Insights on Oklahoma Grantmaking From Years of Close Coverage

For a state with a population of less than 4 million, there sure is a lot of philanthropic activity going on in Oklahoma. Inside Philanthropy has been covering local giving news in Oklahoma for many years, offering insight on prominent statewide funders like the Tulsa Community Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation and J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. But it’s also been interesting to get to know other more obscure local givers, like the Hardesty Family Foundation, Judith and Jean Pape Adams Foundation and Gelvin Foundation.

We’ve profiled over 30 foundations that support local causes in Oklahoma, and that list continues to grow as we dive even deeper into the world of Oklahoma philanthropy. Unlike many states we’ve covered in our regional guides, Oklahoma does not have its own grantmakers association. However, many local funders belong to the Dallas-based Philanthropy Southwest, one of the most enduring associations in the U.S. since 1949.

Oklahoma boasts several community foundations, but the heftiest giving power often comes from private family foundations rooted in oil, gas and other local sectors. Many wealthy individuals and families found their fortunes in Oklahoma and dedicated their later years to giving back to the place that made them so successful.

Tulsa and Oklahoma City are major centers for many of those donors’ grantmaking, with community foundations often tending to the needs of more rural populations. Overall, education funding is a top priority across the state, as well as improving the health of local residents and expanding access to the arts and recreational parks. Fortunately for first-time grantseekers in need of funds, many Oklahoma foundations are open to receiving unsolicited requests for grants.

Over the past few years, Inside Philanthropy has published articles about grantmaking in Oklahoma, becoming a leading resource on the state’s foundations and donors with over 3 million visitors to our website annually. We also simplify the process of researching individual and institutional funders with our GrantFinder tool and help grantseekers connect with nearly 15,000 foundation staff through our PeopleFinder database.

If you want to keep up with Oklahoma-based grantmaking and access the funding resources you need, you’re in the right place. To learn more, sign up for our 14-day free trial, a limited-time offer for Oklahoma organizations and anyone interested in Southwest philanthropy news and trends.

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