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Kirkpatrick Family Affiliated Fund Ok City Community Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$12.7M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.1M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $12,671,972 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 2-4 months
  • Grant Range: Up to $15,000 (small grants) - above $15,000 (large grants)
  • Geographic Focus: Central Oklahoma (primarily Oklahoma County) and limited support to Green Mountain Falls, Colorado
  • Total Awards: 98 grants in 2023

Contact Details

Website: https://kirkpatrickfamilyfund.org

Phone: 405-767-3702

Email: info@kirkpatrickfamilyfund.org

Address: Oklahoma City, OK

Pre-Application Support: New applicants or organizations that have not applied within the last two years should schedule a brief phone call with staff to discuss their funding request before submitting a Letter of Inquiry.

Overview

Established in 1989 by John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick, founders of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, the Kirkpatrick Family Fund is the largest affiliated fund of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. Currently led by Christian Keesee, grandson of the founders, the Fund has contributed over $165 million since its inception through program initiatives, project grants, operating support, and endowment-building grants. In fiscal year 2023, the Fund distributed $12.7 million across 98 awards, with nearly $6 million supporting more than 60 arts organizations. The Fund maintains a strategic focus on arts and humanities, education (particularly arts education), children and families, health and human services, animal well-being, community enhancement, and endowment building for central Oklahoma nonprofits and the Pikes Peak region of Colorado.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Project Support: Small Grants - Up to $15,000 Quarterly application deadlines (March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1) for smaller project-based funding across all priority areas.

Project Support: Large Grants - Above $15,000 Biannual deadlines (March 1 and September 1) for more substantial project funding. Letter of Intent required at least one month before deadline.

General Operating Support - Invitation only Available only to organizations that have received prior support from the Fund for multiple years.

Endowment Matching Grants - Variable amounts The Fund contributes $1 for every $3 raised by the organization. For new endowments, the Fund offers $15,000 to match with $25,000 raised by the organization. Organizations must complete fundraising within a 12-month period. Requires existing or approved nonprofit endowment fund at Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

Priority Areas

Arts & Humanities Primary funding focus centered on active learning and imagination, encouraging the creative process, and enriching community vibrancy. In FY2023, nearly $6 million was awarded to more than 60 arts organizations.

Education Primarily focused on arts education and active learning programs that help children and youth become confident, caring, and contributing adults. Recent support includes arts-integrated STEAM curriculum development.

Children, Youth & Families Focus on prevention initiatives and creating environments that help children, caregivers, and families become more resilient.

Health & Human Services Emphasis on prevention, breaking dependencies, ending cycles of abuse, and improving equitable access to health services. Special initiatives include women's reproductive health.

Animal Well-Being Support for animal welfare and environmental conservation initiatives.

Community Enhancement Focus on improving quality of life through beautification, building strong neighborhoods, and advancing economic opportunity.

Endowment Building Supporting nonprofits in establishing sustainable funding mechanisms through endowment matching grants.

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations that function primarily as churches or ministries, or whose programs require adherence to a specific religious affiliation to receive services
  • Organizations that advocate for or are involved in the killing, abuse, or harm of animals
  • Individuals
  • Trips, tickets, or tables for fundraising events
  • Support for professional associations, educational institutions, and civic organizations is considered secondary and requires demonstration of broad community benefit
  • Organizations with fewer than three years of financial documentation
  • Organizations based outside of central Oklahoma (grants outside Oklahoma County are limited to endowment matches or considered case-by-case)
  • Organizations whose mission does not fall within stated areas of interest

Governance and Leadership

Christian Keesee - President Chairman of Kirkpatrick Bank and Kirkpatrick Oil & Gas Company, founder of Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Keesee has stated: "In general, we fund organizations of all stripes in Oklahoma City. We have a principle interest in arts and arts education," and "Nothing brings us more joy – or reason to celebrate – than seeing smart, innovative work strengthen communities and empower individuals."

