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The Helmerich Trust

Annual Giving
$5.1M
Grant Range
$5000K - $12.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5,071,338 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $97.6 million
  • Grant Range: Typically large capital grants ($5 million - $12 million for major projects)
  • Geographic Focus: Tulsa, Oklahoma and statewide
  • Application Method: Invitation only (pre-selected organizations)

Contact Details

The Helmerich Trust does not provide public contact information or accept unsolicited applications. The trust only makes contributions to pre-selected charitable organizations.

Trustees: The trust is managed by five members of the Helmerich family:

  • Hans C. Helmerich
  • Dow Z. Helmerich
  • Matthew G. Helmerich
  • Jonathan D. Helmerich
  • Jordan E. Helmerich

Overview

The Helmerich Trust was established in 1987 as a private family foundation based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With assets totaling approximately $97.6 million, the trust distributed over $5 million in grants in 2023. The trust carries forward the philanthropic legacy of Walter H. Helmerich III (Chairman of Helmerich & Payne, Inc.) and his wife Peggy V. Helmerich, focusing on transformative capital projects that enhance Tulsa's cultural, educational, and civic infrastructure. The trust operates under family trustee direction, concentrating its support on major institutional initiatives in arts and culture, education, and human services across Oklahoma, with particular emphasis on the Tulsa metropolitan area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Helmerich Trust specializes in large-scale capital project funding rather than operational grants or small awards. Recent major grants include:

  • Gilcrease Museum: $12 million total commitment ($5 million to endowment + $7 million to capital campaign) for museum renovation and expansion
  • A Gathering Place: $5 million for Tulsa's riverfront park, sponsoring the bridge spanning Peggy's Pond
  • Tulsa Opera: $25,000+ donor level support

Priority Areas

The trust focuses on three primary areas within Oklahoma:

Arts and Culture

  • Museums (Gilcrease Museum, Philbrook Museum)
  • Performing arts venues and organizations
  • Libraries and literary programs
  • Cultural institutions that enhance community life

Education

  • Higher education facilities and research centers (Oklahoma State University, University of Tulsa, University of Oklahoma)
  • Library systems and literacy programs
  • Educational infrastructure that supports long-term community development

Human Services

  • Community development projects
  • Health services
  • Civic infrastructure that serves broad community needs

What They Don't Fund

  • The trust does not accept unsolicited applications from organizations they have not pre-selected
  • Operational expenses outside of major capital campaigns
  • Organizations outside Oklahoma (focus is primarily Tulsa and statewide)

Governance and Leadership

The Helmerich Trust is managed by five co-trustees, all sons of Walter and Peggy Helmerich:

  • Hans C. Helmerich
  • Dow Z. Helmerich
  • Matthew G. Helmerich
  • Jonathan D. Helmerich
  • Jordan E. Helmerich

Philanthropic Philosophy: Matthew Helmerich has stated that "Projects like this are what keep Tulsa growing and thriving. That is one of the goals of the Helmerich Trust." The family's approach reflects the vision articulated by Peggy Helmerich: "We just decided there was no reason in the world that Tulsa couldn't be a little treasure — a little gem of culture and education right in the middle of the United States."

Walter Helmerich III emphasized the importance of research and community impact, stating: "This is a unique opportunity for our family and our foundation to support research and technology development that can truly make a difference here at home and around the world."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Helmerich Trust does not have a public application process. The trust only makes contributions to pre-selected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Grants are made by trustee discretion based on the family's strategic interests and long-standing relationships with major Tulsa institutions.

Organizations that receive funding from the Helmerich Trust are typically invited to apply for specific capital campaigns or major institutional projects that align with the trust's mission to enhance Tulsa's cultural and educational landscape.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed, as grants are made through trustee-initiated relationships rather than a formal application cycle.

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only grantmaking model.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as the trust does not accept unsolicited applications.

Application Success Factors

While the Helmerich Trust does not accept unsolicited applications, understanding what drives their grantmaking can provide insight into the types of projects they support:

Capital Projects with Community Impact: The trust focuses on transformative capital projects that create lasting community assets. Examples include the $12 million commitment to Gilcrease Museum's renovation and the $5 million gift to A Gathering Place park.

Established Institutions: The trust partners with major, well-established institutions in Tulsa including Gilcrease Museum, Philbrook Museum, Oklahoma State University, University of Tulsa, Tulsa City-County Library system, and Tulsa Opera.

Long-term Community Enhancement: The Helmerich family's philanthropic vision focuses on projects that make Tulsa "a little treasure — a little gem of culture and education." Projects that demonstrably enhance Tulsa's quality of life and attract residents align with their stated goals.

Strategic Timing: The trust has historically responded to major capital campaigns when institutions launch comprehensive fundraising efforts for significant expansion or renovation projects.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-Only Model: The Helmerich Trust does not accept unsolicited applications; they identify and invite organizations to apply for funding
  • Large-Scale Capital Focus: The trust specializes in major capital gifts (typically $5-12 million) rather than smaller program grants or operational support
  • Tulsa-Centric Mission: Geographic focus is firmly rooted in enhancing Tulsa's cultural, educational, and civic infrastructure
  • Multi-Generation Commitment: Many relationships span decades, with the trust supporting institutions that the Helmerich family has championed since the 1960s
  • Family Governance: Five Helmerich brothers serve as co-trustees, continuing the legacy established by their parents Walter and Peggy Helmerich
  • Community Vision: Projects that align with the vision of making Tulsa a cultural and educational center are most likely to receive consideration
  • Pre-existing Relationships Essential: Organizations without established relationships with the Helmerich family are unlikely to receive funding

References

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