The Kerr Foundation, Inc., based in Oklahoma City, supports nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that provide new or improved opportunities in the areas of education, health, cultural development, and community service. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that benefit the youth and the economic and cultural development of Oklahoma, though eligible proposals are also accepted from Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas, and the Washington D.C. area.
Grant requests should focus on programming that meets the foundation’s strategic areas of interest and demonstrate measurable community impact. Preference is given to organizations located in Oklahoma; however, the foundation recognizes the broader regional benefits of organizations in the surrounding states and Washington D.C. Favorable consideration of proposals is generally made in the form of challenge grants, requiring organizations to match the grant amount through other secured funds within twelve months of award.
Letters of inquiry (LOIs) are a prerequisite for full application submission. LOIs must include a concise organizational history, an overview of current programs, the requested funding amount, a project summary, and an explanation of the need and intended impact. The LOI must also specify the target population and geographic area served, with supporting statistics, and indicate other funding sources or partnerships involved. Operating expenses and capital projects are not eligible for funding.
Organizations that have previously been denied funding or whose LOI was not approved must wait at least 12 months before resubmission. Additionally, recipients of prior funding cannot reapply until three years after their last grant was received. The foundation accepts LOIs through June 30, 2025. Applicants approved to submit full applications must do so by August 15, 2025. Applications will be reviewed at the board of trustees meeting in September 2025.
For inquiries and submission, letters of inquiry should be sent via email to lauradkerr@thekerrfoundation.org, with a copy to cmiller@thekerrfoundation.org. For further questions, organizations may contact the foundation by phone at 405-749-7991.
Applications with incomplete information may be delayed. LOIs not accepted for operating or capital projects
