Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $750,000 - $2.9 million (varies annually)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed (Biannual review cycle with April 15 and October 15 deadlines)
Grant Range: $500 - $160,000+
Average Grant: $17,092
Geographic Focus: Tulsa, Oklahoma and surrounding areas (particularly 11th Street corridor)
Total Assets: $40.5 million (2024)

Contact Details

Address: 1124 S Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74104

Phone: 918-583-2955

Website: www.lobecktaylor.org

Email: communications@lobecktaylor.org

Grants Page: www.lobecktaylor.com/grants

Overview

Founded in 1997 by Bill Lobeck (a distinguished executive in the auto rental industry) and Kathy Taylor (former Tulsa Mayor 2006-2009 and Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism 2003-2006), the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation has evolved into a second-generation investment in making Tulsa an innovative, collaborative, and thriving city. With total assets of $40.5 million and having granted $20 million to over 100 organizations over its 27-year history, LTFF operates as both a grantmaker and direct program operator.

Under the leadership of Elizabeth Frame Ellison (daughter of the founders), who served as CEO and now chairs the board, the foundation has shifted toward a more equity-focused approach, prioritizing support for BIPOC entrepreneurs and economic development in historically underserved neighborhoods. The foundation acts as "a grantmaker, innovator, and convener," supporting Tulsa's entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems through both financial grants and owned-and-operated programs including Kitchen 66 (a food business incubator that has served over 200 entrepreneurs), Mother Road Market (Oklahoma's first nonprofit food hall and three-time USA TODAY Best Food Hall winner), and Shops at Mother Road Market.

Bill Lobeck passed away in December 2024, leaving behind a legacy of transformative philanthropy in Tulsa. The foundation continues its mission under the leadership of CEO Brian Paschal and Chair Elizabeth Frame Ellison.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates both grantmaking and direct programming, with grant applications accepted on a rolling basis but reviewed on a biannual cycle:

Community Grant Program: Accepts applications for projects that support economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, or community development in Tulsa. Applications reviewed twice annually with deadlines of April 15 and October 15 (proposals must be received, not postmarked, by these dates).

11th Street Corridor Initiative: Complementary grantmaking to increase economic activity and equitable growth and development of 11th Street between Peoria Ave. and Harvard Ave. (with particular focus on the stretch between Xanthus Ave. and Birmingham Ave.) and surrounding neighborhoods. This five-year initiative supports "equitable placemaking activations" in the Tulsa Market District.

Grant Amounts: Range from $500 to over $160,000, with an average grant of approximately $17,092. Recent grant activity shows 8 awards totaling $136,737 in 2023, down from 32 awards in 2022 and 61 in 2021, suggesting a more selective approach with potentially larger individual grants.

Priority Areas

Economic Opportunity & Entrepreneurship: Primary focus on decreasing barriers for entrepreneurs, particularly in the food and retail sectors. Strong emphasis on supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs and creating pathways to business ownership.

Education: Support for primary public schools, supplementary education, and enrichment programs. The foundation has established endowments including the Kathy Taylor & Bill Lobeck Endowment for Female Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Tulsa's Collins College of Business.

Arts & Culture: Grants for the arts with emphasis on museums and cultural institutions that enhance Tulsa's civic identity.

Civic Engagement: Public/civic projects and activities that highlight the city and bring the community together, particularly those celebrating Tulsa's Route 66 heritage.

Physical Infrastructure: Investment in place-based development, including streetscapes, beautification, and community gathering spaces that promote equity and economic activity.

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, based on their focus areas:

Only awards grants to qualified charitable organizations designated as tax-exempt under IRS Code 501(c)(3)
Organizations cannot be classified as private foundations
Must demonstrate impact in Tulsa, Oklahoma (with priority for 11th Street corridor)
The foundation has periodically paused applications to review commitments and plan ahead, suggesting they carefully manage their grant portfolio capacity

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Elizabeth Frame Ellison - Chair of the Board (formerly CEO for 11 years). Elizabeth founded Mother Road Market and Kitchen 66, transforming the foundation's approach to focus on equity and entrepreneurship. She co-founded VEST, a membership network of female executives, after being "tired of being the only woman in the room" in Tulsa business meetings. Her leadership philosophy: "I truly believe the more representative the conversation is, the better the outcome and the more impactful."

