The Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation provides funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations based in Oklahoma that serve within a 50-mile radius of Ardmore. The foundation's mission supports charitable activities, and they welcome applications from qualified organizations whose work aligns with these objectives. Funding may be awarded for specific projects or general operating expenses.
To be eligible, applicants must be recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations by the IRS or must be organized as government entities or their subdivisions. The foundation explicitly does not consider requests from individuals, ensuring that all funds support organized, mission-aligned programs that benefit the broader community.
Interested applicants must begin the process by submitting an initial inquiry. This should include an overview of the organization, an explanation of the proposed project, and the amount of funding requested. This inquiry should be sent via email to Foundation President Mary Kate Wilson at info@somfardmore.org or by mail to the foundation’s P.O. Box in Ardmore, Oklahoma. After reviewing the inquiry, the foundation will send a full grant application via email to those selected to proceed.
Grant applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. Funding decisions are made by the Board of Trustees approximately eight weeks after each application deadline. This cyclical review process allows for consistent and timely consideration of funding requests throughout the year.
The foundation encourages communication and welcomes questions about the grant process. Organizations can contact the foundation directly by phone at 580-226-0700. While the foundation does not provide detailed application questions online, early engagement through the inquiry process allows organizations to learn more and receive guidance tailored to their request.
