John Steele Zink Foundation

OVERVIEW: The John Steele Zink Foundation supports the arts, education and humanities in Oklahoma.

FUNDING AREAS: Arts, education, humanities

IP TAKE: Tulsa organizations should contact this funder to inquire whether it is accepting new grant applications because this is a good source of unrestricted general operating support.

PROFILE: Established in 1972, the John Steele Zink Foundation is a family foundation based in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. John Steele Zink and Jacqueline A. Zink are the foundation’s major donors. John Zink moved to the Oklahoma Territory in 1907 and settled in the Norman area with his family. He created his own company, had numerous patents for industrial burning and other processes and was a self-made millionaire. He was involved with the local Boy Scouts, started a cattle ranch, cared about environmental preservation and had many personal interests. This foundation funds local efforts for the arts, education and humanities.

The John Steele Zink Foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers. However, recent tax records indicate that this funder typically sticks to specific giving interests close to home. Many education grants are for higher education purposes. Art-related grantmaking typically addresses local cultural programs. Tulsa-based schools, arts groups, children’s services, and human services organizations commonly see Zink’s support. Many grants are made for unrestricted general operating support, although some recent grants are for restricted purposes and intended for a specific project.

Grants range between about $5,000 and $400,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking largely focuses on the Tulsa area of Oklahoma. Past local grantees include Choregus Productions, Emergency Infant Services and Holland Hall School.

This foundation may accept unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits, so organizations are advised to contact the foundation directly to confirm its current guidelines. There are generally no submission deadlines, and nonprofits should simply include the purpose of the request rather than completing any specific forms. The foundation contact person is Tamera Sheaffer. Direct general questions to the staff at 918-286-0244 or 918-293-7566.

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