Kathy Taylor - Co-Founder & Board Member. Served as Tulsa's 38th mayor (2006-09) and Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism (2003-06). Sustained an "exemplary legacy of philanthropy" with generous support for dozens of programs and initiatives at the University of Tulsa and throughout the community.

William E. Lobeck, Jr. - Co-Founder & Board Member. Achieved high distinction in the auto rental industry, serving as president and CEO of Vanguard Car Rental USA. Passed away in December 2024 at age 85.

Margaret L. Pellegrini - Board Member

Thomas C. Kennedy - Board Member

Key Staff

Brian Paschal - Chief Executive Officer (Compensation: $195,300). Transitioned from Managing Director to CEO in June 2022. Paschal emphasizes: "It is the risk takers with big ideas who will ensure Tulsa lives up to its full potential. We must support them and make certain that we foster an equitable opportunity for all Tulsans to succeed and see their dreams become reality." On Tulsa specifically: "Place matters, and I can think of no better place than Tulsa. It is the perfect city to make change happen. Large enough to scale innovation, yet small enough to create lasting impact."

Katy Hall - Chief Communications Officer

Cindy D. Roecker - Chief Financial Officer

Charlie Love - Chief Program Officer

Claire Lemaster - Brand Director

Ali Warner - Director of Finance & Administration

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through the foundation's online portal at www.lobecktaylor.com/grants.

Eligibility Requirements:

Organization must be a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization
Cannot be classified as a private foundation
Project must support economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, or community development in Tulsa
Must align with foundation's focus areas

Application Deadlines:

April 15 (for consideration in spring review cycle)
October 15 (for consideration in fall review cycle)
Proposals must be received in the Foundation's office (not postmarked) on or before the deadline date
Note: The foundation periodically pauses applications to review commitments and plan ahead

Application Categories:

Special projects or programs for primary public schools, as well as supplementary education and enrichment programs
Programs that promote and bring support to entrepreneurship in Tulsa
Public/civic projects and activities which highlight the city and provide an opportunity to bring the community together

Decision Timeline

While specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed, the biannual deadline structure (April 15 and October 15) suggests a 6-month review cycle. Applicants should expect notifications within several months following each deadline.

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose application success rates. However, grant activity data shows:

8 grants awarded in 2023 and 2024 ($136,737 total)
32 grants awarded in 2022
61 grants awarded in 2021
56 grants awarded in 2020

The declining number of grants with relatively stable total giving suggests the foundation may be making larger strategic investments rather than numerous small grants, indicating a highly selective process.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publicly disclose a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Organizations should contact the foundation directly at 918-583-2955 or communications@lobecktaylor.org for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented priorities and recent initiatives, successful applications likely demonstrate:

1. Alignment with Equity and Inclusion Goals: Elizabeth Frame Ellison stated the foundation is "actively listening, learning and identifying ways to put antiracist policies into place." Projects that center BIPOC communities, address systemic barriers, and promote equitable wealth building align with this priority.

2. Focus on Economic Mobility: The foundation's direct programs provide living wages (Mother Road Market raised employee wages to $13-$17/hour, almost double industry standard) and create pathways to business ownership. Grant proposals should similarly demonstrate how they create economic opportunity, not just temporary assistance.

3. Geographic Focus on 11th Street Corridor: While applications from across Tulsa are accepted, there is explicit prioritization of the 11th Street area between Peoria Ave. and Harvard Ave. Projects that complement the foundation's $7 million infrastructure investment in this corridor have strategic advantage.

4. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Brian Paschal emphasizes supporting "risk takers with big ideas." The foundation values innovation in approach and is willing to fund models that haven't been tried before, particularly those that support entrepreneurs testing new business concepts.

5. Community Collaboration: As stated in their mission, the foundation acts as "a grantmaker, innovator, and convener." Projects that bring diverse stakeholders together and create opportunities for collaboration align with this role.

6. Scalable and Replicable Models: Brian Paschal noted "most exciting is the goal to create a replicable model for future inclusive growth and generational wealth building." Projects with potential to be scaled or replicated demonstrate strategic impact.