Other Trustees:

  • George Drew - Vice President
  • Leigh Ann Albers
  • Leslie Hudson
  • David Harlow
  • Jane Sutter

The Fund operates as an affiliated fund of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, maintaining its own trustees and governing documents while benefiting from the Community Foundation's infrastructure and investment management.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact (for new applicants) New applicants or organizations that have not applied within the last two years should schedule a brief phone call with staff to discuss their funding request before submitting.

Step 2: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Submit a Letter of Inquiry at least one month before the application deadline. Staff will review and contact organizations either to discuss the inquiry or notify that the LOI is approved and the full application is available.

Step 3: Full Application Once LOI is approved, complete the full application through the online portal by the deadline.

Application Portal: Online system (details available on website)

Decision Timeline

  • Review Process: 2-3 months following submission deadline
  • Notification: Correspondence goes out to all applicants no later than 4 months after the deadline
  • Application Deadlines:
    • Small Grants ($15,000 or less): March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1
    • Large Grants (above $15,000): March 1 and September 1
    • Endowment Matching: March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1
    • Deadlines falling on holidays or weekends are extended to the next regular business day

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly available. In 2023, the Fund made 98 awards totaling $12.7 million. The Fund awarded nearly $6 million to more than 60 arts organizations in FY2023.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations that have not applied within the last two years are considered new applicants and should follow the new applicant process including pre-application phone consultation. Specific waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly documented; applicants are encouraged to contact staff for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Strategic Priorities Christian Keesee emphasizes the Fund's "principle interest in arts and arts education." Applications should clearly demonstrate how projects align with the Fund's focus on active learning, imagination, creative process, and community vibrancy.

Innovative Programming The Fund seeks "smart, innovative work" that strengthens communities and empowers individuals. Applications should highlight unique approaches and creative solutions to community challenges.

Broad Community Access The Fund values "innovative programming, broad community access, active participation, and quality learning opportunities for youth and adults." Demonstrate how your program serves diverse populations and removes barriers to access.

Prevention Focus For health and human services applications, emphasize prevention strategies, breaking cycles (dependencies, abuse), and improving equitable access.

Partnership and Collaboration Recent funded projects include collaborative efforts (e.g., The STEAM Engine partnerships with Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, Freedom City, and Urban Bridge). Show how your project leverages partnerships to maximize impact.

Endowment Building for Sustainability The Fund has a strong commitment to helping nonprofits build long-term sustainability. Keesee notes the family's tradition of "establishment of endowments for nonprofits... to benefit the quality of life for future generations."

Oklahoma City Connection Christian Keesee stated: "The Kirkpatrick Family Fund is committed to improving the quality of life in central Oklahoma." Strong local connections and community impact are essential.

Pre-Application Consultation For new applicants, the requirement to schedule a phone call with staff before applying suggests the Fund values relationship-building and ensuring good fit before formal applications are submitted.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Arts organizations have strong advantage: Nearly half of 2023 giving ($6M of $12.7M) went to arts organizations. Arts and arts education are the stated principle interest.
  • Start with a conversation: New applicants must schedule a phone call with staff before applying—use this to ensure alignment and get feedback on your approach.
  • Think long-term sustainability: The Fund's endowment matching program reflects deep commitment to building organizational capacity—consider applying for endowment support alongside project grants.
  • Emphasize innovation and access: Applications should highlight innovative programming with broad community access and active participation, not just traditional service delivery.
  • Match the application size to project scope: Use small grant deadlines (quarterly) for projects under $15K; reserve large grant applications (biannual) for more substantial initiatives.
  • Geographic focus matters: While primarily serving Oklahoma County, the Fund will consider case-by-case applications from outside the county—be prepared to make a compelling case if you're not in their core service area.
  • Multi-year relationship potential: General operating support is available by invitation only for organizations with established multi-year relationships—project grants can be the pathway to deeper partnership.

References

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