Charitable Contributions

Our goal with financial contributions from BOK Financial and the BOKF Foundation is to enhance the quality of life and economic wellbeing in the communities where BOK Financial operates and where our employees work and live including Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Our charitable contributions are focused on four pillars of giving: United Way, economic development, education and basic needs

Our long-term strategic plan guides all contributions to assure maximum impact in the community and to develop mutually beneficial relationships with our nonprofit partner agencies. BOK financial contributions are budgeted on an annual calendar basis. We accept online charitable contribution/grant applications throughout the year.

Pillars of giving

Basic Needs

We provide volunteer and financial support to organizations serving the most vulnerable members of our community. Our efforts largely focus on organizations providing direct services addressing such issues as poverty, hunger, healthcare, housing and safety.

Education

An equitable, robust educational system drives long-term community growth. We support local nonprofits whose primary mission is promoting basic education, including public school foundations, early childhood education, financial literacy, and institutions of higher education.

Economic Development

Actions that raise the standard of living and economic health of our communities make them better places to live and work. We provide support to local chambers of commerce; nonprofits focused on workforce development, job training, etc.; and public/private partnerships investing in our communities.

Under the direction of Mary Josephine Hamman, the Foundation was formed on May 20, 1954. The Foundation was established to: 

• give assistance to students in the pursuit of higher education through scholarships;
• to promote the arts;
• to fund qualified institutions in the furtherance and development of scientific projects;
• to aid churches, associations and conventions of churches in the advancement of religion;
• to aid colleges and universities in both operating and capital needs;
• to provide aid for the needy;
• and to assist hospitals, medical colleges and research institutions for the study, treatment and cure of disease.

The Foundation has awarded $108.9 million in grants and scholarships over its 66 years of service to the community.

The George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation is a Texas chartered non-profit corporation under the Internal Revenue Code Section 509(a) and is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3).

NOTE: Thank you for your interest in applying for a grant from the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation.  We are currently refining our Letter of Inquiry & Grant Application process to better serve our nonprofit community partners.  All applicants being considered for grants during our September and December 2023 distribution cycles have been notified. If your organization is interested in submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), please note we will not be accepting or considering new grant applications until 2024. If you have additional questions about a future LOI or current grant application, please email [email protected] or reach out directly to your respective grant manager.

The mission of the Foundation is to produce profound good that is tangible and measurable in Bandera, Bexar, Comal, and Kendall counties in Texas by implementing the Kronkoskys' charitable purposes.

The focus of the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation is to support programs, projects and collaborative efforts that reach as many people as possible; involve the persons served in developing solutions; raise expectations; build self-esteem; develop personal and organizational capacity; encourage innovation; and make use of technology

Health and Human Services

Program Goals

To improve the quality of life for the elderly and those with disabilities by helping them to be healthy and productive members of the communities in which they live.

Proposals of particular interest to the Foundation are as follows:

• Projects aimed at increasing the awareness of the elderly and those with disabilities about available resources of existing programs within their communities and providing assistance in accessing such programs.
• Projects aimed at improving the safety and security of the elderly and those with disabilities in their place of residence.
• Projects that create opportunities for the elderly and those with disabilities to interact with children and their families in activities that are consistent with other program goals of the Foundation.
• Programs that improve the mental health of the elderly and those with disabilities.
• Programs that use proven models of success to extend existing resources or to develop new and innovative services aimed at the under-served among the elderly and those with disabilities.
• Programs with proven success in the treatment of alcoholism, particularly those aimed at preventing the abuse of children and the elderly.
• Projects that combine under-utilized church, school, or other facilities and neighborhood resources to extend needed services within neighborhoods with an emphasis on the prevention of child abuse, the character development of children, and the quality of life for the elderly.
• Projects that provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in organized recreational activities.
• Programs that provide temporary care for persons with disabilities.
• Programs that use technology to develop the self-esteem of the elderly and/or persons with disabilities by giving them access to information that leads to job opportunities, provides needed medical and counseling assistance, and counteracts the adverse impacts of isolation. 
• Projects that support the use of animals in assisting the elderly and those with disabilities.
• Projects that provide personal advocates for the elderly and those with disabilities who suffer from abuse and neglect.

