OGE Energy Corp. Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The OGE Energy Corp. Foundation is a corporate funder that supports early childhood education programs in the state of Oklahoma. It also funds human services, arts, and community causes in the communities that the energy company serves in Oklahoma and western Arkansas.
FUNDING AREAS: Early education, STEM education, human services, the arts, community development
IP TAKE: The grant application process here is straightforward, and many different types of Oklahoma nonprofits can receive support. Early and K-12 education are the funder’s top interests.
PROFILE: The OGE Energy Corp. Foundation is the grantmaking arm of the OGE Energy company. This company was the first to successfully bring electricity to Oklahoma in 1902. It seeks to support “programs, organizations and institutions that enhance quality of life and economic well-being in the communities where OGE operates. “ Grantmaking areas of interest are early education, STEM education, human services, the arts, and community development.
The largest grantmaking emphasis here is math and science learning for early education. However, it also occasionally awards grants in the areas of human services, community development, and the arts. Religious organizations are only funded if they serve residents regardless of denomination. This funder doesn’t typically support building or capital improvements, sports teams, political activities, or fundraisers.
Foundation grants are often a few thousand dollars each. Review the funder’s tax records to learn more about its recent giving. A list of cities and towns served by OG&E, and potentially eligible for grants based on geography, can be found here. Almost all of the towns are located in Oklahoma, with a few in Arkansas. Overall, the company serves more than 830,000 customers in 276 towns and cities in a 30,000-square-mile area of Oklahoma and western Arkansas. It has about 2,500 employees in these communities.
The foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications. There are four deadlines to apply for an OGE grant: March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15. Grant seekers can find the application online, as application materials are no longer accepted by mail. Direct general questions to the staff at 405-553-3493 or ogeecfd@oge.com.
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