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Lyon Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.4M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.5M

Lyon Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,411,486 (2023)
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $500,000
  • Total Assets: $54.07 million (2024)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Bartlesville/Washington County, OK; also Colorado and Utah (specifically St. George)
  • Application Method: Rolling basis, no deadlines
  • Number of Grants: Approximately 40 grants annually

Contact Details

Lyon Foundation
110-1/2 SE Frank Phillips Boulevard
PO Box 546
Bartlesville, OK 74005

Overview

Established in 1978, the Lyon Foundation is a family foundation created by E.H. "Ted" and Melody Lyon. Ted Lyon had a distinguished 37-year career with Phillips Petroleum Company, becoming vice president of sales in 1959 and serving on the company's board of directors from 1962. After his time with Phillips, he invested in Bell Oil and Gas and later partnered in a retail petroleum marketing company. The Lyons created a unitrust that transferred assets to the foundation following their deaths in April 1978 (Ted on April 15 and Melody on April 27). With assets totaling over $54 million and annual giving exceeding $2.4 million, the foundation primarily supports the aged, education, and civic projects—particularly parks and recreation—in Washington County, Oklahoma, and surrounding areas. The Bartlesville Community Foundation honored the Lyon family as the Heritage Family at their 2020 Legacy Hall of Fame Gala, recognizing their lasting impact on the community. Except for a brief period in Utah, the Lyons lived in Bartlesville beginning in 1944.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Lyon Foundation operates a single grant program with a rolling application process. Grants range from approximately $5,000 to $500,000, with most awards supporting general operating expenses and equipment needs for nonprofit organizations.

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses primarily on:

  • Services for the Aged: Programs and facilities supporting senior citizens
  • Education: Educational institutions and programs at all levels
  • Parks and Recreation: Civic projects including park improvements and recreational facilities (a notable example: a 1.72-acre park was completely funded and donated to Bartlesville by Ted and Melody Lyon in 1999, and improvements to the Arutunoff Softball Complex were provided by the Lyon Foundation)
  • Arts and Culture: Including organizations like Bartlesville Civic Ballet
  • Human Services: Including organizations like Agape Mission and ARC Group Homes
  • Animal Welfare: Supporting animal-related charitable organizations
  • Health: Health-related programs and services
  • Youth Development: Programs supporting young people
  • Sports: Athletic programs and facilities

Geographic Focus

  • Primary Focus: Washington County, Oklahoma, particularly the Bartlesville area
  • Secondary Focus: Selected communities in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Colorado; and St. George, Utah

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not typically provide funding for:

  • Projects outside the Bartlesville area (except in their secondary focus areas of Colorado, Utah, and Tulsa)
  • Computers or computer-related items
  • Existing deficits or debt reduction
  • Scholarships

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership

  • John B. Kane, President/Manager (Compensated: $72,000 annually)
  • Thomas Janer, Trustee (Unpaid)
  • Bruce W. Robinett, Trustee (Unpaid; served until his passing on May 1, 2024. Robinett was a prominent Bartlesville attorney who served his community through various civic organizations and as a trustee for both the Lyon Foundation and Parsons Foundation)

Note: John F. Kane served as a Trustee of the E.H. and Melody Lyon Foundation since its inception in 1978 and was President until his passing in 2015. The current President/Manager may be a different John B. Kane.

Foundation Structure

The Lyon Foundation is classified as a 501(c)(3) private grantmaking foundation, tax-exempt since July 1973. Assets are managed by the Board of Directors.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Lyon Foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofit organizations on a rolling basis with no deadlines.

Application Requirements:

  • Applications should be no more than four pages
  • Content should include information outlined on the foundation's website at www.lyonfoundation-bartlesville.org/grant-guidelines
  • Submit applications by mail to the address above or contact the foundation for guidance

Pre-Application Inquiry: Organizations are encouraged to contact the foundation staff at lyonfoundation@sbcglobal.net or 918-336-0066 with questions about the application process.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Given the rolling application process and approximately 40 grants awarded annually from a relatively small staff, applicants should expect a review period of several weeks to a few months.

Notification Methods

Information about notification methods is not publicly available. Contact the foundation directly for details on how and when applicants will be notified of decisions.

Success Rates

Specific data on the number of applications received versus grants awarded is not publicly available, making it difficult to calculate an exact success rate.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly documented. Organizations should contact the foundation directly at 918-336-0066 or lyonfoundation@sbcglobal.net to inquire about reapplication procedures and any waiting periods.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's history and funding patterns, successful applications likely demonstrate:

  • Strong Local Connection: The foundation has deep roots in Bartlesville and Washington County. Projects that benefit the local community, particularly those that align with the Lyons' legacy of community service, are prioritized.

  • Alignment with Core Priorities: The foundation has maintained consistent focus areas since its establishment—services for the aged, education, and parks/recreation. Projects that clearly fit within these categories are most competitive.

  • General Support and Equipment Needs: Past funding has often supported general operating expenses and equipment purchases rather than specific programs or events.

  • Established Organizations: Past grantees like Agape Mission, Bartlesville Civic Ballet, and ARC Group Homes suggest the foundation supports established local nonprofits with track records in the community.

  • Concise Applications: The four-page maximum requirement indicates the foundation values clear, concise proposals that get to the point quickly.

  • Geographic Fit: Organizations must be located in or primarily serve Bartlesville/Washington County, or in the secondary focus areas of Tulsa, Colorado, or St. George, Utah.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Lyon Foundation is a stable, well-established funder with over $54 million in assets and consistent annual giving of approximately $2.4 million
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no deadlines, allowing flexibility in submission timing
  • Keep applications concise—no more than four pages—and focused on how the project serves the aged, education, or civic/recreational needs
  • Strong preference for Bartlesville and Washington County organizations; also consider if your organization is in Tulsa, Colorado, or St. George, Utah
  • The foundation supports general operating costs and equipment needs, not just specific programs
  • Do not apply for computers, deficit reduction, scholarships, or projects outside the geographic focus areas
  • With approximately 40 grants awarded annually and grants ranging from $5,000 to $500,000, the foundation has capacity for both small and large awards
  • Contact foundation staff directly with questions—they are accessible by phone and email and can provide guidance on application requirements

References

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