Best Payne County Grants for Nonprofits in Oklahoma

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 

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. 

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.

About Us

We are a philanthropic organization committed to catalyzing the impact of social entrepreneurs who are expanding access and opportunity in America. 

At New Profit, we partner with social innovators, philanthropists, and other impact leaders who are creating a more inclusive and prosperous America. We invest in and support leaders and organizations that are transforming our education, economic, and democratic systems. And we are guided by the belief that those who are most proximate to the communities we serve are the best positioned to develop effective and sustainable solutions.

We seek and support leaders and organizations with scalable solutions that match the size of the problems we face and expansive visions that match the scale of our ambitions for America.

Connected Futures Cohort Grant

New Profit is launching Connected Futures, a Catalyze cohort for organizations that bridge divides and bring people together to solve problems collectively. Submit a Discovery Form to signal your interest and to be considered to submit an application for this funding cycle. 

New Profit’s Catalyze cohorts support innovative social impact organizations expanding access and opportunity in America. This model brings together cohorts of organizations with similar focus areas and stages, providing each with a one-year $100,000 unrestricted grant, a $10,000 grant for leadership development, and strategic advisory support.

Social Entrepreneurs* participate in a year-long cohort experience designed to build community, facilitate peer learning, and provide capacity-building support, including workshops on topics such as board development, fundraising, scenario planning, and storytelling. 

About Connected Futures

Connected Futures is a new Catalyze cohort for organizations that help people move across active divides to take action toward common goals. We are looking for organizations that build trust, strengthen collaboration, and create ways for people to act together when mistrust, polarization, exclusion, or disconnection would otherwise keep them apart and prevent them from solving problems together.

These organizations may work in the health, economic mobility, democracy, and/or education sectors. What connects them is not a single issue area, but a common approach to bridgebuilding: creating the relationships, skills, and structures people need to work together toward positive change.

Catalyze cohorts are at their best when cohort members are fully engaged. The Social Entrepreneurs that lead selected organizations are expected to participate in the Catalyze support model and peer learning community in the following ways:

• Social Entrepreneurs attend three in-person convenings, each of which are held over 3-4 days in cities across the United States. Convening dates for this cohort will be shared with organizations invited to complete a full application.
• Social Entrepreneurs attend three virtual learning sessions, each lasting 2-3 hours. Webinar dates for this cohort will be shared with organizations invited to complete a full application.
• Social Entrepreneurs engage with the New Profit team via 1:1 strategic advising, including a minimum of six virtual sessions over the yearlong cohort.
• Entrepreneurs receive a $10,000 stipend specifically to support their own leadership development goals.
• Programming requires a commitment of 6-8 hours per month on average. New Profit covers the cost of travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for each in-person convening.

About

At Creative Pinellas, we believe the arts are essential to a vibrant, thriving community. Through programs, partnerships, and advocacy, we empower artists and cultural organizations across Pinellas County—enhancing quality of life, driving economic growth, and inspiring residents and visitors alike.

At Creative Pinellas, we’re all about celebrating the power of the arts to bring people together and make life better. We support local artists, spark creative experiences, and help build a cultural scene that makes Pinellas County an inspiring place to live, work, and play. From gallery shows and public art to festivals and performances, the arts play a big role in drawing visitors to the area—boosting local businesses and showcasing everything our vibrant community has to offer.

Arts Tourism Funding Program: Celebrating Pinellas County’s Creative Spirit Grant

Creative Pinellas is spearheading a transformative new arts tourism funding program designed to position Pinellas County as a premier cultural destination while strengthening its creative economy. On Tuesday, March 24, the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners approved the $500,000 program by unanimous vote. Creative Pinellas will direct the program, which is funded by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VSPC) with outreach and event support provided by St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and Clearwater Arts Alliance.

The inaugural program will fund a wide range of experiences created by artists and arts organizations selected through a competitive process. The experiences will shape a countywide, multi-week festival of the arts during Fall 2026 featuring performances, exhibitions, workshops, public art, and immersive cultural experiences across beaches, parks, downtown districts, and cultural venues. It is expected to reach an estimated 2.5 million visitors during that time.

This marks the first time Creative Pinellas has distributed arts funding to support not only individual artists and nonprofits, but also for-profit arts organizations.

