The Oklahoma Initiative Fund Grant Cycle, managed by the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma (CFO), offers grants to strengthen and positively impact rural communities across Oklahoma. CFO aims to foster community partnerships statewide and uses this fund, an endowed component of the foundation, to provide targeted support to smaller communities. Grants of up to $15,000 are available through this initiative, with eligibility limited to communities with populations under 50,000. Although organizations from across Oklahoma may apply, preference will be given to those that are based within and directly serve these smaller communities. Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and the application window closes on November 22.
Alongside the Oklahoma Initiative Fund, CFO supports various other grant-making programs, each with specific eligibility requirements and intended impact areas. For example, the Tahlequah Public Schools Foundation is a CFO-affiliated grant aimed specifically at teachers in the Tahlequah Public School District. These grants focus on classroom enhancement, encouraging local community involvement in educational support and the provision of additional resources and equipment for students.
The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma also manages Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), although unsolicited grant applications are not accepted for these funds. Instead, CFO professionals collaborate closely with DAF advisors to assess community needs and identify grant opportunities based on donor interests. Updates on projects funded through DAFs are shared through CFO's Oklahoma Stories blog. Nonprofit organizations interested in showcasing their work in future blog posts can submit a brief description, along with media such as a photo or video, to Teresa Rose, CFO’s Executive Director.
CFO maintains a comprehensive directory of grant programs to help organizations identify funding opportunities. Nonprofits interested in applying can consult the directory to explore multiple programs they may qualify for. After identifying appropriate grant opportunities, applicants can access CFO's online application system to submit their proposals.
This structured approach allows CFO to provide tailored funding opportunities across Oklahoma, helping nonprofits to find appropriate grant support aligned with their missions and project goals.
