Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation
The Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation is based in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and supports nonprofit organizations in southern Oklahoma. Founded in 1950 to construct and support a new hospital, it became a private grantmaking foundation in the late 1990s following the sale of the local hospital.
Key facts about Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation
In short: Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation gave $6.0M across 54 grants in 2025 (avg $111K), mostly in Oklahoma. 22% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 73-1300662
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $5,967,620
- Grants made (2025)
- 54
- Average grant
- $110,511
- Median grant
- $30,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 22% first-time grantees (11 of 49, 2025)
- Total assets
- $105,723,600
- Primary geography
- Oklahoma (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Oklahoma nonprofits may begin by sending the foundation president an overview of the organization, an explanation of the project, and the amount requested. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- December 1, March 1, June 1, and September 1.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$105.7M
+2.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.0M
-6.9% YoY
Grant Count
54
-12.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$111K
+6.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation reported a distributable amount of $6.8M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation open to new grantees?
22%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 11 of 49 grantees (22%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $220K; repeat grants $93K. How we count
Medians: $43K first-time, $32K repeat.
- 61% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+6%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 92% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its grant program identifies healthcare, education, and social services as funding areas.
Grantees’ stated missions illustrate the kinds of work supported. Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service says it provides ambulance and emergency medical services to Carter and eastern Jefferson counties. Ardmore Habitat for Humanity says it builds houses for people in need, while Marshall County EMS District says it provides ambulance service to citizens of southern Oklahoma. The foundation also funded construction of a nursing education center and scholarships.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation awarded 54 grants totaling $5,967,620. Awards ranged from $250 to $2,000,000, with a median grant of $30,000.
Review Cycle
.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation
Ready to take the next step with Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The grant program identifies eligible applicants as 501(c)(3) organizations operating within a 50-mile radius of Ardmore. The foundation’s 2025 filing reports that 100% of its grant dollars went to recipients in Oklahoma.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 54 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
285 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA AMBULANCE SERVICE INC Ardmore, OK | NEW FACILITY CONSTRUCTION | $2,000,000 |
| MURRAY STATE CCOLLEGE FOUNDATION INC Tishomingo, OK | SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA NURSING EDUCATION CENTER CONSTRUCTION | $1,250,000 |
| HARDY MURPHY COLISEUM TRUST AUTHORITY Ardmore, OK | NEW ROOF COLISEUM EXPO, ADMIN AREA | $500,000 |
| MARSHALL COUNTY MEDICAL CNTR BOARD OF CONTROL Madill, OK | HOSPITAL MRI/CT SUITE CONSTRUCTION | $445,260 |
| YMCA OF ARDMORE OKLAHOMA Ardmore, OK | GRANT - 2025 OPERATING SUPPORT | $225,000 |
| ARDMORE SCHOOL DISTRICT I-19 Ardmore, OK | FY25 SCHOOL NURSE REIMBURSEMENT | $174,713 |
| MORE FOUNDATION Ardmore, OK | SCHOLARSHIPS | $84,025 |
| ARDMORE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INC Ardmore, OK | HOME CONSTRUCTION HOPE ADDITION | $75,000 |
| CRINER HILLS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Overbrook, OK | ADDITION TO FIRE STATION #2, DOOR OPENERS | $75,000 |
| MARSHALL COUNTY EMS DISTRICT Madill, OK | HANDHELD RADIONS, IV PUMPS | $66,054 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $105,723,600 | $9,868,916 | $7,390,283 | $5,967,620 |
| 2024 | $103,244,967 | $4,458,525 | $8,013,175 | $6,411,524 |
| 2023 | $106,799,617 | $8,664,144 | $7,971,437 | $6,319,286 |
The filing type is 990T.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $105,723,600 | $103,244,967 | $106,799,617 |
| Revenue | $9,868,916 | $4,458,525 | $8,664,144 |
| Expenses | $7,390,283 | $8,013,175 | $7,971,437 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $6,285,440 | $6,715,709 | $6,602,392 |
| Net Investment Income | $8,734,793 | $3,615,329 | $7,102,269 |
| Distributable Amount | $6,797,685 | $6,538,404 | $6,444,438 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Mary Kate Wilson as president; Curtis Davidson as chairman; Laura Clay as vice chairman; Mark Riesen as secretary; and Jelana Aaron, Ann Crosby, Gene Litteken, Cody Noble, Jeffrey Rother, and Gil Wallace as directors.
Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation is led by Mary Kate Wilson, President on every filing since 2020; 1 of 10 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Mary Kate Wilson
President
On filings since 2020
30 hrs/week
$125K (2020) → $166K (2025)
Curtis Davidson
Chairman
Director → Chairman, 2022
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ann Crosby
Director
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gil Wallace
Director
On filings since 2022
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cody Noble
Director
On filings since 2023
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gene Litteken
Director
On filings since 2023
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey Rother
Director
On filings since 2023
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jelana Aaron
Director
On filings since 2023
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Laura Clay
Vice Chairman
Director → Vice Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2022
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mark Riesen
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2022
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (7)
- Former: Debra Fields (2020–2022) — Vice Chairman
- Former: Kevin Reed (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Michael Carnahan (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: T. A. Brandt (2020–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Bill Goddard (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Ron Graves (2020–2021) — Chairman
- Former: Sallie Walker (2020–2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 1409, Ardmore, OK 73402-1409
Phone: (580) 226-0700
Frequently asked questions about Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation
How much does Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation give each year?
Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation gave $6.0M across 54 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $6.4M across 62 grants.
What is Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation's typical grant size?
Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $30,000, and its average grant was $110,511, across 54 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation that year got $220K on average.
Where does Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation give grants?
Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation gives mostly in Oklahoma: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Ardmore, OK (36 grants), Oklahoma City, OK (5 grants), Durant, OK (3 grants) and Tishomingo, OK (2 grants).
