Ascension St John Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $15-18 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 3-6 months (estimated based on application cycles)
• Grant Range: $50,000 - $7,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Contact Details

Website: https://www.givestjohn.org/
Phone: (918) 744-2186
Email: stjohnfoundation@ascension.org
Address: 1924 S. Utica Ave, Tulsa, OK

Overview

The Ascension St John Foundation, established nearly 100 years ago, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with $71.7 million in assets dedicated to improving health equity in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 2021, the foundation pledged $100 million over 10 years through their Community Health Equity Catalyst Strategy (CHECS), marking a strategic shift from primarily supporting hospital programs to addressing social determinants of health in underserved communities. With annual grant distributions of $15-18 million, the foundation operates as part of the Catholic health ministry of Ascension St. John and has earned a 4-star Charity Navigator rating. Since launching their health equity initiative in 2022, they have awarded $58 million to organizations across Tulsa, helping more than 33,000 individuals through 57 community projects.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Health Equity Grant Program: $50,000 - $7,000,000 (multi-year grants available, priority given to requests of $100,000+)
  • Application deadline: Rolling basis (historically January 31st and July 31st)
  • Next deadline: June 30, 2026
• Nursing Scholarships: Up to $100,000 annually in total awards for nursing students
  • Application: Available at givestjohn.org/nurse-scholarships
• Medical Access Program: Operational and programmatic support for area safety net clinics

Priority Areas

• Access to care and mental health
• Economic opportunity and stability
• Food security and nutrition
• Housing stability
• Education
• Healthy behaviors
• Physical environment and neighborhoods

What They Don't Fund

• Galas, benefits, or fundraising activities
• Conferences or symposia
• Community needs assessments (generally)
• Coalitions or task forces (generally)
• Practices contrary to Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services

Governance and Leadership

President: Lauren Landwerlin
Health Equity Initiative Director: Victoria Darker

The foundation operates as part of the Catholic health ministry of Ascension St. John, with board members including Ascension St. John health system leadership. The organization follows Triple Bottom Line principles, measuring social, environmental, and financial impact in all funding decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through the foundation website at givestjohn.org. Information sessions are held before application deadlines to help organizations prepare strong proposals. Applications are submitted via email, with the next information session scheduled for May 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a 501(c)(3) organization or tax-exempt government agency
• Must be in good standing with IRS for at least two years
• Organizations with budgets of at least $500,000 for one or both of the last two years, OR
• Previous Health Equity Initiative funding recipients (MAP, Beacon, or Invitational grants)
• Must serve Tulsa, Oklahoma area with priority given to regions with lowest life expectancies

Decision Timeline

Grant decisions typically take 3-6 months from application deadline. Awards are announced at the annual Legacy of Love Luncheon in February, where grants are publicly distributed to recipient organizations.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. In 2025, 40 organizations received funding at the Legacy of Love Luncheon, with over $15 million distributed.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply in subsequent funding cycles. Previous grant recipients are automatically eligible for future rounds regardless of budget size requirements.

Application Success Factors

The foundation prioritizes organizations addressing health disparities in Tulsa's most underserved communities, particularly areas with the lowest life expectancies and highest morbidity rates. Successful applications demonstrate clear alignment with one or more of the seven priority areas and show measurable impact potential. Multi-year funding requests are welcomed, with examples including The Common Good's $2 million three-year grant for food and health access. The foundation values partnerships that address root causes of health inequities rather than symptoms alone. Organizations should emphasize how their work contributes to the foundation's goal of reducing disease-related mortality and increasing life expectancy in Tulsa. Strong applications clearly articulate how funding will help meet people's most basic needs while addressing healthcare, social, and environmental drivers of health.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Priority given to requests of $100,000 or more - consider scaling up your ask if appropriate
• Multi-year grants are available and welcomed - consider proposing 2-3 year funding plans
• Focus proposals on measurable health equity outcomes in Tulsa's most underserved ZIP codes
• Align your program with one or more of the seven priority areas, emphasizing social determinants of health
• Attend the information session in May 2026 before the June 30, 2026 deadline
• The foundation operates under Catholic health ministry guidelines - ensure your programs align with these directives
• With $42 million remaining in their 10-year pledge, substantial funding is available through 2032

References

• Official Website: https://www.givestjohn.org/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/202961579 (Accessed March 2026)
• Instrumentl Database: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/ascension-st-john-foundation (Accessed March 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/202961579 (Accessed March 2026)
• "Ascension St. John to award $15 million in health equity grants to community groups" - Tulsa World, January 2025
• "Ascension St. John distributes grants to 40 nonprofits at Legacy of Love Luncheon" - Fox23 News, February 2025
• "'Meaningful work': Ascension St. John gives $15M to help underserved communities" - KJRH News, 2025
• "Triple impact: The Ascension St. John Foundation takes its mission beyond the walls of the hospital" - Tulsa People Magazine, July 2025