To develop character and self-reliance in young persons through organized activities founded on traditional values of respect and responsibility.

Proposals of particular interest to the Foundation are as follows:

• Projects that increase the involvement of young persons in proven programs that develop self-esteem and that expose them to the values of respect and responsibility.
• Projects aimed at identifying, recruiting, and developing leadership skills in parents who are willing to become actively involved in organized youth activities in neighborhoods and schools.
• Projects that engage at-risk youth in activities that develop self-esteem and that provide a viable alternative to participation in violence, substance abuse, or other destructive behaviors. 
• Projects that expose youth to camping and other outdoor recreational activities.
• Projects that strengthen intergenerational ties within neighborhoods. 
• Projects that help young persons establish higher expectations for themselves and set long-term goals for their lives.

To free children from abuse and neglect.

Proposals of particular interest to the Foundation are as follows:

• Programs aimed at increasing the availability and accessibility of appropriate pre-natal care.
• Programs that provide parenting education and other related services to families of young children, particularly single parents in low-income households.
• Programs aimed at changing individual and family behaviors that are known to lead to an environment characterized by abuse and neglect of children.
• Projects that educate young persons about the nature of abusive relationships and what they should do if they are being abused.
• Projects that provide transitional residential settings and/or counseling for victims of domestic violence where children are present.
• Projects that provide personal advocates for children who suffer from abuse and neglect.

To improve the health of persons living in Bandera, Bexar, Comal and Kendall counties in Texas through selected medical research efforts.

Proposals of particular interest to the Foundation are as follows:

• Seed money grants for innovative medical research aimed at diseases and behaviors that have a higher incidence among persons living in Bandera, Bexar, Comal, and Kendall counties in Texas as compared to the general population in the United States.

Arts & Culture

Program Goals

To foster meaningful cultural activities and broaden public participation therein.

Proposals of particular interest to the Foundation are as follows:

• Projects that are designed to establish the long-term viability of cultural activities and broaden participation from all parts of the communities served.
• Projects that are aimed at facilitating the study of music, dance, theater, the visual arts, and other cultural activities by young persons who lack the parental encouragement or financial support needed to pursue the development of recognizable talent.
• Projects that increase attendance at cultural activities by persons whose participation is largely limited by lack of financial resources, familial support, or the presence of disabilities.
• Projects that encourage continuing interaction between those in cultural organizations and public schools for the purposes of exposing children to the arts.
• Projects that attract national and international cultural or artistic exhibits and events.

To expand or improve the public use of information and learning available through museums and libraries.

Proposals of particular interest to the Foundation are as follows:

• Projects that are designed to establish the long-term viability of public museums and expand their use by those from all parts of the communities served.
• Projects that use technology to provide linkages to rural communities in Bandera, Bexar, Comal, and Kendall counties of Texas.
• Projects that increase attendance at museums and libraries by persons whose participation is largely limited by lack of financial resources, familial support, or the presence of disabilities.
• Projects that use technology to make information that is normally found in such facilities more available in the homes or neighborhood settings of the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the parents of young children.
• Projects that support museum and library programs or exhibits that promote awareness of issues related to the elderly, those with disabilities, child abuse, and the preservation of natural areas.

Other Program Goals

Program Goals

To expand or improve public parks, zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries and broaden the use of such facilities.

Proposals of particular interest to the Foundation are as follows:

• Projects that increase the use of public park facilities and zoos.
• Projects that make parks more accessible and secure for family recreation.
• Projects that protect and preserve wildlife and natural areas.

To prevent cruelty to animals.

Proposals of particular interest to the Foundation are as follows:

• Projects that promote responsible pet ownership.
• Projects aimed at reducing animal bite incidents.

To assist victims of public disasters in Texas.

Proposals of particular interest to the Foundation are as follows:

• Grants under this program goal will be initiated by the Foundation.

We are a private family foundation on a mission to improve the quality and circumstances of life for the people of Texas now and in the future.

WHAT WE FUND: OUR PROGRAM AREAS

Texas is diverse. So is our giving.

We provide grants throughout the state within our program areas and also our initiatives in environment, public education, and mental health.

Arts and Culture

Our founders were passionate about the arts’ ability to illuminate and reflect our communities, reimagine conversations, interpret collective identity, promote public engagement, and preserve memories. We support organizations throughout the state that provide opportunities for all Texans to experience and benefit from the arts. Our most significant partner is Southern Methodist University Meadows School of the Arts and the Meadows Museum.

