The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation is a private foundation based in Ardmore, Oklahoma. It funds agricultural research and makes charitable grants supporting health, education, and stronger communities.
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation at a glance
In short: The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation gave $53.9M across 153 grants in 2024 (avg $352K), mostly in Oklahoma. 21% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $53,930,124
- +11.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 153
- -13.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $352,484
- +29.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $1,091,026,668
- +2.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 21% first-time grantees (15 of 73, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Oklahoma (76% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
- How to Apply
-
For the scholarship, submit all materials through the online application process. The filing does not describe an application process for the foundation’s organizational grants.
- Review Cycle
- Qualified scholarship applicants may apply January 1–March 1.
- Deadline
- Qualified scholarship applicants may apply January 1–March 1.
- Contact
Application contact: The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Mailing address: 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401
Phone: (580) 223-5810
Website: https://noblefoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Who The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Noble Research Institute LLC ($36.5M across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $51.8M.
Organizations only. It also paid 67 grants to individuals ($268,013), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
885 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 783 grants of 885 (88%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 76% of grant dollars went to recipients in Oklahoma, 16% to Georgia, 5% to Texas, 2% to Washington, DC, and less than 1% to Maryland. The foundation’s scholarship eligibility is limited to students residing in 15 south-central and southeastern Oklahoma counties.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 153 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation open to new grantees?
21%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 15 of 73 grantees (21%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $193K; repeat grants $876K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $28K repeat.
- 73% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 22% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 105% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $42.4M (2020) to $53.9M (2024). In 2024 it made 153 grants totaling $53.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Noble Research Institute LLC Ardmore, OK | Operational Support | $36,500,000 |
| Leading the Way with Dr Michael Youssef Inc Atlanta, GA | Noble Ministry Fund | $8,250,000 |
| The Children's Center Inc DBA Bethany Children's Health Center Bethany, TX | The Landmark of Hope Expansion Project | $1,780,000 |
| Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service Inc Ardmore, OK | Ambulance Facility Project | $1,500,000 |
| Shepherd Center Inc Atlanta, OK | Performance Lab and Ed Noble Smart Tech Hub | $1,000,000 |
| Heritage Foundation Washington, DC | Ed Noble Lobby | $750,000 |
| Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs Inc Oklahoma City, OK | The Generations Project | $500,000 |
| YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City Oklahoma City, TX | Ymca camp classen: here for all. Here for good. Capital campaign | $500,000 |
| Heritage Foundation Washington, DC | First Principles, Free Enterprise, and Education Choice | $400,000 |
| Childrens Medical Center Foundation Dallas, TX | Building the New Dallas Pediatric Hospital Campus | $250,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,091,026,668 | $114,212,278 | $61,723,751 | $53,930,124 | 153 | $55,159,037 | $108,495,814 | $52,533,114 |
| 2023 | $1,060,200,643 | $37,414,115 | $55,156,360 | $48,373,229 | 177 | $50,151,795 | $43,777,671 | $50,790,430 |
| 2022 | $1,003,604,641 | $34,946,029 | $50,183,173 | $45,223,283 | 173 | $46,809,659 | $24,731,627 | $51,165,115 |
| 2021 | $1,183,090,626 | $85,581,097 | $54,432,166 | $44,262,581 | 183 | $45,944,240 | $103,643,900 | $54,785,381 |
| 2020 | $1,066,977,122 | $47,195,593 | $50,026,746 | $42,416,629 | 199 | — | $46,204,995 | $46,533,656 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation reported a distributable amount of $52.5M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to continue Lloyd Noble’s philanthropic legacy by funding agricultural research and making charitable grants that cultivate good health, support education, and build stronger communities. Its grant program’s primary focus is agricultural research conducted by Noble Research Institute, alongside support for charitable organizations working in health, education, and community strength.
The grantees’ own missions illustrate the range of organizations supported. Noble Research Institute says it guides farmers and ranchers in applying regenerative principles to improve soil, grazing land, and business success. Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service says it provides ambulance and emergency medical services in Carter and eastern Jefferson counties. Shepherd Center describes its work as acute and rehabilitative hospital care for people with spinal cord and brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions. The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs says it promotes principles including free enterprise, limited government, personal responsibility, and individual initiative.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 153 grants totaling $53,930,124. Individual grants ranged from $150 to $36.5 million, with a median of $5,000. The largest listed award was $36.5 million to Noble Research Institute LLC for operational support. Other major awards included $8.25 million to Leading the Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Inc. for the Noble Ministry Fund; $1.78 million to The Children’s Center Inc. DBA Bethany Children’s Health Center for the Landmark of Hope expansion project; and $1.5 million to Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service Inc. for an ambulance facility project.
