McMahon Foundation

OVERVIEW: The McMahon Foundation supports education, human services, the arts and youth in Oklahoma.

FUNDING AREAS: Education, human services, the arts, youth

IP TAKE: This low-key funder is accessible to Oklahoma nonprofits and does not extend its giving outside the state.

PROFILE: Established in 1940, the McMahon Foundation is a private foundation based in Lawton, Oklahoma. This is the foundation of Eugene D. McMahon and Louise D. McMahon. Louise was the mother of Eugene D. McMahon, taught piano lessons, was a published author and painter and led the foundation until her death in 1966. Eugene D. Mahon worked in the oil and gas industry and was also involved with the foundation before his death. To carry out the legacy of this family, the foundation funds local efforts for education, human services, the arts and youth.

The McMahon Foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers. However, recent tax records indicate that this funder gives to various local causes in a narrow geographic area. It commonly provides building funds, program funding and scholarships for local students. Recent funds have gone towards capital improvements, lighting upgrades, seasonal university scholarships, playground improvements, an arts festival and meals for hungry people in need. Music was very important to the founding family, and so many grants go to music and art organizations in the area.

Grants range between about $5,000 and $500,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the state of Oklahoma. Past local grantees include Lawton Mobile Meals, Lawton Arts and Humanities Council and the Lawton Schubert Music Club.

This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Organizations should direct application materials to the attention of Dana Parish, the executive director. There are no submission deadlines or specific application forms to complete. Simply submit documents that identify the purpose of the grant request and the nature of the requesting organization. Direct general questions to the staff at 580-355-4622.

PEOPLE:

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