7. Pride of Place: The foundation's programs celebrate Tulsa's identity, particularly its Route 66 heritage. Projects that strengthen community attachment and civic pride resonate with their values. Brian Paschal stated: "Route 66 is central to Tulsa's identity and a crucial part of our DNA."

8. Lower Barriers, Don't Create New Ones: The foundation's programs explicitly "decrease barriers" for entrepreneurs through affordable space, accessible training, and sales opportunities. Grant proposals should demonstrate how they remove obstacles rather than creating new bureaucratic hurdles.

9. Demonstrated Need and Community Support: With only 8 grants awarded in recent years from presumably many more applications, proposals must make a compelling case for urgent community need and show evidence of community backing.

10. Clear Connection to Foundation's Mission: Every successful project should clearly demonstrate how it "empowers Tulsans to achieve their goals by decreasing barriers associated with big ideas."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Think Equity First: This is not a traditional family foundation - equity, inclusion, and economic justice are central to current strategy. Applications should explicitly address how they serve historically marginalized communities.
Entrepreneurship is Broader Than Food: While Kitchen 66 and Mother Road Market focus on food entrepreneurs, the foundation's grant portfolio encompasses education, arts, and civic projects. Consider how your project supports entrepreneurial thinking even if not directly business-focused.
Geographic Strategy Matters: Projects in or near the 11th Street corridor between Peoria and Harvard have strategic advantage. If your project is elsewhere in Tulsa, clearly articulate the unique need in your area.
Demonstrate Living Wage Commitment: The foundation raised Mother Road Market wages to nearly double industry standard. Projects that demonstrate commitment to fair compensation and economic dignity will resonate.
Celebrate Tulsa's Identity: The foundation is deeply invested in Tulsa's civic pride, particularly its Route 66 heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. Connect your project to what makes Tulsa unique.
Be Prepared for Smaller Grant Pool: With grant numbers dropping from 61 (2021) to 8 (2023), competition has intensified significantly. Only the most strategic, well-aligned projects are funded.
Build Relationships Before Applying: As a family foundation with deep Tulsa roots and operated programs, relationship building matters. Attend Mother Road Market events, connect with Kitchen 66 entrepreneurs, engage with their community programming before submitting an application.

References

Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation Official Website - https://www.lobecktaylor.org (Accessed January 15, 2026)
Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation Grants Page - https://www.lobecktaylor.com/grants (Accessed January 15, 2026)
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Lobeck Taylor Foundation (EIN: 731519836) - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/731519836 (Accessed January 15, 2026)
Inside Philanthropy: "In Tulsa, a Family Foundation Aims to Advance Equity by Supporting Entrepreneurs" (May 27, 2021) - https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2021-5-27-in-tulsa-a-family-foundation-aims-to-advance-equity-by-supporting-entrepreneurs
Tulsa People: "Paving the way: Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation celebrates 25 years" (October 2022) - https://www.tulsapeople.com/city-desk/paving-the-way-lobeck-taylor-family-foundation-celebrates-25-years/
City of Tulsa Press Release: "City, Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation Unveil Significant Infrastructure Beautification Improvements to Tulsa Market District" - https://www.cityoftulsa.org/press-room/city-lobeck-taylor-family-foundation-unveil-significant-infrastructure-beautification-improvements-to-tulsa-market-district/
Instrumentl - Lobeck Taylor Foundation 990 Report - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/lobeck-taylor-family-foundation-671cf199-da90-4a13-a538-aa7f01d56ecc (Accessed January 15, 2026)
University of Oklahoma - Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation Scholarship Guidelines (2013-14)
Tulsa World: "Kitchen 66 grads roll out tasty products at Mother Road Market" - https://tulsaworld.com/entertainment/dining/kitchen-66-grads-roll-out-tasty-products-at-mother-road-market/
Good Good Good: "This Incubator Is Helping Underrepresented Food Entrepreneurs Launch Businesses" - https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/nonprofit-restaurant-incubator-kitchen-66
Union Public Schools: "McAuliffe receives $160,000 Lobeck Taylor grant" - http://www.unionps.org/index.cfm?id=100&newsid=10897
Newson6: "Former Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor announces husband Bill Lobeck's death" (December 2024) - https://www.newson6.com/tulsa-oklahoma-news/tulsa-bill-lobeck-death-kathy-taylor