Gelvin Foundation Grant

The Gelvin Foundation, established by Lyle M. Gelvin, supports non-profit organizations primarily in Oklahoma, focusing on those within a 30-mile radius of Tulsa or Eufaula. Since 1996, the Foundation has granted over $9 million to more than 230 organizations, fostering strong relationships with grantees. It prioritizes projects that directly benefit local communities, ensuring that funds are allocated to initiatives that meet the unique needs of the citizens in these areas.

NOTE: First-time applicants are encouraged to send a letter of inquiry only, rather than a full proposal, providing us with a brief introduction to their organization and the project in need of funding. We will then respond as to whether we are interested in having a full proposal submitted.
Through his establishment of the Foundation bearing his name, Lyle M. Gelvin provided a significant source of monetary support for a broad range of non-profit causes and undertakings which he so enthusiastically encouraged and aided during his lifetime. Since 1996 the Foundation has contributed over $10 million to over 230 different charitable organizations primarily in northeastern Oklahoma. As a relatively small organization, we value the relationships we establish with our grant recipients and strive to be friendly, flexible and understanding of our grantees’ unique needs.
Grants are made in four primary fields of interest (the allocation of funding within these groups is reviewed and adjusted annually).
Family and Community ServiceHealth CareEducationCultural/Arts

Eligibility

By policy, the Foundation’s grants are limited to non-profit organizations within the State of Oklahoma, and we currently focus our support on organizations within a 30-mile radius of Tulsa or Eufaula whose programs primarily benefit the citizens in these areas. To be eligible for consideration, applicant organizations must be registered under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code or its equivalent.

Ineligibility

The Foundation generally does not provide multi-year or matching grants, and they do not normally participate in capital campaigns.Grant applications for individuals or political interests are not accepted, and applications for general support, debt reduction or compensation to staff are discouraged.Education grants are generally not provided to individual schools or public school systems.Grants to religious organizations and programs sponsored by religious organizations are primarily limited to the Foundation’s support of St. Gelvin, attended and supported during his lifetime.