Award Amounts and Frequency

• The panel plans to select approximately 20-30 arts experiences, totaling $350,000 to Individual Artists and Organizations. It is possible that more or fewer experiences will be selected. Another $50,000 is planned for those selected to provide opening and closing experiences for the month of the arts.
• The panel reviewing applications will be asked to fund in two categories: individuals and organizations.
• Individual Artists may apply for $5,000 to $15,000.
• Organizations may apply for $15,000 to $50,000.
• The panel predicts to select a very limited number of arts experiences at the higher funding levels.
• All applicants acknowledge that Creative Pinellas may offer funding at a different amount than applied for.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Buckhorn Tavern Scholarship Fund

Scholarships are awarded to Socorro County residents studying to complete their GED or HiSet. Other considerations will be given to nontraditional students pursuing a degree in a vocational learning institution

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Carol Troeller Second Chance Scholarship Fund

To support students with emergency financial needs with a preference for a female student in business fields of study

The FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Idea Development Award promotes innovative, high-risk research aimed at significant advancements for pancreatic cancer outcomes. This award supports projects with preliminary data, focusing on impactful discoveries. It features a Partnering Principal Investigator option, enhancing funding for collaborations between experienced mentors and early-career researchers. All applications must align with the FY26 PCARP Focus Areas, ensuring relevance and potential for transformative results in pancreatic cancer research.

The FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Translational Research Partnership Award encourages collaboration among clinicians and scientists to expedite the clinical application of innovative pancreatic cancer research. A minimum of two Principal Investigators is required, with one designated as the Initiating PI. This award supports preliminary data collection and various research methodologies, excluding large-scale clinical trials, to enhance pancreatic cancer understanding and treatment.

The FY26 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program (ALSRP) Therapeutic Development Award supports innovative research aimed at advancing therapies for ALS. It focuses on projects that have demonstrated proof-of-concept efficacy and require lead compounds. The award emphasizes the development of mechanism-specific biomarkers to enhance trial design and patient selection, ensuring that therapeutic approaches are effective and efficient. Collaboration with experienced ALS researchers is encouraged for those with limited experience.

The FY26 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program Therapeutic Idea Award supports innovative ideas for ALS drug discovery. This award encourages high-risk, high-gain research that is hypothesis-driven and aims to generate preliminary data for future therapeutic investigations. Applications should highlight potential impact and innovation, with the possibility of achieving results without prior data. The focus is on a strong approach rather than preliminary findings.

The FY26 DoW Pancreatic Cancer Research Program Focused Pilot Award aims to drive innovative and impactful research in pancreatic cancer, enhancing patient quality of life. This award encourages the development of preliminary data to support future clinical or real-world applications. While allowing for clinical research studies, it does not permit clinical trials or preclinical animal studies, ensuring a strong patient-centered approach in its research focus.

The FY26 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program's Pilot Clinical Trial Award aims to accelerate clinical trials that can significantly impact ALS treatment and management. Focus areas include biomarker-driven interventions and improvements in clinical care. Trials must begin within 12 months of the award and incorporate community collaboration and a detailed regulatory strategy. This award emphasizes the importance of therapeutic interventions and a transition plan for advancing study outcomes beyond the funded work.

The FY26 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program (ALSRP) Clinical Outcomes and Biomarkers Award (COBA) aims to enhance clinical trials for ALS by developing and validating clinical outcomes and biomarkers. This funding opportunity encourages innovative projects that may focus on specific therapies, ALS subtypes, or digital health measures. Collaboration with the ALS community is essential to ensure that research is relevant and informed by lived experiences.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Breakthrough Award Level 4 supports innovative research with the potential for significant breakthroughs in breast cancer. Applications must address key BCRP challenges or justify exceptions, focusing on impactful solutions. This program mandates clinical trials and requires participation from breast cancer consumer advocates. The funding supports single or partnered Principal Investigators, ensuring comprehensive submission processes to avoid administrative withdrawal.

The DoW Ovarian Cancer Academy Early-Career Investigator Award supports junior faculty in conducting innovative ovarian cancer research. Established in FY09, this unique virtual academy fosters mentorship, collaboration, and networking among Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) and their mentors. Participants engage in monthly webinars and annual workshops, enhancing their research skills while contributing to impactful studies in ovarian cancer. The program aims to cultivate a new generation of highly productive researchers in this critical field.

The Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Academy (OCCTA) supports Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) in clinical trial research aimed at effective ovarian cancer treatments. It provides essential mentoring, networking, and skill development needed for executing clinical trials. The FY26 funding will specifically support translational research and early-phase trials, requiring preliminary data and a commitment of at least 25% effort from the ECI. Mentorship is vital, with a focus on experienced clinical trialists guiding ECIs.

The DoW Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Award, funded by the U.S. Army Medical Command, aims to accelerate the implementation of clinical trials that significantly impact ovarian cancer treatment. This award supports diverse trial designs, from early proof-of-concept studies to large-scale efficacy trials, evaluating innovative drugs, biologics, and technologies. By fostering research in this critical area, the program seeks to enhance patient outcomes and advance the understanding of ovarian cancer management.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Breakthrough Award Level 3 supports transformative research aimed at significant advancements in breast cancer treatment. Applicants must address key challenges outlined by the program, ensuring their proposals demonstrate potential for impactful breakthroughs. This funding mechanism, which permits small-scale clinical trials, emphasizes collaboration by requiring research teams to include two breast cancer consumer advocates and allows for a single Principal Investigator or two partnering PIs.

The Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award aims to support impactful research addressing critical needs in ovarian cancer and patient care. It requires a robust research plan with preliminary data and allows for studies across all research phases, excluding clinical trials. A unique Partnering Principal Investigator option encourages collaboration between two PIs to enhance research outcomes beyond individual efforts, promoting innovation in the field of ovarian cancer.

The DoW Ovarian Cancer Pilot Award fosters innovative research that challenges existing paradigms in ovarian cancer. It aims to propel groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in the field. Notably, the award prioritizes originality over scientific merit alone, ensuring that innovative ideas are at the forefront. The application process includes a blinded pre-application screening to maintain confidentiality and integrity, encouraging fresh perspectives in ovarian cancer research.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program's Transformative Breast Cancer Consortium Award fosters significant collaborations that aim to revolutionize care for individuals affected by breast cancer. This award supports a multidisciplinary consortium of leading scientists, clinicians, and advocates to tackle major challenges in breast cancer research. Proposals must address at least one of the program's overarching challenges and demonstrate a transformative impact that cannot be achieved by individual investigators alone.

Beatrice T. And Virgil D. Gutierrez Legacy Scholarship

The Beatrice T. Gutierrez and Virgil D. Gutierrez Legacy Scholarship was established in 2018 by the children of Beatrice and Virgil Gutierrez. Mr. and Mrs. Gutierrez devoted their lives to teaching in Taos Public Schools.

The scholarship will be available to seniors graduating from High Schools in Taos County, with a preference to those students who intend to pursue studies in mathematics, education or science (including but not limited to social, biological and environmental sciences) by attending a 4 year college or university with an overall goal of providing service to their family and/or community upon graduation. The 4 year institution award is up to $14,000, paid out across 4 years if a 3.0 GPA is maintained.

The scholarship will also be available to seniors graduating from High Schools in Taos County, with a preference to those students who intend to pursue a 2-year vocational program with an overall goal of providing service to their family and/or community upon graduation. The 2 year institution award is up to $4,000, paid out across 2 years.

About NCCF

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

NCCF's Board and Staff champion the causes you care about with smart grant-making designed specifically to adapt over time and provide highly attentive, knowledgeable, and compassionate service that brings donors and organizations together to address community issues.

Scholarship Opportunities and Applications

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

Michele Farley Pittler Scholarship

• Academic Focus: Unspecified
• Award Average: $1,000

The Mae Casali Bonvicini Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports Torrington High School graduating seniors aiming for higher education. With awards ranging from $400 to $1,500, this scholarship is designed to ease financial burdens for students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the NCCF’s service area. For over 50 years, NCCF has dedicated itself to enhancing the quality of life in Northwest Connecticut through grants and scholarships.

The Edward W. Diskavich Scholarship, established by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Edward W. Diskavich. It aims to support students from Oliver Wolcott Technical High School who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the service area. With awards ranging from $300 to $1,000, this scholarship helps alleviate the financial burden of higher education for deserving students, reflecting NCCF's commitment to enhancing community well-being through accessible educational opportunities.