Gaylord Foundation Grant

Gaylord Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: E L And Thelma Gaylord Foundation
Last Updated: November 25, 2025

Summary

The E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, established in 1994, supports charitable activities primarily in the greater Oklahoma City area. The foundation emphasizes the arts, education, medical research, and children's issues, continuing the legacy of its founders, Edward and Thelma Gaylord. With a commitment to enhancing community welfare and preserving Oklahoma's heritage, the foundation seeks to empower qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

Overview

Foundation History Edward L. Gaylord and his wife ThelmaEdward L. Gaylord and his wife Thelma established the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation in 1994 to support a wide range of charitable activities. Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord were among Oklahoma’s leading citizens. It has been said of Edward L. Gaylord that for all of his influences and financial resources, he remained a solid, practical, principled, down-to-earth and generous man with his own unique style of warmth and good humor. He loved his home and his family, and enjoyed contributing to dozens of philanthropic causes. He was a gentleman. Much of what he contributed to Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma was done privately, without fanfare. Thelma Gaylord served in many roles – beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, corporate executive and civic leader. Her contributions over nearly half a century to various cultural, educational and charitable organizations greatly enriched the life of the community and state that she loved. In 1987, Governor Henry Bellmon named her as one of the first recipients of his “State of Excellence” award for her positive contributions to Oklahoma. Pioneering a Better Tomorrow The Foundation continues the Gaylord’s commitment to improving the lives of Oklahomans and preserving the heritage and natural resources of the state they loved. Grants will be in keeping with their interests, with special emphasis in the arts, education, medical research and children’s issues.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Foundation accepts applications from qualified 501(C)3 charitable organizations in the greater metropolitan Oklahoma City areaFrom medical research to the arts, the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation is committed to supporting a wide range of philanthropic causes, and exists for the betterment of the communities in which we live.

Ineligibility

Grants will not be made to individuals.The Foundation no longer accepts grant requests from organizations outside the greater metropolitan Oklahoma City area.