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Oklahoma City Community Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$60.1M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.0M
Decision Time
4mo

Oklahoma City Community Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Total Assets: $1.21 billion
  • Annual Giving: $60 million+ in grants (FY2023); $52.7 million (FY2025)
  • Decision Time: Varies by program; typically notified by end of August for competitive grants
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $40,000 (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: Greater Oklahoma City metro area (Canadian, Cleveland, Oklahoma, and Logan counties)
  • Established: 1969

Contact Details

Main Office: 1000 N. Broadway Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Website: https://occf.org

Grant Inquiries:

  • Gabrielle Butler, VP of Community Engagement: 405-606-2942, [email protected]
  • Lindsay Cates, Director of Community Programs: 405-606-2926, [email protected]

General Information: 405-235-5603

Overview

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF) was established in 1969 and has grown to become one of the 20 largest community foundations in the United States, with $1.21 billion in assets under management. For over 50 years, OCCF has served as a bridge connecting donors with nonprofit organizations and community initiatives across central Oklahoma. The foundation's mission centers on serving donors' charitable purposes and community needs through developing and administering endowment and other charitable funds while preserving capital and enhancing value.

In FY2025, OCCF distributed $52.7 million in grants and scholarships, supporting over 400 nonprofit endowment funds and providing more than $5 million annually in scholarships to students across Oklahoma. The foundation earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator with a perfect 100% score, reflecting its strong commitment to integrity, stewardship, and collaboration. OCCF's largest affiliate, the Kirkpatrick Family Fund established in 1989, has contributed over $165 million to nonprofits since its inception.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Access to Health Care Supports organizations providing direct health services (mental health, dental, hospice/palliative care) to individuals facing economic, social, or geographic barriers to access.

2. Opportunities for Children Grant range: $25,000 - $30,000 Funds organizations offering direct services to children from birth to age 14, focusing on recreational, social, or enrichment opportunities for those with special needs or challenging circumstances. Example: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma received $30,000 for one-to-one mentoring for children with incarcerated parents.

3. Services for Older Adults Grant amount: Up to $30,000 Provides funding to organizations serving seniors (65+) to enable independent living in their homes.

4. Culture & Community Grant range: $5,000 - $25,000 Supports projects celebrating and preserving Oklahoma's diverse traditions, artistic expressions, social practices, historical achievements, and unique local cultures. Recent examples include Oklahoma Pride Alliance ($10,000 for OKC PrideFest 2025), Oklahoma City Repertory Theater ($15,000 for VIETGONE production), and Oklahoma Humanities Council ($25,000 for "Let's Talk About It" reading program).

5. Parks & Public Space Initiative (Margaret Annis Boys Trust) Grant range: Up to $40,000 Supports beautification, development, and activation of neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails, and other public lands. Has invested over $4.8 million since 1991. Eligible items include plant material, soil amendments, irrigation, shade structures, benches, and signage. Application period typically opens in summer.

6. Animal Welfare (Bill and Kim Schlittler Best Friends of Pets Fund) Invitation-only program promoting animal welfare in central Oklahoma with early focus on increasing access to affordable spay and neuter services.

Special Initiative: Arnall Community Funds Recently awarded $4,154,095 in grants to nonprofits serving people in justice and foster care systems and those experiencing homelessness.

Priority Areas

  • Direct health care services for underserved populations
  • Youth enrichment and mentoring programs
  • Senior independence and quality of life
  • Cultural preservation and artistic expression
  • Community partnership and collaboration
  • Parks beautification and public space activation
  • Animal welfare services

Geographic Focus

All programs prioritize serving Canadian, Cleveland, Oklahoma, and Logan counties (Greater Oklahoma City metro area).

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions aren't publicly detailed, programs must provide direct services to populations within their service area. Projects must be accessible to the public during reasonable hours for parks/public space grants.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Trisha Finnegan | President & CEO Finnegan leads one of the nation's top 20 community foundations. She emphasizes: "I don't believe there's any other resource in a community that brings people together to contribute and create impact more than a community foundation." She describes OCCF as "a matchmaker" connecting people with funds to invest with organizations doing important work. Finnegan advocates for continuous community investment, stating: "So much is possible when communities work together to assess needs and align around a vision."

Christina Adcox, CFRE | Chief Operating Officer Brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience.

Gabrielle Butler | VP of Community Engagement Primary contact for grant program inquiries.

Lindsay Cates | Director of Community Programs Oversees community grant initiatives.

