Best Grants for the Arts in Oklahoma

The Amcor Community Support Grants Program, administered by the Amcor Cares Foundation, provides funding for projects that benefit local communities. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions that serve Amcor Flexibles North America facility communities. Focus areas include fighting hunger, supporting disaster relief, expanding STEM education, and enhancing health and wellness. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and grant amounts typically exceed $1,000.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Collections-Related Grants for Nonprofits, aimed at enhancing public interest in art through innovative projects. Grants support exhibitions, academic convenings, research, and catalog publication, focusing on art from the Spanish Americas, digital media, and more. The foundation prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., particularly from New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, fostering partnerships that advance art scholarship and cultural engagement.

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 OAC Community Arts Grants - Small Grants Support, offered by the Oklahoma Arts Council, aims to enrich communities through arts festivals, exhibitions, and performances. Established to provide financial support to eligible organizations, these grants require a 1:1 cash match and are available for new applicants. Projects must be submitted at least 60 days prior to their start. This initiative fosters diverse and inclusive arts experiences, enhancing Oklahoma's cultural landscape.

The OAC Community Arts Learning Grants support community-based arts learning programs across Oklahoma, emphasizing the transformative power of the arts. Established by the Oklahoma Arts Council, these grants aim to boost community vitality, enhance quality of life, and preserve cultural heritage. Funding is available for workshops and classes that serve people of all ages and abilities, ensuring accessibility to the arts for all Oklahomans.

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 Culture & Community Grant aims to enhance Oklahoma's rich cultural heritage by supporting projects that celebrate and preserve diverse traditions and artistic expressions. This initiative fosters collaboration and community engagement, enriching lives through cultural experiences. By funding such projects, the grant seeks to bring communities together, expanding knowledge and appreciation for local cultures and historical achievements. Applications are encouraged from those committed to promoting cultural vitality and inclusivity.

The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation focuses on uplifting vulnerable populations through targeted grantmaking in Oklahoma, particularly the Tulsa area. Their mission emphasizes alleviating homelessness, improving healthcare access, supporting social services, and reducing hunger. Additionally, they provide funding for educational initiatives and community enrichment projects. The foundation prioritizes projects that empower individuals and foster community engagement, reflecting the founders' commitment to building a supportive and inclusive society.

The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation aims to alleviate poverty by funding nonprofits focused on housing, social services, healthcare, and community empowerment, primarily in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The foundation prioritizes grants for addressing homelessness, improving health services, supporting social services, and combating hunger. Additionally, it supports education and Jewish life initiatives, reflecting the founders' values of community upliftment and equality. With an annual budget of $7 million, the foundation seeks to create sustainable change for marginalized populations.

The Regional Touring Grant Program, funded by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, supports organizations in the M-AAA region to showcase touring artists from outside their state. Grants up to $5,000 are available, with organizations eligible for matching funds and the capacity to submit multiple applications. Projects are designed to enhance arts programming and engage underserved audiences through public-facing events, including performances and outreach activities. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and deepen community connections through the arts.

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 Cresap Family Foundation Grant supports charities in Central and Northeast Oklahoma, reflecting the family's commitment to the community after their long-standing business. With a focus on youth, health, education, arts, and welfare, the Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life for Oklahomans. It prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those in counties where the family operated, ensuring a targeted impact in the areas most connected to their legacy.

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 Wegener Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Central Oklahoma that enhance the quality of life through education, health, arts, and community services. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes long-term partnerships with organizations demonstrating ongoing community impact. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation encourages projects that address the needs of diverse community members to foster sustainable growth and improve living conditions across the Oklahoma City metro area.

The Priddy Foundation, a private funder, is committed to enhancing individual and community development through grants in human services, education, arts, and health. They offer program, operating, capital, and organizational development support grants, prioritizing applications that demonstrate sustainability and effective evaluation. Eligibility requires a 501(c)(3) status and preference for impactful programs in specific Texas and Oklahoma counties. However, they do not fund individuals or certain types of projects, including basic research and endowments.

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund offers large grants over $15,000 to nonprofit organizations in central Oklahoma and the Pikes Peak region. It focuses on projects that enhance arts, education, health, and community well-being. Applicants must demonstrate measurable outcomes and align with the foundation's mission. Prioritization is given to organizations with a broad community impact and innovative programming. Note that requests for ongoing support or capital projects are not eligible. A Letter of Intent is required one month prior to the application deadline.

The Inasmuch Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives in Central Oklahoma, focusing on areas such as education, human services, and journalism. Established in 1982 by philanthropist Edith Kinney Gaylord, the foundation emphasizes community engagement and transparency in funding. Organizations can apply for general operating support grants, with amounts ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, and are encouraged to pursue partnerships in priority areas, including education reform and workforce development.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

The Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation, established in 1951 in Oklahoma, aims to support charitable organizations across the U.S., with a focus on education and local initiatives. Grants are awarded to qualified 501(C)(3) organizations, prioritizing projects that align with the foundation's mission in areas such as education, health, arts, and literacy. Interested applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying for funding, ensuring alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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.

Impact Oklahoma Grants empower women by funding local nonprofits in Central Oklahoma. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three years of operation and $300,000 in revenue can apply for $100,000 grants. Proposals must target specific populations and be executed within 24 months. The program prioritizes projects in community, family, health, education, and arts. Non-eligible expenses include debt reduction and operational deficits, ensuring funds directly benefit the community.

The Oklahoma Initiative Fund Grant, offered by the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, aims to strengthen rural communities through funding of up to $15,000. Eligible organizations include 501c3 nonprofits serving populations of 50,000 or less, focusing on areas such as literacy, health services, and food insecurity. Preference is given to community-based organizations within these eligible areas, fostering impactful connections between philanthropists and local needs.

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 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.

The Cuesta Foundation, established in 1962, focuses on funding organizations that create a lasting impact in the Tulsa, Oklahoma community. Their mission emphasizes support for Arts and Humanities, Education, Social Services, and Community Needs. Preference is given to organizations that demonstrate a commitment to helping those in need and fostering self-improvement. This grants program seeks to uplift communities through charitable contributions that align with its philanthropic vision.