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Zink Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.5M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.5M
Decision Time
4mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2.5 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 4 months (July 31 deadline to November 30 notification)
  • Grant Range: $15,000 median (up to $500,000 for major institutional partners)
  • Geographic Focus: Greater Tulsa metro area, occasionally elsewhere in Oklahoma

Contact Details

Website: https://zinkfamilyfoundation.org/

Grant Portal: grants.zinkfamilyfoundation.org

Location: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Overview

Established in 1972 by John Steele Zink as the John Steele Zink Foundation, this family foundation has contributed over $100 million to Oklahoma over five decades. Now led by third-generation family members Darton Zink (Chair) and Jamie Zink (Vice Chair), the foundation manages assets of approximately $66 million and distributes around $2.5 million annually in grants. The foundation's mission focuses on "building a brighter future for Oklahomans by empowering youth through education and leadership development" while supporting arts and culture, community development, education, and youth programs. Since 2000, the foundation has supported 179 agencies with an average of 41 grants awarded annually.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single annual grant cycle with no specific program divisions. Grant amounts vary by category and organization size, with a median grant of $15,000. Major institutional partners may receive grants up to $500,000.

Application Method: Online portal only (grants.zinkfamilyfoundation.org), rolling review during application window (April 1 - July 31)

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on four core areas:

  • Arts & Culture: Support for museums, performing arts organizations, and cultural institutions (e.g., Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa Zoo)
  • Community: General operating support and capital projects for community organizations
  • Education: Educational institutions and programs, particularly higher education partnerships (e.g., Oklahoma State University Zink Center for Competitive Innovation)
  • Youth Development: Youth-serving organizations including scouting, camps, and leadership programs (e.g., Indian Nations Council Boy Scouts of America)

The foundation shows particular interest in unrestricted general operating support as well as targeted program grants.

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals
  • Individual fundraising activities
  • Non-tax exempt organizations
  • Organizations that discriminate based on protected characteristics
  • Organizations that re-grant funds to other organizations (exception: United Way)
  • Lobbying or political activities
  • Multi-year grant commitments (single-year grants only)
  • Multiple proposals from the same organization in one cycle

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is currently led by the third generation of the Zink family:

Darton Zink, Chair: President/CEO who leads both the Zink Family Foundation and the John Zink Foundation alongside his wife Jamie. Serves without compensation.

Jamie Zink, Vice Chair: Co-leader of the foundation's philanthropic work. Serves without compensation.

Both trustees carry forward the family's philanthropic legacy established by John Steele Zink, who founded the John Zink Company in 1929 before establishing the foundation in 1972. The foundation operates under principles shared by second-generation leader Jack Zink, including "Understand who you are," "Associate with successful people," "Be a dreamer," and "Have patience."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications only through their online portal at grants.zinkfamilyfoundation.org during the annual application window (April 1 - July 31). Applications received outside this window or submitted through other methods (including physical mail) will not be considered.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or Oklahoma public charity
  • Must submit one complete application per organization per cycle

Required Documentation:

  • Charitable tax ID/EIN
  • IRS determination letter
  • Prior year financial statement
  • Current operating budget
  • Program metrics and impact data
  • Board and management information

Application Tips:

  • Complete all sections of the online application
  • If you have previously received a Zink Family Foundation grant, requesting an amount in that same range is recommended
  • Review the FAQ section on the website before applying
  • Do not submit multiple proposals in one cycle
  • Do not send physical binders or materials

Decision Timeline

  • Application Window Opens: April 1
  • Application Deadline: July 31 (no exceptions for late submissions)
  • Review Period: August - November (approximately 4 months)
  • Notification: By November 30
  • Method: Email notification to all applicants

Applicants receive an email confirmation upon submission. If additional information is needed, foundation staff will contact applicants during the review process.

Success Rates

The foundation received applications from numerous organizations and awarded 41 grants in recent cycles. Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may reapply in subsequent annual cycles. There is no stated restriction on reapplication after an unsuccessful submission.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grant history and stated priorities, successful applications demonstrate:

Strong Alignment with Core Mission: The foundation consistently funds organizations that align with their stated focus areas of arts and culture, education, youth development, and community. Recent major grants to Oklahoma State University ($500,000), Indian Nations Council Boy Scouts of America ($340,000), and Tulsa Zoo ($300,000) demonstrate commitment to educational institutions, youth programs, and cultural assets.

Geographic Connection to Greater Tulsa: While the foundation occasionally funds elsewhere in Oklahoma, the vast majority of grants support organizations in the Tulsa metropolitan area. Organizations with deep roots in the Tulsa community appear most successful.

Clear Organizational Strength: The foundation requires detailed information about board governance, financial management, and program metrics. Organizations that demonstrate operational excellence and measurable impact are better positioned for funding.

Reasonable Request Amounts: With a median grant of $15,000, most successful applicants request modest amounts appropriate to their organizational size and project scope. Major institutional partners with long-standing relationships may receive larger grants.

Complete Applications Submitted on Time: The foundation is explicit that incomplete applications or late submissions will not be considered. Attention to detail and adherence to deadlines are essential.

Previous Relationship: The foundation's guidance that prior grantees should request "an amount in that same range" suggests that building a relationship through initial smaller grants may lead to continued support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Plan for the annual cycle: Applications are only accepted April 1 - July 31, with decisions by November 30. Mark your calendar and prepare materials in advance.

  • Focus on Tulsa-area impact: The foundation strongly prefers supporting organizations in the greater Tulsa metro area. Clearly articulate your connection to and impact on the Tulsa community.

  • Request realistic amounts: With a median grant of $15,000, most organizations should request modest amounts unless they have an established relationship with the foundation or are a major institutional partner.

  • Demonstrate organizational excellence: Complete all application sections thoroughly with strong financial documentation, governance information, and measurable program outcomes.

  • Align with the four core areas: Ensure your project clearly fits within arts and culture, community, education, or youth development. The foundation does not appear to fund outside these areas.

  • Submit only one proposal: The foundation explicitly rejects multiple proposals from the same organization, so choose your strongest project if you have multiple needs.

  • Don't wait until the last minute: With a firm July 31 deadline and no exceptions, submit early to avoid technical issues and allow time for any follow-up questions from foundation staff.

References

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