Projects aimed at reducing food waste through diversion efforts. Eligible applicants include governmental units, educational institutions, and non-profits that can demonstrate specific service provisions. Grants reimburse 80% of eligible equipment costs ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, with total funding amounts typically between $1,000 and $50,000. This initiative promotes sustainable practices while enhancing food recovery infrastructure in the community.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Strengthening Families and Communities Grant by Telligen Community Initiative focuses on enhancing the resilience of youth and families through community-based funding. This initiative is transitioning to two-year funding periods, with applications due in March and October for different states. The grant aims to address social determinants of health, providing targeted support based on extensive applicant feedback. The program emphasizes a narrowed applicant pool to ensure more consistent funding for impactful projects.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

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.

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 Oklahoma Bar Foundation's IOLTA Grant aims to enhance access to justice by providing funding for legal services and law-related educational programs. By supporting tax-exempt organizations, the foundation promotes legal knowledge, assists Oklahoma's courts, and ensures that vulnerable populations receive the legal aid they need. This initiative is vital for fostering a fair legal system and empowering future legal professionals through scholarships and educational resources.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

The WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects initiative by the Bureau of Reclamation aims to enhance water supply reliability through cooperative funding and support for desalination facilities. This program aligns with federal priorities to improve energy and resource management, encouraging proposals that diversify local water sources. By focusing on innovative solutions to water scarcity, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices, especially for growing communities facing water shortages.

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.