Civic and Public Affairs

The social fabric of communities is enhanced when effective civic leadership and healthy public systems are combined with a strong network of nonprofit organizations. We assist communities in developing leadership talent, promoting civic and public collaboration, supporting nonprofits through management and capacity-building, and improving processes and infrastructures for delivery of services to all residents. We also recognize the importance of animals and the role they have in many people’s lives. We fund projects that improve their welfare and enhance the human-animal connection.

Education

The link between quality of education and quality of life is undeniable. Knowledge empowers choices that influence our social and family environment, health and mental well-being, home and community, and career and income. Each additional year of schooling increases earnings by 8-10%. In addition, early reading, high-quality instructors, access to equitable resources, and high expectations for all students improve life-long study skills and academic achievements.

Environment

With our population in Texas expected to increase by 73% to 51.5 million people in 2070, the impacts on our environment will be significant. We focus on systematically preserving our rich ecological and biological diversity for future generations while meeting our growing needs.

Health

Access to quality health care is essential. Health programs that offer a chance to rethink what can be accomplished with new knowledge and technology ultimately lead to Texans living healthier lives. We invest in programs and initiatives that promote innovation in services and delivery and strengthen the ecosystem of care.

Human Services

In communities across Texas, people face overwhelming challenges and times of personal or family crisis. We support programs and agencies that thoughtfully weave compassion and respect into the support systems that improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable Texans. We also place emphasis on supporting efforts that systematically reduce homelessness in the Dallas area.

WHAT WE FUND: INITIATIVES 

Five initiatives are linked to our long-term goals, and requests in these areas receive priority emphasis in the review process. 

Postsecondary Completion

The changing economic landscape requires a shift in the kind of preparation offered to connect Texans to jobs, career paths, livable wages, and economic and social mobility. By 2030, 60% of the Texas workforce will need a postsecondary credential to be gainfully employed, a driving factor for the state’s higher education plan. We aim to ensure that awarded postsecondary degrees, credentials, and certificates align to real-time labor needs, are affordable for all Texans, and offer value to students and society. We are working with our partners to increase postsecondary completion rates beyond current projections to meet current and future workforce demands.

Educator Preparation

Quality teachers are consistently identified as the most important school-based factor in student achievement. On average, a high-performing teacher increases student learning by 50% more than expected growth over the course of a school year. Texas has hundreds of educator preparation programs of varying quality and varying levels of accessibility to aspiring teachers. The teacher pipeline must be robust to meet the needs of a growing state with an increasingly diverse student population. We are working with our partners to define, build, and scale models of high-quality educator preparation. 

Water Conservation

Texas has grown rapidly, and the state’s population is projected to expand by 70% from 2020 to 2070. While this growth can fuel robust economic development, ensuring the vitality of Texas’ cities, industries, and agriculture while also protecting natural resources will require careful water management. As water demand increases, state water supplies will drop by 18%. The state water plan suggests that water conservation strategies could meet 30% of future water supplies. 

While conservation success can be determined in part by policies, everyday water users are the conservation decision makers, and how they value water is the most crucial element of achieving an overall demand reduction. We are working with our partners to increase public awareness and support projects that advance water conservation across the state. 

Depression

Depression is the most common mental illness in the U.S. In North Texas alone, 300,000 adults and children experience depression annually. We know that treatment works: two-thirds of individuals who receive evidence-based, measurement-based care get better. However, less than one in 10 receive this type of care. 

With appropriate training and support, primary care physicians can screen, identify, and provide effective behavioral health treatment and referrals to their patients, which could fill this gap in care. In fact, at least 80% of individuals diagnosed with depression can be treated by their primary care physician. We are working with our partners to integrate evidence-based practices into primary and other care settings so that more people in North Texas can be diagnosed and treated for depression.  

Homelessness

More than 4,000 individuals experience homelessness every year in Dallas and Collin counties. The majority of the 2,000 beds in Dallas shelters are full every night, and the median gross monthly rent of $950 is unaffordable to homeless and low-income residents. Access to adequate housing is a human right that provides the safety needed to survive and the stability needed to thrive. We are working with our partners to make homelessness in Dallas and Collin counties rare, brief, and nonrecurring. 