The foundation’s filing says it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Separately, its Sam Noble Scholarship Program supports students from southern Oklahoma pursuing an associate degree in technology or bachelor’s and graduate degrees in agriculture-related fields. Applicants must reside in one of 15 south-central or southeastern Oklahoma counties; students from elsewhere in Oklahoma or outside the state are not eligible. Applications must be submitted online.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Cody Noble as chairman and director. Other directors are Dr. Randolph Brown Jr., Susan Brown, James Day, Bill Goddard, Virginia Heckman, and Jessie Nance. Advisory directors listed are Sam DuBose (through November 2024), Vivian Noble DuBose (as of November 2024), and Alyson Gilbert.
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation is led by Cody Noble, Chairman & Director since 2023 (on filings since 2020); all 17 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Cody Noble
Chairman & Director
Director → Chairman & Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$48K (2020) → $47K (2024)
Bill Goddard
Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$45K (2020) → $43K (2024)
Jack Waldo
Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$49K (2020) → $50K (2024)
James Day
Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$47K (2020) → $49K (2024)
Jessie Nance
Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$46K (2020) → $44K (2024)
Jo Kate Parker
Advisory Director
Advisory Director - → Advisory Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$23K (2020) → $35K (2024)
Marianne Rooney
Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$45K (2020) → $46K (2024)
Randolph Brown Jr.
Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$45K (2020) → $43K (2024)
Russell Noble
Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$43K (2020) → $44K (2024)
Sam Dubose
Advisory Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$38K (2020) → $45K (2024)
Stephen Young
Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$43K (2020) → $63K (2024)
Susan Brown
Director
Chairman & Director → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$44K (2020) → $41K (2024)
Virginia Heckman
Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$42K (2020) → $67K (2024)
Vivian Noble Dubose
Advisory Director
Director → Chairman & Director, 2021
Chairman & Director → Advisory Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$48K (2020) → $44K (2024)
Clark Ruppert
Advisory Director
On filings since 2022
6 hrs/week
$3K (2022) → $32K (2024)
Alyson Gilbert
Advisory Director
Director → Advisory Director, 2024
On filings since 2023
6 hrs/week
$3K (2023) → $16K (2024)
Ellen Ruppert
Advisory Director
New on the 2024 filing
6 hrs/week
$3K (2024)
Former officers (2)
- Former: Patrick Rooney (2020–2022) — Advisory Director
- Former: Samuel Lars Noble (2020) — Advisory Director -
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $67K, to Virginia Heckman (Director). 17 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
How much does The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation give each year?
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation gave $53.9M across 153 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $48.4M across 177 grants.
What is The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's typical grant size?
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $352,484, across 153 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation that year got $193K on average.
Where does The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation give grants?
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation gives mostly in Oklahoma: 76% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Georgia (16%). The most frequent recipient cities were Oklahoma City, OK (22 grants), Ardmore, OK (17 grants), Atlanta, GA (4 grants) and Washington, DC (4 grants).
Does The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 20% of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (31 of 153) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Sam Noble Scholarship" (42 grants), "Noble Educational Fund" (22 grants) and "2023-2024 Scholarships" (3 grants).
Who are The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's largest grantees?
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Noble Research Institute LLC ($36,526,675 across 3 grants), Leading the Way with Dr Michael Youssef Inc ($8,348,600 across 2 grants) and The Children's Center Inc DBA Bethany Children's Health Center ($1,780,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 67 grants to individuals ($268,013), which are not listed by name. Together they received 87% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation?
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation reported $1.1B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $55.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $52.5M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to continue Lloyd Noble’s philanthropic legacy by funding agricultural research and making charitable grants that cultivate good health, support education, and build stronger communities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation?
For the scholarship, submit all materials through the online application process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's EIN?
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-5328519. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-samuel-roberts-noble-foundation-morg_2a60382dcb01490daeafb0128646438e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_815328519_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-samuel-roberts-noble-foundation-morg_2a60382dcb01490daeafb0128646438e},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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