Does Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 35% of Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (19 of 54) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation's largest grantees?
Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service Inc ($2,000,000), Murray State Ccollege Foundation Inc ($1,250,000) and Hardy Murphy Coliseum Trust Authority ($500,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 63% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation?
Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation reported $105.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $6.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $6.8M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its grant program identifies healthcare, education, and social services as funding areas. Grantees’ stated missions illustrate the kinds of work supported. Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service says it provides ambulance and emergency medical services to Carter and eastern Jefferson counties. Ardmore Habitat for Humanity says it builds houses for people in need, while Marshall County EMS District says it provides ambulance service to citizens o…
How do I apply for a grant from Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation?
Oklahoma nonprofits may begin by sending the foundation president an overview of the organization, an explanation of the project, and the amount requested. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation's EIN?
Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 73-1300662. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
McCrory Foundation
Ardmore, OK
The McCrory Foundation funds qualified nonprofits serving Carter County, Oklahoma, with priority for human services and health, youth development, and education. Recent grants ranged from $3,000 to $102,500, with a median of $20,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through an online application and encourages applicants to contact the foundation before applying.
Assets
$24.0M
Grants
53
Total Given
$1.5M
Community Foundation of Ardmore Inc
Ardmore, OK
Community Foundation of Ardmore funds specific projects and general operating support in youth development, social services, civic improvements, culture, education, and health. It serves eligible organizations and local government units in Carter, Garvin, Jefferson, Johnston, Love, Marshall, Murray, and Stephens Counties, Oklahoma; recent grants ranged from $1,000 to $45,000, with a median of $18,485. It does not accept unsolicited full applications: organizations must first send a brief inquiry and apply only if invited.
Assets
$16.0M
Grants
31
Total Given
$807K
Jerome Westheimer Family Foundation
Ardmore, OK
The foundation supports Oklahoma 501(c)(3) organizations in areas including education, emergency medical services, community services, and the arts. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $500,000, with a median of $11,000. It gives to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$42.4M
Grants
32
Total Given
$2.7M
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Ardmore, OK
The foundation primarily supports agricultural research through Noble Research Institute and also funds charitable work in health, education, and community strength, with most grant dollars going to Oklahoma and some to other states. Its 2024 grants ranged from $150 to $36.5 million, with a median of $5,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited organizational requests.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
153
Total Given
$53.9M
The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation
Tulsa, OK
The foundation supports nonprofits addressing poverty through housing and homelessness services, basic needs, and physical and mental healthcare, primarily in the Tulsa metropolitan area, with occasional grants elsewhere in Oklahoma and in Israel. Its 2024 median grant was about $24,000, though awards ranged from $200 to $2.2 million; organizations may submit a rolling inquiry, but full proposals are by invitation only.
Assets
$281.0M
Grants
476
Total Given
$37.3M
Charles B Goddard Foundation Trust
Ardmore, OK
The Charles B Goddard Foundation Trust supports organizations working in areas such as emergency medical services, healthcare, youth services, child advocacy, and conservation, with a preference for South Central Oklahoma and North Texas. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,233 to $100,000, with a median of $20,000. The filing says to apply online through Foundation Management and that grants are not limited to preselected organizations.
Assets
$6.1M
Grants
25
Total Given
$621K
The Daube Family Foundation Inc
Ardmore, OK
The Daube Family Foundation supports community needs, children’s programs, food assistance, and other local services, primarily in Oklahoma. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $20,000, with a median of $2,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.8M
Grants
31
Total Given
$109K
Oklahoma City Community Foundation Inc
Oklahoma City, OK
The Oklahoma City Community Foundation funds local nonprofits in areas including health care access, children’s opportunities, culture and community, services for older adults, parks and public spaces, and animal welfare. Its 2025 grants had a median award of $18,251, though amounts varied widely; Community Grants focus on Central Oklahoma. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
698
Total Given
$63.3M
American Fidelity Foundation
Oklahoma City, OK
The American Fidelity Foundation funds education, health and welfare, arts and culture, and civic and economic development, primarily in Oklahoma communities where its affiliated companies operate. Its website says grants to an organization typically range from $500 to $5,000, though reported grants have been larger; it does not accept unsolicited requests but invites organizations to submit a letter of interest.
Assets
$48.1M
Grants
205
Total Given
$2.4M
Inasmuch Foundation
Oklahoma City, OK
Inasmuch Foundation supports community enhancement, education, human services, and journalism, with a focus on improving life for Oklahomans; education grants are limited to Oklahoma-based 501(c)(3) organizations. Grants vary widely: 2024 awards ranged from $50 to $1.5 million, with a median of $10,000, while eligible general operating requests may be $50,000 or $100,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through its online system in spring and fall; summer requests are by invitation only.
Assets
$409.7M
Grants
351
Total Given
$19.5M
Oge Energy Corp Foundation Inc
Oklahoma City, OK
The foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations working in STEM education, health and mental health, workforce development, environmental stewardship, human services, arts, and community development. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $1.5 million, with a median of $10,000, and are limited to organizations in the Oklahoma Gas and Electric service area. It accepts applications year-round and has no specific application form; applicants should include their IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter.
Assets
$25.2M
Grants
86
Total Given
$4.3M
Ardmore Institute of Health
Ardmore, OK
Ardmore Institute of Health funds U.S. nonprofits and government agencies working to advance lifestyle medicine and whole-person care, including primary care, obesity care, food as medicine, and equitable access in underserved communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $250,000, with a median of $75,000, and went to recipients in multiple states. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests; applicants must first submit an LOI Invitation Request.
Assets
$114.0M
Grants
32
Total Given
$2.5M
More Funders in Oklahoma
Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?