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

Programs or projects aligned with our giving priorities that and:

• Are well planned by organizations with the capacity to execute on them
• Have secured or identified financial support from other sources
• Contain quantitatively measurable outcomes with potential to scale impact
• Would find Foundation support to be vital to its success

WHERE WE FUND

We provide grants throughout Texas. Up to 50% of our giving is focused on the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

TYPES OF FUNDING

• Specific programs or projects account for almost 85% of our total giving
• Although not a significant part of our funding, we will consider
  • Capital projects aligned with our initiatives and green building guidelines
  • Program-related investment loans
• Endowment and scholarship grants are rare

Since its inception, the Foundation, which is still led by Lester T. Sunderland's descendants, has focused on supporting construction projects, awarding grants to nonprofits in the Kansas City region and other markets traditionally served by the Ash Grove Cement Company. 

 The Foundation prefers to make grants for construction and special interest projects rather than for annual operating expenses. 

Grants for planning, design, construction, renovation, repairs and restoration of facilities are considered. Areas of interest include higher education, youth serving agencies, health facilities, community buildings, museums, civic projects and energy efficient affordable housing projects sponsored by qualified tax-exempt organizations. 

Funding Areas

In recent grant cycles, the Board of Trustees has awarded the majority of grants in four broadly defined areas:

Health Care and Hospitals

A growing area of need in many of the communities the Foundation serves. In 2017, more than $2.9 million was awarded to hospitals and health-care groups to build and improve their facilities. 

Human Services

The Foundation awarded over $7 million to human service nonprofits in 2017, and the majority of grants in this area were awarded to groups that provide essential services to youth and families. Grantees included a range of youth-focused groups, including the Kansas 4-H Foundation, Kids TLC, Ronald McDonald House & Boys & Girls Clubs. 

Higher Education

In 2017, the Foundation awarded more than $10 million to over 45 educational organizations. Grantees included community colleges, private colleges, and public universities. 

Arts and Culture

Arts and culture projects received $7 million in 2017, including grants to the Eisenhower Foundation in Abilene, Kansas; the Kansas City Symphony, the Nelson Gallery Foundation and many more.

Note:

• Any organization that has received funding from Abell-Hanger Foundation in the last two fiscal years or any nonprofit organization located within Midland County will be asked to submit an “Intent to Apply” prior to receiving the application form.
• All other organizations will be required to first submit a “Pre-Application Request” which are reviewed by the trustees every 4-6 weeks to determine their level of interest.
• Full applications are due at the 'full proposal' deadlines listed above.

The Abell-Hanger Foundation makes grants to benevolent, charitable, and educational undertakings for the furtherance of the public welfare, education, health services, human services, arts and cultural activities that benefit our community. We recognize that improvement happens at the local level, where individuals take action in their own communities.

NOTE: We encourage all applicants to reach out to the foundation at [email protected] or by calling (214) 373-0462 to discuss a potential grant opportunity prior to submitting an application.

Hoblitzelle Foundation Grant

Hoblitzelle Foundation was established by Karl and Esther Hoblitzelle in 1942 for charitable, scientific, literacy or educational purposes within the State of Texas.  Since inception, the Directors have approved over 3,400 grants, investing over $252 million in the social service, cultural, educational, and medical organizations in Texas.

What We Fund

The Foundation supports capital projects (i.e., building construction, acquisition, renovation, equipment, vehicles, and technology) of nonprofit organizations in Texas, primarily in the Dallas area.  When grants are made outside of this geographic preference, it is likely due to a historical interest exhibited by the founder, a current interest by a board member, or the large scope of impact the grant would have on that particular region of Texas.

Funding Categories

The foundation makes grants in the seven funding categories:

• Arts & Culture
  • The foundation supports efforts to enhance the quality of, and access to, arts and culture.
• Civic
  • Projects include neighborhood revitalization, support of philanthropy and volunteerism, civic education, museums and exhibits, parks, trails, and gardens.
• Disabled
  • The foundation supports therapy facilities, assisted and independent living communities, sheltered workshops, adaptive resources, and educational projects.
• Education
  • Projects include support for capital initiatives at independent and charter schools, higher education institutions, and at organizations that support public school students.
• Environment
  • The foundation supports initiatives to conserve natural resources, capital aspects of education programs, as well as zoos and animal welfare.
• Medical
  • Projects include support for capital initiatives at medical facilities, equipment for research or treatment, and a variety of health and welfare organizations.
• Social Services
  • The foundation supports the capital needs of a variety of organizations that address food insecurity, access to shelters and housing, special needs of seniors, family planning, counseling, children and youth needs, and general social service agencies.

