Kirkpatrick Foundation Small Grants

Kirkpatrick Foundation Small Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Kirkpatrick Foundation Inc.
Amount: Up to US $10,000
Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Summary

The Kirkpatrick Foundation Small Grants program supports diverse initiatives in arts, culture, education, animal wellbeing, environmental conservation, and historic preservation, primarily in Central Oklahoma. With no specific deadlines and monthly reviews, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life through strategic funding. Organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3) nonprofits and serve the local community are encouraged to apply. This program reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable environment for all citizens.

Overview

NOTE: Small grants are reviewed monthly and there are no specific deadlines. However, please allow 60 days for review, meetings, and follow up information. Funding Areas John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick created the Kirkpatrick Foundation in 1955 with a check for $10,000. Today, our mission is to support arts, culture, education, animal wellbeing, environmental conservation, and historic preservation, primarily in Central Oklahoma. The foundation gives $3 million annually in grants and charitable activities. Arts & Culture John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick’s early investments in the arts and culture of Oklahoma City continue to live strong. Noteworthy arts and cultural organizations, large and small, contribute to the very fabric of a thriving, vibrant city. The key component of Kirkpatrick Foundation giving reflects tangible quality-of-life issues for the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. From theater and dance to museums, film festivals, and exhibits, we strive to support a variety of cultural and arts programs for all of central Oklahoma’s citizens and visitors to enjoy. Education Kirkpatrick Foundation has long supported education in Oklahoma City, making efforts to sustain the stakeholders of pre-K-12, university-level, and out-of-school programming. Kirkpatrick Foundation’s investment in the future of Oklahoma is made clear in our grants to educational programs that impact countless lives throughout the city. Whether arts programs in summer camps, or continuing education for teachers, our reach in Oklahoma’s educational environment is diverse and strong. Animal Wellbeing From its earliest years, Kirkpatrick Foundation has been concerned with the wellbeing of animals. That concern has grown into a major commitment to ensure animals in Oklahoma are treated well wherever they live. Support has been provided for state-of-the-art veterinary equipment and supplies, medical care for search dogs and zoo animals, and emergency and disaster preparedness. The vision of Kirkpatrick Foundation is to make Oklahoma the safest and most humane place to be an animal by the year 2032. Environmental Conservation The foundation has supported programs designed to build awareness about the natural environment including soil health and freshwater protection. Programs also supported have been for conservation education for teachers and landowners, strategies to protect fauna, and making natural habitats more accessible for all citizens. The health of every community is directly tied to the quality of the environment in which we live, and the foundation seeks to support efforts to ensure that quality. Historic Preservation Historic Preservation is an area of foundation interest that is a tradition of several generations. Foundation efforts have included partnerships that allowed Oklahoma nonprofit property owners to have feasibility studies done for sites of historic significance. These studies outline architectural improvements and detailed structural repairs and restoration strategies needed to maintain a historic designation. Conferences and workshops to educate the public on recognized standards of practice that preserve the history of Oklahoma’s built environment are also supported.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grant proposals are considered from eligible organizations who:Qualify as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for at least three yearsPromote activities within our designated funding areas of: arts & culture, education, animal wellbeing, historic preservation, or environmental conservationServe Central Oklahoma, primarily the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, Oklahoma County and surrounding countiesHave a working board of directors and demonstrate 100% board member giving.

Ineligibility

Nonprofits that fall under a different subsection of the IRS codeIndividualsLobbying organizationsMedical and/or health-related causesSocial service causesAthletic programsGovernmental entitiesGroups utilizing a fiscal sponsor unless previously approvedOrganizations currently funded by the Kirkpatrick Family Fund (excluding endowment matching grants)Fundamentally, we do not fund organizations that advocate for or are involved in the killing, abuse, or harm of animals.