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Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$6.4M
Grant Range
$1K - $5.0M
Decision Time
2mo

Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $6,411,524 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 8 weeks after quarterly deadline
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $5,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: 50-mile radius of Ardmore, Oklahoma

Contact Details

Website: www.somfardmore.org
Phone: (580) 226-0700
Email: info@somfardmore.org
Address: P.O. Box 1409, Ardmore, OK 73402

Overview

The Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation was established in 1950 as a charitable trust to raise funds for constructing a new hospital in Southern Oklahoma. Following the sale of the hospital to Mercy Health Systems in 1996, the foundation transitioned to a private grantmaking organization. Today, with assets exceeding $103 million, the foundation continues to honor the intent of its original donors by giving priority to health-related services, issues, and education, while also supporting education, social services, and civic/cultural activities that enhance quality of life in the Ardmore area. Since 1997, the foundation has funded $115 million through 1,075 grants to 213 grantee partners.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Quarterly Grant Program: $1,000 - $5,000,000
    • Application deadlines: March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1
    • Both project-specific and general operating support available
    • Approximately 60-63 grants awarded annually

Priority Areas

  1. Health (Top Priority) - Medical and behavioral healthcare delivery, preventative programs, health education
  2. Education - All levels from primary through higher education, scholarships, educational advancement
  3. Social Services - Programs for homeless, disadvantaged, and disabled populations
  4. Community Development - Quality of life improvements, civic infrastructure, cultural activities

What They Don't Fund

  • Individual requests (only organizations eligible)
  • Organizations outside 50-mile radius of Ardmore
  • Non-501(c)(3) organizations (exception for government entities)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

  • Curtis Davidson (Chairman)
  • Laura Clay (Vice Chair)
  • Mark Riesen (Secretary)
  • 6 additional trustees

Staff:

  • Mary Kate Wilson (President)
  • Jean Hattensty (Controller)
  • Amanda Jackson-Willy (Grants Management Assistant)

Mary Kate Wilson, President: "The Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation is pleased to support the expansion of health-related education in Ardmore. This project falls directly in line with our mission to support health related projects and services."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Submit initial letter of intent via email (info@somfardmore.org) or mail
  2. Include organization description, project details, requested amount
  3. Attach 501(c)(3) letter and financial statements
  4. If approved, complete full application by quarterly deadline

Decision Timeline

  • Initial review: Upon receipt
  • Board review: 8 weeks after quarterly deadline
  • Total timeline: 2-3 months from submission to decision

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

No formal policy published; contact foundation staff for feedback

Application Success Factors

  • Geographic alignment critical: Must have physical presence within 50 miles of Ardmore
  • Health projects prioritized: As a "hospital-convergent foundation," health-related projects receive priority
  • Multi-year commitments possible: Foundation has made 3-year funding commitments
  • Large grants available: Demonstrated willingness to fund transformative projects up to $5 million
  • Staff accessibility: Foundation welcomes pre-application consultations at (580) 226-0700
  • Clear community impact: Show measurable benefit to Ardmore-area residents

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Health-related projects receive priority consideration - frame other projects in terms of health impact where possible
  • Don't hesitate to request significant funding for transformative capital projects
  • Geographic eligibility within 50 miles of Ardmore is non-negotiable
  • Contact foundation staff before applying to discuss project fit
  • Plan for quarterly deadlines and 8-week decision timeline
  • Both operating and capital funding available
  • Demonstrate long-term community benefit for Ardmore-area residents

References

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