T.L.L. Temple Foundation

The T.L.L. Temple Foundation works alongside rural communities to build a thriving East Texas and to alleviate poverty, creating access and opportunities for all.

Focus Areas

In support of its mission to build a thriving Deep East Texas and to alleviate poverty, the foundation makes grants in the areas of education, economic development and community revitalization, health, human services, arts and culture, and conservation and the environment. Central to the foundation’s work is the aim of breaking the cycle of poverty, and the foundation prioritizes support for residents and communities that most lack access to opportunities they need to succeed

Health

America’s Health Rankings, an independent health measure that combines more than 30 health-related metrics, ranks Texas 34th out of 50 states in resident health. Texans show comparatively high rates of obesity, physical inactivity, and diabetes. Disparities in health status–by race and ethnicity, geography and income–are also higher in Texas than in many states: Texas ranks 44th in the prevalence of health disparities in the nation.

Access to health care providers is also a challenge in Texas, particularly in rural areas of the state. This is partly a function of insurance coverage. According to the U.S. Census, Texas has the highest rate of uninsured residents in the nation: in 2016, 17.1% of Texas residents do not have health insurance coverage, compared to 9.4% nationally. It ranks second in lack of health insurance coverage for children: 9.5% of children in Texas have no health insurance, compared to 4.8% nationally. In our region, insured rates are even lower: in 2014, 21.3% of residents had no health insurance coverage, compared to 19.1% for the state in 2014. 

Given these challenges, our goal is simple: to improve the health of residents of Deep East Texas. The barriers of poverty, geographic isolation, and a lack of access to health care services make it particularly difficult for many residents in our region to improve and maintain their health. Yet poor health status often limits residents’ ability to get a high quality education, hold down a sustaining job, and stay out of poverty.

Education

Educational attainment is a significant challenge in our region. Based on U.S. Census data, Texas ranks 49th out of the 50 states for having the lowest percentage of adults with a high school diploma, with 18.5% of people 25 and older not having earned a high school degree or equivalent. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board the problem is even more pronounced in our region. In the most recent 8th grade cohort available, there were 24,639 students in upper and southeast Texas counties we serve. Five years later, only 72.0% completed high school, meaning that almost 7,000 young people did not complete the most basic education.

The counties in our region lag even further behind when it comes to college completion: according to the U.S. Census’s 2015 American Community Survey, only 14.0% of people 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 27.1% in Texas and 29.3% nationally. This is particularly problematic considering that many of the region’s fastest growing occupations require at least an associate’s degree, if not a four-year degree. 

Education has always been a top priority for the T.L.L. Temple Foundation because it is the most effective tool to break the cycle of poverty and build a thriving region. Addressing the region’s low rates of educational attainment—particularly for low-income students—is critical to improving outcomes in poverty, health and economic development. We aim to increase access to high quality educational opportunities for residents in Deep East Texas. We invest in programs that measurably improve education outcomes in the region, including: early childhood education, out-of-school-time programs, and programs dedicated to increasing postsecondary preparation, access and success. We also support efforts to ensure that Deep East Texans have the skills needed to obtain and retain high quality jobs.

Economic Development and Community Revitalization

The 24 counties in our service region have very high rates of unemployment: according to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2016, 52.9% of the population 16 and older was in the labor force, compared to 64.4% in Texas and 63.5% nationally. In the Deep East Texas Workforce Development Area, the unemployment rate was 7% in 2016. While this decreased from 10% in 2011, it is significantly higher than the state unemployment rate of 4.7% and the national unemployment rate of 4.9% during the same period.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, between 2012 and 2022, jobs are expected to increase by 13.1% in the Deep East Texas Workforce Development Area, compared to 21.3% for Texas, and 10.8% for the U.S. The fastest growing occupations correspond to the region’s aging population: home health and personal care aides, nursing, medical secretaries, and medical assistants. Most of these jobs require a two or four-year degree. 

