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Sam Viersen Family Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.7M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.5M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,661,731 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Approximately 12-13 weeks (applications close early August, decisions in November)
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $500,000
  • Geographic Focus: Northeast Oklahoma (primarily Okmulgee and Tulsa Counties)
  • Total Assets: $32.7 million (2024)

Contact Details

Address: 320 S. Boston Ave., Suite 1130, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103-4700

Mailing Address: PO Box 702708, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74170

Phone: (918) 998-6455

Email: info@viersenfamilyfoundation.org

Website: https://viersenfamilyfoundation.org

Online Application Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/Jg4dtA

Overview

The Sam Viersen Family Foundation was established in 1987 by Oklahoma oilman and philanthropist Sam K. Viersen, Jr. With total assets of $32.7 million and annual grant distributions of approximately $2.7 million, the foundation serves as a significant funding resource for northeast Oklahoma. The foundation is governed by a board of family members and close family associates whose collective goal is to carry on the legacy of significant charitable giving commenced by Mr. Viersen and his parents—Sam and Aleene. The foundation made 67 grants in 2023, demonstrating steady commitment to the region. Executive Director Audra Fogle leads the foundation's operations from its Tulsa office.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single annual grant cycle with awards ranging from $1,000 to $500,000 per recipient annually. Applications are accepted through an online portal during a fixed window (early June through early August), with decisions announced in November.

Priority Areas

High Priority:

  • Basic Human Needs: Projects addressing food, shelter, and basic education
  • Independence Programs: Initiatives that help dependent people obtain independence and self-sufficiency
  • Cultural Enrichment: Programs providing cultural experiences to those who otherwise would be unable to participate

Geographic Focus:

  • Primary focus on Okmulgee and Tulsa Counties in northeast Oklahoma
  • Organizations must be located in the service area

Eligible Organization Types:

  • Educational institutions
  • Charitable organizations
  • Cultural programs
  • Scientific organizations

What They Don't Fund

  • Religious organizations or religiously affiliated programs
  • Organizations located outside northeast Oklahoma
  • Programs not aligned with their core mission of meeting basic human needs, promoting independence, or providing cultural enrichment

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Audra Fogle oversees the foundation's daily operations and grant-making process.

Board Composition: The foundation board consists of family members and close family associates of the Viersen family. Specific board member names are not publicly disclosed.

Foundation History: Founded by Sam K. Viersen, Jr., continuing the philanthropic legacy of his parents Sam and Aleene Viersen. The family's background in the Oklahoma oil industry enabled their significant charitable giving.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method: Online portal only via Grant Interface platform

Application Window for 2025:

  • Portal Opens: June 2, 2025
  • New Applicant Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Deadline: June 30, 2025
  • Full Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
  • Notification: November 2025

Existing Grantees: Will receive an access code via email by June 2, 2025

New Applicants: Must submit a Letter of Inquiry by June 30 before being invited to submit a full application

Eligibility: Organizations must be exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3)

Decision Timeline

  • Applications close: Early August
  • Review meeting: Fall (specific date not disclosed)
  • Notifications sent: November
  • Total timeline: Approximately 12-13 weeks from final application deadline to decision

Engagement During Review: The foundation may conduct site visits or request additional conversations about applications during the review period.

Success Rates

The foundation made 67 grants in 2023, 57 grants in 2022, and 53 grants in both 2021 and 2020, showing a trend of increasing grant awards. The total number of applications received is not publicly disclosed, so success rate percentages cannot be calculated. However, the foundation's encouragement to apply early suggests competition exists, particularly near the deadline.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation accepts applications annually. Organizations that previously received funding are given access codes for the next cycle, suggesting returning applicants are welcome. Specific policies regarding unsuccessful applicants are not publicly disclosed, but the annual cycle implies reapplication is possible.

Application Success Factors

Timing is Critical: The foundation explicitly states that submitting applications well before the August deadline helps ensure applications receive "thoughtful attention" and "allows for deeper engagement ahead of our review meeting." Early submission may also increase the likelihood of site visits.

Demonstrate Impact on Basic Needs: Given the foundation's stated priority on projects meeting "basic human needs—defined as food, shelter, and basic education"—applications should clearly articulate how they address these fundamental needs.

Show Path to Independence: The foundation is "especially interested in supporting projects...that help dependent people obtain independence." Successful applications likely demonstrate measurable outcomes related to self-sufficiency and reducing dependency.

Cultural Access: For cultural programs, demonstrate how your initiative provides "cultural enrichment and experiences to those who otherwise would be unable to participate." Focus on access and inclusion for underserved populations.

Geographic Relevance: Strong emphasis on Okmulgee and Tulsa Counties. Applications should clearly establish organizational presence and impact in this service area.

Nonreligious Focus: Ensure your application emphasizes secular program elements and outcomes, as the foundation specifically funds "nonreligious" organizations.

New Applicants: Follow the LOI process strictly. The June 30 deadline for Letters of Inquiry means new applicants must start their process a month earlier than returning grantees.

Site Visit Readiness: Be prepared for potential site visits between August and November. The foundation values seeing projects firsthand during the review process.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Apply early - The foundation explicitly encourages submission before the deadline to avoid getting "lost in the crowd" and to allow time for site visits and deeper engagement
  • Focus on the three pillars - Successful applications will align with basic human needs, independence-building, or cultural access for underserved populations
  • Know the LOI requirement - New applicants have an earlier deadline (June 30) for Letters of Inquiry before full application invitations
  • Emphasize geographic connection - Strong presence and impact in Okmulgee and Tulsa Counties is essential
  • Demonstrate independence outcomes - Show measurable ways your program helps people move from dependency to self-sufficiency
  • Prepare for engagement - Be ready for site visits or follow-up conversations during the three-month review period
  • Grant size flexibility - The foundation welcomes requests from $1,000 to $500,000, so tailor your ask to your actual need and capacity

References

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