American Fidelity Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,150,420 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not available
• Decision Time: Not available
• Grant Range: $500-$5,000 (typical range, median $5,000)
• Geographic Focus: Oklahoma (primarily Oklahoma City area)

Contact Details

• Website: foundation.americanfidelity.com
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Address: 9000 Cameron Parkway, Oklahoma City, OK
• Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Overview

The American Fidelity Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1985 and based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Originally called the American Fidelity Founders' Fund, the foundation changed its name in 2007. With total assets of approximately $44.5 million (2023), the foundation distributes approximately $2.2 million annually in charitable grants. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organisation and serves as the charitable arm of American Fidelity Corporation. The foundation was created to build on the legacy of American Fidelity founders C.W. and C.B. Cameron, a father-son duo who founded the company in 1960.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation does not have formally named grant programmes but operates through a letter of interest process. According to the most recent 990-PF data, the foundation made 210 grants in 2023 totalling $2,150,420. Grants typically range from $500 to $5,000, with a median grant size of $5,000. Grants over $50,000 are rare.

Priority Areas

The foundation supports organisations in four primary areas:

• Education - Initiatives from early childhood programmes to university instruction
• Health and Welfare - Organisations that improve the health and quality of life for residents
• Arts and Culture - Allied Arts along with individual organisations dedicated to promoting the arts
• Civic and Economic Development - Community improvement projects and quality of life initiatives

The foundation prioritises organisations with which its employees are involved, as well as those with proven track records of success in the communities they serve.

What They Don't Fund

No specific exclusions are publicly documented beyond the requirement that applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisations.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by Tom McDaniel as President. Additional board members and governance details are not publicly available. Board members serve without compensation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation operates through a two-stage process. Organisations should first submit a letter of interest including:

• A brief overview of your organisation
• A summary of the programme or project you hope to have funded
• A budget for the programme or project
• The funding amount requested
• Your contact information

Letters of interest should be mailed to: American Fidelity Foundation, 9000 Cameron Parkway, Oklahoma City, OK. You will receive confirmation of receipt of your letter and a request for additional information if the foundation is able to consider your request. Full proposals are accepted by invitation only.

The foundation does not accept unsolicited full applications.

Decision Timeline

No information available about decision timelines.

Success Rates

Application and success rate data is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

No information available about reapplication policies.

Application Success Factors

The foundation prioritises organisations with which American Fidelity employees are involved, as well as those with proven track records of success in the communities they serve. Alignment with the foundation's four priority areas (education, health and welfare, arts and culture, civic and economic development) is essential. Geographic focus on Oklahoma, particularly the Oklahoma City area, appears to be a significant factor based on recent 990-PF records.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The American Fidelity Foundation operates through a letter of interest process followed by invitation for full proposals
• Annual giving of approximately $2.2 million with typical grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 (median $5,000)
• Focus areas are education, health and welfare, arts and culture, and civic and economic development
• Geographic focus is primarily Oklahoma, particularly the Oklahoma City area
• Employee involvement with applicant organisations and proven track records are prioritised
• The foundation made 210 grants in 2023, suggesting capacity for numerous smaller grants
• Grants over $50,000 are rare
• Financial stability with $44.5 million in assets indicates long-term giving capacity
• Connection to American Fidelity Corporation provides corporate foundation structure

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - American Fidelity Foundation profile, EIN 73-1236059, 990-PF filings 2021-2023
• American Fidelity Foundation website (foundation.americanfidelity.com)
• Inside Philanthropy - American Fidelity Foundation profile
• Instrumentl - American Fidelity Foundation 990 Report