We aim to improve economic opportunities and help develop and sustain thriving communities in the most economically challenged places in our service area. Vibrant communities and a robust regional economy are central to creating and sustaining a thriving Deep East Texas. We invest in efforts to transform disinvested communities into places with economic opportunities and equitable access to the essential community resources needed to help families thrive. Impact Lufkin, a foundation-initiated program, is an example of the foundation’s approach to holistic, resident-engaged community revitalization. Because engaged citizens are central to fostering strong communities, we also fund programs to increase civic participation. Finally, we invest in programs that strengthen the regional economy and improve economic opportunities for residents of Deep East Texas.

Human Services

Too many residents of Deep East Texas live in poverty. According to the U.S. Census, in 2015 in the 24 counties that we serve, 19.3% of residents live in poverty, compared to 15.9% of Texans and 13.5% of people in the U.S. The median household income (2010-2014) is 21% lower than the state of Texas, and 22% lower than the U.S. For these residents, poverty can become a vicious cycle, limiting access to the quality education, self-sustaining employment, and health care needed to rise above poverty.

The foundation works to ensure the most vulnerable residents in our service region have their basic needs met. By helping provide access to food, shelter, social services and other programs, we strive to make sure that there is a strong safety net to support the region’s low-income and vulnerable residents.

Arts and Culture

Arts and culture are critical for healthy communities and a thriving region. The foundation has long supported efforts to celebrate the region’s cultural heritage and document its important history. We will continue to help enrich the lives of Deep East Texans by investing in programs that provide access to artistic and cultural experiences.

Conservation and the Environment

Beginning with the first timber harvested in the second half of the nineteenth century, the Temple family has had a special bond with the forests, wetlands, and open spaces across our region. We believe that the health of our natural environment is closely connected to the health of our residents, our communities, and our region and so seek to protect our important natural resources.

The primary emphasis of the foundation’s conservation and environmental efforts is the Boggy Slough Conservation Area  - a Temple Foundation-managed program.

The aim of the Boggy Slough Conservation Area is to:

• serve as a model for conservation and land management;
• serve as a catalyst for creating a stewardship ethic and connection to nature in our communities; and
• bridge critical research gaps regarding the forest and bottomland ecosystems of the Neches River basin and the Southeast.

Type of Support

The foundation awards funding for multiple purposes, including: general operating support, project support, capital improvements, and organizational development and capacity building.

Size and Duration of Grants

The size and duration of grants is matched to the applicant’s scale of impact, need, capabilities and opportunities, and typically follow these guidelines:

• We provide one-year funding for initial grants
• We rarely make grants that exceed 30% of a project or organizational budget

History

Emma Elizabeth Barnsley was born on December 10, 1926 in Crane County, Texas and grew up in the areas of Crane, Midland, and Odessa, Texas. She moved to New York City as a young woman where she spent most of her adult life. Ms. Barnsley had a deep love for animals of all kinds. It is because of this passion she established the Emma Barnsley Foundation for the purposes of the prevention of cruelty to animals and the study, care, protection, and preservation of animals, both domestic and wild, and their environment. Ms. Barnsley passed away on August 1, 2007 in New York.

Mission

The mission of the Emma Barnsley Foundation is to promote the prevention of cruelty to animals and for the study, care, protection, and preservation of animals, both domestic and wild, and their environment.

Giving

The Emma Barnsley Foundation awards grants exclusively for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes as follows:

• To aid and assist in the prevention of cruelty to animals, both domestic and wild.

• To aid and assist in the care, protection and preservation of animals, both domestic and wild, and the environment in which such wild animals may live.

• To provide scholarships for deserving young men and women to assist them in the study of veterinary medicine at any institution of higher learning in the state of Texas.

• To assist institutions of higher learning in the state of Texas in the operation and maintenance of courses of study in veterinary medicine and in the study of animals and animal life.

• To assist in research projects involving ecological, environmental, and wildlife studies, provided no funds shall be given to any organization utilizing animals for research or experimental purposes if such animals are in any way harmed, mutilated, intentionally inflicted with disease or any substance causing disease, or if such animals are killed in the course of such research.