Best Grants for After School Programs in Oklahoma

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

The GKFF Accelerator Grants aim to enhance funding access for historically disadvantaged nonprofits in Tulsa. By providing financial and technical support, the program empowers community leaders to implement effective solutions addressing local needs. Grants are available on a rolling basis, with quarterly reviews in February, May, August, and November. This initiative aligns with the George Kaiser Family Foundation's mission to ensure equitable opportunities for all Tulsans, fostering community engagement and improving overall well-being.

The Kirkpatrick Foundation Small Grants program supports diverse initiatives in arts, culture, education, animal wellbeing, environmental conservation, and historic preservation, primarily in Central Oklahoma. With no specific deadlines and monthly reviews, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life through strategic funding. Organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3) nonprofits and serve the local community are encouraged to apply. This program reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable environment for all citizens.

The Learning Bridge Foundation aims to empower individuals caught in poverty and discrimination by providing scholarships for education and job training. Focused on Oklahoma, the foundation offers support to those with limited financial resources or prior incarceration. Scholarships, typically ranging from $2,500 to $6,000, cover tuition and supplies, with potential funding for Bachelor’s Degrees in unique cases. Through targeted activities, the foundation seeks to break the cycle of crime and poverty, granting second chances for a better future.

The Oklahoma Arts and the Military Grants aim to empower organizations to serve military-connected individuals through arts programs. Grants of up to $5,000 support learning-based and audience-based initiatives that engage active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. This initiative, part of the Oklahoma Arts and the Military Initiative, fosters greater accessibility to the arts for the military community, enhancing their well-being and connection through creative expression.

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.

The Piñon Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions focused on enhancing the education, health, and well-being of children and the elderly. Although it primarily funds initiatives in West Texas, the Dallas Fort Worth area, and Oklahoma City, it is open to proposals from other regions that can positively impact community growth. The foundation believes in the transformative power of education and health to foster community success and development.

The OCCF: Parks & Public Space Initiative, stemming from the Margaret Annis Boys Trust, aims to enhance neighborhood and community parks in Oklahoma City. This grant encourages landscaping and beautification projects, including plant materials and landscape amenities. It supports public spaces for recreation and cultural engagement, fostering community involvement and stewardship. Grants vary based on project complexity, and Oklahoma City Community Foundation staff provide expertise alongside funding to ensure successful project implementation.

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 Kirkpatrick Foundation, a private foundation in Oklahoma City since 1955, focuses on enhancing quality of life through grants in arts, culture, education, animal wellbeing, environmental conservation, and historic preservation. It supports eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, emphasizing community impact in the Oklahoma City area. The foundation seeks to empower organizations that contribute to the cultural and educational fabric of the region while ensuring the humane treatment of animals and environmental stewardship.

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund offers Project Support through small grants aimed at enhancing community quality of life in central Oklahoma. Eligible projects must achieve measurable outcomes within a specific timeframe and align with the organization's mission. The fund prioritizes support for arts, education, health, and community development initiatives. Importantly, it excludes requests for ongoing program support or capital projects, ensuring a focus on impactful, time-limited projects that benefit local communities.

The Educational Outreach - Fall Cycle grant, provided by Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc, is dedicated to enhancing arts experiences for underserved K-12 students in Oklahoma. This initiative supports various nonprofit arts organizations and aims to extend outreach to veterans and people with disabilities. Eligible organizations can apply for cash grants up to $5,000, along with Hobby Lobby gift cards. However, submission does not guarantee funding, as resources are limited.

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 Tahlequah Community Fund Grants, managed by the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, aim to connect donors with charitable needs in Tahlequah. Established in 1999, the fund supports projects in arts, education, health, and community development. Grants of up to $3,500 are awarded annually, with applications due the last Friday in September. Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and government entities, focusing on enhancing the quality of life in the community.

The City of Muskogee Foundation offers summer grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Muskogee through funding for nonprofit organizations, schools, and community projects. Established in 2008, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote education, arts, health, and economic development. Grants are awarded based on measurable outcomes and community needs, focusing on job creation, educational empowerment, and health initiatives. This effort fosters collaboration and innovation to create sustainable improvements for residents.

The OK DEQ Environmental Education Grant supports educators in Oklahoma by providing resources and training to enhance environmental education. Eligible applicants include teachers, youth group leaders, and organizations focused on youth engagement in environmental issues. Projects must emphasize environmental education, involve students directly, and align with classroom objectives. Collaboration with community partners is encouraged. This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of environmental conservation among Oklahoma's youth.

The Allied Arts Educational Outreach program supports nonprofit arts organizations that provide arts experiences for underserved youth in Oklahoma. With a focus on K-12 students, this initiative expands outreach to veterans and marginalized communities. Organizations can apply for cash grants up to $5,000, along with Hobby Lobby gift cards, to foster artistic engagement and cultural enrichment. This funding aims to ensure a sustainable cultural landscape in central Oklahoma and promote inclusivity in the arts.

The City of Muskogee Foundation provides essential grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents through various initiatives in education, health, and economic development. Established in 2008, the foundation focuses on funding programs that drive community revitalization and support nonprofits. Key funding areas include economic development, education, health and wellness, and quality of life improvements. Grants are awarded based on measurable outcomes, ensuring a lasting impact on the community.

The TSET Built Environment Grants, initiated by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, aim to enhance public health in Oklahoma by funding projects that promote physical activity and nutrition. With a total funding of $4.6 million, eligible organizations can apply for grants to improve community infrastructure, including parks, fitness centers, and access to healthy food. This initiative focuses on reducing preventable deaths related to tobacco use and obesity, thereby improving overall health outcomes for Oklahomans.

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 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 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 Oklahoma 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students in low-performing schools. By providing academic enrichment, after-school activities, and family engagement, this program supports students in meeting Oklahoma's academic standards. Eligible applicants include local educational agencies, non-profits, and community organizations, ensuring diverse participation. The initiative focuses on a collaborative approach to improve educational outcomes and foster community involvement in children's education.

Oklahoma Poetry Out Loud Partnership Grant

Through the Oklahoma Poetry Out Loud Partnership Grant, one organization is selected to partner with the Oklahoma Arts Council in coordinating and implementing the annual state Poetry Out Loud competition in high schools statewide. The competition is part of the national Poetry Out Loud program administered by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Poetry Foundation, encouraging the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. Launched in high schools nationwide in 2006, Poetry Out Loud helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. The program has grown to involve millions of students across the country annually.

Program Objectives

• Help students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life
• Create lifelong lovers of poetry and creative writing
• Improve students’ analytical skills through reading and interpreting a variety of poems

The OCCF: Donna Nigh Foundation Grant supports Oklahoma-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and accredited schools that provide essential services to individuals with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. The foundation provides funding for adaptive equipment and activities aimed at enhancing independence and quality of life. Eligible projects include environmental adaptations, classroom equipment, and sheltered workshop activities, while special events and capital improvements are excluded from funding.

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.