Masonic Charity Foundation Of Oklahoma
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $3+ million (2023)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: $207,000 - $300,000 (based on known grants)
- Geographic Focus: Oklahoma statewide
Contact Details
- Website: mcfok.org
- Phone: (405) 348-7500
- Email: information@mcfok.org
- Address: PO Box 2406, Edmond, OK 73083
Overview
The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma (MCFOK) is a 501(c)(3) private foundation established in 1970 with total assets exceeding $100 million. Dedicated to the tenets of Freemasonry - Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth - the foundation awarded over $3 million in grants to 25 organizations in 2023. While rooted in Masonic principles, the foundation's charitable and educational programs benefit Oklahomans from every walk of life. With charitable disbursements representing 82% of their expenses, MCFOK demonstrates a strong commitment to their philanthropic mission across education, health, and community support initiatives throughout Oklahoma.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation operates several distinct programs:
For Public Organizations:
- Vision Screening Partnerships: Major grants ($250,000-$300,000) for children's vision programs
- Educational Support: Grants for teacher scholarships and educational initiatives ($200,000+)
- Community Health Programs: Support for medical and vision care organizations
For Masonic Community:
- Matching Funds Program: $12,500 annually per lodge for community projects
- Promises Matter: Emergency assistance for Master Masons and families
- Youth Scholarships: Support for DeMolay, Rainbow, and Job's Daughters members (over $750,000 disbursed to date)
- Oklahoma Senior Assistance Program: Services for persons 55+ through Area Agencies on Aging
Educational Initiatives:
- Student & Teacher of Today awards
- Senior Essay Contest
- Visual Arts Contest
- Grow with Google Learning Program
Priority Areas
- Vision and eye health programs
- Education and teacher support
- Youth development and scholarships
- Senior citizen assistance
- Emergency relief for individuals
- Community improvement projects
What They Don't Fund
Not explicitly stated, but funding appears focused on Oklahoma-based organizations and initiatives
Governance and Leadership
Executive Leadership:
- John Logan - Executive Director
- Becky Goad - Office Manager
- Candi Claunch - Programs Manager
The foundation maintains a professional staff of three employees managing over $100 million in assets and distributing millions in annual grants.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a publicly advertised open application process. Based on available information, grants appear to be awarded through:
- Direct partnerships with established organizations
- Programs specifically for Masonic lodges and members
- Trustee-identified initiatives aligned with foundation priorities
Organizations interested in funding should contact the foundation directly at information@mcfok.org or (405) 348-7500 to discuss potential alignment with their mission.
Getting on Their Radar
Based on their grant history, the foundation appears to identify beneficiaries through:
- Existing partnerships in the vision care and education sectors
- Connections through the Masonic lodge network in Oklahoma
- Organizations addressing critical needs in Oklahoma communities
Recent major grant recipients include established institutions like Vizavance and Dean McGee Eye Institute Foundation, suggesting the foundation prefers working with organizations with proven track records and capacity for significant programs.
Decision Timeline
Not publicly available
Success Rates
The foundation funded 25 organizations in 2023, but total application numbers are not disclosed
Reapplication Policy
Not publicly stated
Application Success Factors
Based on known funded projects and the foundation's priorities:
- Statewide Impact: Recent grants to Vizavance (conducting over 250,000 vision screenings in 2023) demonstrate preference for programs with broad reach
- Educational Focus: Multiple grants supporting teachers and students indicate strong alignment with educational initiatives
- Established Organizations: Major recipients are well-established nonprofits with proven capacity
- Clear Community Benefit: All known grants address specific, measurable community needs
- Oklahoma-Based: All identified recipients serve Oklahoma communities
The foundation's partnership with Vizavance since 1986 (providing over 3 million screenings) suggests they value long-term relationships with effective partners.
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Foundation has significant assets ($100+ million) and distributes over $3 million annually
- No public application process - relationship building and direct contact essential
- Strong preference for education, vision/health, and community support programs in Oklahoma
- Major grants range from $200,000-$300,000 for flagship partnerships
- Foundation values long-term partnerships (e.g., 38-year partnership with Vizavance)
- Alignment with Masonic values of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth important
- Consider reaching out directly to discuss how your organization aligns with their mission
References
- CauseIQ Organization Profile - Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma (Accessed December 2024)
- Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Official Website - mcfok.org (Accessed December 2024)
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - EIN 73-6097262 (Accessed December 2024)
- GuideStar Profile - Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma (Accessed December 2024)