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OGE Energy Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$3.0M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.3M
Decision Time
3mo
Success Rate
21%

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,000,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: 21% (based on 68 awards from ~320 applications in 2022)
  • Decision Time: 8-16 weeks (depending on application cycle)
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $250,000
  • Geographic Focus: Oklahoma and western Arkansas (OGE service area)

Contact Details

Online Application Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=oge

Website: https://www.oge.com/wps/portal/oge/about-us/companyOverview/OGEFoundation/

Organization Address: Oklahoma City, OK

Overview

The OGE Energy Corp. Foundation Inc. (EIN 73-6093572) is the charitable arm of OGE Energy Corp., which has been providing electricity to Oklahoma since 1902. The Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) charities to support programs, organizations, and institutions that enhance quality of life and economic well-being in communities served by OGE. In 2024, the Foundation invested nearly $3 million in grants. Since 2018, the Foundation has contributed more than $12 million to philanthropic organizations across Oklahoma and western Arkansas. The Foundation serves more than 850,000 customers across 276 towns and cities in a 30,000 square mile service area spanning 46 counties. The Foundation places greater emphasis on early education, particularly STEM subjects for elementary and middle school students, while also supporting human services, arts, and community development organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Operating Support Grants: $10,000 - $250,000

  • Applications accepted year-round through online portal
  • Decisions made three times annually (March, July, November)
  • Recent grants average "a few thousand dollars each"
  • Large grants ($100,000+) awarded to major institutions

Priority Areas

Education (Top Priority)

  • Increasing STEM access for elementary and middle school students from low-income and/or underrepresented communities
  • K-12 education programs
  • Teacher grants (234 projects across 82 schools in 2024-2025)
  • After-school programs and youth development

Health & Human Services

  • Programs improving health outcomes for individuals transitioning out of homelessness
  • Services for low-income families
  • Senior citizen programs
  • Mental health awareness initiatives

Community Development

  • Creating opportunities for individuals with low income
  • Programs supporting underrepresented communities
  • Economic development initiatives

Arts & Culture

  • Support for local arts organizations
  • Museum exhibitions and programs
  • Performing arts education and outreach

What They Don't Fund

  • Religious activities for the purpose of furthering religious doctrine (though faith-based organizations providing non-denominational services will be considered)
  • Most sports teams or sporting events
  • Organizations offering goods or services to employees as a benefit of grant approval
  • Organizations outside the OGE service area

Governance and Leadership

Parent Company Leadership (OGE Energy Corp.)

  • Sean Trauschke, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
  • Charles Walworth, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
  • William Sultemeier, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer

Sean Trauschke stated regarding the Foundation's 2020 grants: "We recognize that many of our region's nonprofits provide critical support to the populations they serve."

The Foundation operates through a committee that meets three times annually to review applications and make funding decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the online Grant Interface portal at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=oge

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Decision Timeline

Application Review Cycles (three times per year):

  • Q1: October 1 - January 31 → Committee Meeting in March
  • Q2: February 1 - May 31 → Committee Meeting in July
  • Q3: June 1 - September 30 → Committee Meeting in November

Typical Timeline: Applications submitted early in a cycle may wait 8-12 weeks for a decision; those submitted near the end of a cycle may wait 12-16 weeks.

Success Rates

Based on available data:

  • 68 awards made in 2022
  • 47 awards made in 2021
  • 57 awards made in 2020

With an estimated 300-400 applications annually (based on scholarship program data showing 200+ applications), the approximate success rate is 20-25%.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may submit applications on a rolling basis. The Foundation provides ongoing support to organizations, suggesting successful grantees may apply for funding in subsequent years. Specific waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly documented.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Alignment is Critical Organizations must be located within the OGE service area (Oklahoma and western Arkansas, covering 276 towns and cities). This is a hard requirement.

Demonstrate Measurable Impact The Foundation requires organizations to "have a method by which to measure, track, and report program outcomes and specific results that demonstrate measurable community impact." Applications should clearly articulate evaluation methods and expected outcomes.

Focus on Foundation Priorities Based on recent grant awards, the Foundation shows strong preference for:

  • STEM education programs for underserved elementary/middle school students
  • Programs serving homeless populations, low-income families, and seniors
  • Organizations with proven track records (large grants went to established institutions like Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Allied Arts, Teach For America)

Recent Funded Projects as Examples

  • Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma: $17,500 for "Stamp Out Hunger" initiative
  • Science Museum Oklahoma: $50,000 for Omniplex STEM programs
  • Ending Hunger OKC: $250,000 for meals for seniors and job-impacted families
  • Allied Arts: $100,000 for local arts organization support
  • Teach For America: $150,000 for teacher training
  • Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma: $20,000 for Camp Trivera STEM camp

Non-Discrimination Commitment Applications must demonstrate that the organization serves communities "without discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation or national origin."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable: Confirm your organization serves communities within OGE's service area in Oklahoma or western Arkansas before applying
  • STEM education is the top priority: Programs focusing on math and science education for elementary/middle school students from underserved communities have the strongest alignment
  • Think strategically about timing: Applications submitted in early October, early February, or early June will receive the quickest decisions
  • Emphasize measurement: Clearly articulate how you will track and report outcomes with specific, measurable results
  • Grant sizes vary significantly: While most grants are "a few thousand dollars," major institutions and high-impact programs can receive $100,000-$250,000
  • Multi-year support is possible: The Foundation provides "ongoing support" to organizations, suggesting successful applicants can build long-term relationships
  • Quality over speed: With only three decision cycles per year and a ~20-25% success rate, invest time in crafting a compelling application that demonstrates clear community impact

References

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