Board of Trustees

OCCF is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees serving three-year terms (maximum nine consecutive years). Current leadership includes:

  • Leigh Ann Albers (Chair) - Community Volunteer
  • Rick Johnson (Chair-Elect) - Trustee/Manager, Malzahn Family Limited Partnership
  • Steven C. Davis (Secretary & General Counsel, Ex Officio) - Attorney, Hartzog Conger Cason
  • Edward A. Krei (Treasurer) - Bank Consultant, FFBS

Additional trustees represent diverse professional backgrounds including law (Christin V. Mugg, Oklahoma City University School of Law), healthcare (Dr. Robert Salinas, OU College of Medicine), economics (Dr. Russell Evans, Thorberg Collectorate), business development (Harshil Patel, Champion Hotels & Development), real estate (Chuck Wiggin, Wiggin Properties), and nonprofit leadership.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through OCCF's grant portal. Each grant program has specific guidelines, eligibility criteria, and deadlines based on donor intent. Organizations must:

  1. Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing with the IRS and headquartered in the United States
  2. Provide services within the designated geographic area (typically Canadian, Cleveland, Oklahoma, and/or Logan counties)
  3. Demonstrate 100% board participation in support of the organization's mission and meeting attendance
  4. Submit all required follow-up reports from any previous grants before applying again

Specific program guidelines are available at occf.org/nonprofits/grants/

Parks & Public Space Initiative Additional Requirements:

  • Documentation of approval by the government entity responsible for project management
  • Project completion within one year of funding notification

Decision Timeline

Competitive Community Grants: Applications are reviewed by dedicated volunteer committees with expertise in each focus area. Trustees approve all funding recommendations at quarterly meetings. Applicants are typically notified by the end of August following the quarterly trustee meeting.

Donor-Advised Fund Grant Recommendations: Processed within 7-10 business days, occasionally adjusted for holidays.

Success Rates

In 2023, OCCF made 561 awards across all programs. Specific acceptance rates for competitive grant programs are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations that have previously received grants may apply again once all awarded funds have been fully expended and all required follow-up reports have been submitted. Policies for unsuccessful applicants are not explicitly stated in public materials.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Donor Intent: Each grant program has specific criteria based on donor intent. Review program-specific guidelines carefully to ensure your project aligns with stated priorities.

Direct Service Focus: OCCF consistently funds organizations providing direct services to underserved populations. Successful applications demonstrate how programs directly reach and benefit target populations—children, older adults, underserved communities, or specific geographic areas.

Community Partnership: Leadership emphasizes collaboration. Applications demonstrating strategic partnerships or featuring collaborative approaches align with OCCF's values. Culture & Community grants specifically prioritize projects that "Feature Strategic Partnerships."

Geographic Specificity: Clearly demonstrate how your project serves Canadian, Cleveland, Oklahoma, and/or Logan counties. Projects must have a clear connection to the Greater Oklahoma City area.

Board Engagement: Demonstrate 100% board participation in supporting your mission. This requirement reflects OCCF's emphasis on strong organizational governance.

Examples of Funded Projects:

  • Positive Tomorrows: $25,000 for social-emotional learning curriculum for Pre-K students experiencing homelessness
  • RACE Dance Collective: $15,000 for Hip-Hop Nutcracker with urban Oklahoma perspective
  • Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation: $20,000 for "Emprendedoras Rising" supporting women entrepreneurs
  • Theatre Crude: $5,000 for theatre festival featuring 13 performing arts productions

Review Process: Applications are evaluated by community volunteers with expertise in each grant focus area, not just foundation staff. This means your application should speak to practitioners and community experts who understand the on-the-ground realities of your work.

Accessibility and Public Benefit: For parks/public space grants, clearly demonstrate that projects will be "open and accessible to the public during reasonable usage hours."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Focus on direct services: OCCF prioritizes organizations providing hands-on services to underserved populations rather than advocacy, research, or indirect support.

  • Emphasize community collaboration: Applications featuring strategic partnerships or collaborative approaches align with OCCF's core values of bringing communities together.

  • Demonstrate geographic impact: Clearly articulate how your project serves the Greater Oklahoma City metro area (Canadian, Cleveland, Oklahoma, Logan counties).

  • Show board commitment: Be prepared to demonstrate 100% board participation in supporting your mission and attending meetings.

  • Follow donor intent: Each program has specific criteria based on donor wishes. Review program-specific guidelines thoroughly and tailor your application accordingly.

  • Highlight cultural relevance: For Culture & Community grants, emphasize how your project preserves, celebrates, or promotes Oklahoma's unique cultural heritage, traditions, or artistic expressions.

  • Plan for timely completion: For parks/public space grants, ensure your project can be completed within one year of funding notification.

References

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