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

• Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation Official Website - www.somfardmore.org (Accessed January 4, 2026)
• "About the Foundation" - https://www.somfardmore.org/about/
• "Apply for a Grant" - https://www.somfardmore.org/apply/
• "Areas of Interest" - https://www.somfardmore.org/interests/
• "Grants Awarded in 2022" - https://www.somfardmore.org/grants/category/all/year/2022/
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - EIN: 73-1300662
• Murray State College - "$5 Million Grant Announcement" - https://mscok.edu/news/SONEC-grant-announce
• Candid Foundation Directory - Profile SOUT220