Kaleb Brown | OCCF https://occf.org Meeting the changing needs of the Community. Tue, 13 Aug 2024 11:23:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://occf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cropped-occf-favicon-32x32.webp Kaleb Brown | OCCF https://occf.org 32 32 Honoring & Remembering Louisa McCune https://occf.org/in-remembrance-of-louisa-mccune/ Mon, 12 Aug 2024 19:14:40 +0000 https://occf.org/staging/?p=243625

Louisa McCune dedicated her life to making the world a better place for both animals and people.  

Louisa McCune

Louisa McCune

With heavy hearts, we are sad to share that Louisa McCune, the executive director of the Kirkpatrick Foundation, passed away last weekend after a hard-fought battle with cancer. 

Louisa and the staff at the Kirkpatrick Foundation worked closely with the Oklahoma City Community Foundation to develop and award strategic and impactful grants to programs supporting arts & culture, animal welfare, education, historic preservation and environmental conservation.  

Kind, elegant, witty, intelligent, fierce, and compassionate were words her friends and allies used frequently to describe Louisa McCune. She was a force. Louisa has been a steadfast advocate for the arts and animal welfare in Oklahoma, leading the Kirkpatrick Foundation since 2011. Most recently, Louisa and the staff at the Kirkpatrick Foundation and Kirkpatrick Family Fund achieved one of their greatest accomplishments – creating Kirkpatrick Philanthropies to purchase and transform 133 acres in Oklahoma City into Red Ridge Study Center and Nature Preserve.  

Her tireless efforts for humane living conditions for animals in Oklahoma and around the world left a lasting impact. She ensured that organizations like the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals (OAA) had the necessary funding to assist chained dogs and abandoned animals. Louisa dedicated her life to making the world a better place for both animals and people.  

Our thoughts are with Louisa’s family, friends and everyone at the Kirkpatrick Foundation during this time. 

Our History Together: The Kirkpatrick Foundation and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation are closely linked. John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick, prominent citizens of Oklahoma City, saw a need and felt compelled to help develop the cultural and civic structures of their hometown. On May 17, 1955, Kirkpatrick Foundation was officially established with an initial contribution of $10,000 to serve as a vehicle for personal philanthropic endeavors. When private foundation laws changed in 1969, and the Kirkpatrick’s saw an opportunity to continue their charitable efforts and help individuals, families, companies and organizations invest in Oklahoma City, they helped create the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

You may find Louisa’s obituary and information on the Aug. 17 services, here.

]]> OCCF Awards More than $4.1 Million in Grants to Support Youth, Juvenile Justice and Criminal Justice Reform Programs through the Arnall Community Funds https://occf.org/occf-awards-4-million-through-arnall/ Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:48:06 +0000 https://occf.org/staging/?p=243394

The Arnall Community Funds, part of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF), recently awarded $4,154,095 in grants to local nonprofits providing services to people in the justice and foster care systems, and those experiencing homelessness.

“These innovative programs lift up teens and adults during critical transitional periods, so they have a better chance to thrive in our community,” said Trisha Finnegan, President and CEO at OCCF. “By partnering with these first-in-class nonprofit organizations, these grants help provide the pathway needed for success.”

The Arnall Community Funds are one example of how partnership significantly expands the resources available to meet pressing needs across our community. The Funds were a bold investment of the Arnall Family Foundation to further its mission to empower community partners to create lasting, transformative change through strategic investments and innovative partnerships.

People should not be defined by their circumstances and that is especially true for children in our community. These grants strengthen support systems and help our partner organizations to meet individual needs, so the resources and opportunities are available to those who need it when they need it.

Sue Ann Arnall

President, Arnall Family Foundation

We are proud to award grants to the following organizations:

City Rescue Mission – Hope Lives Here, a rapid rehousing & eviction prevention service. – $1,034,903 (over 2 years)

Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform – to support outreach and engagement programs. – $100,000

OKC Metro Alliance – Men’s Firstep Learning Kitchen Dining Facility. – $1,000,000

Oklahoma Mobility Institute (OMI) – Climb Ride Program expansion by embedding a mobility program coordinator to assist PIVOT clients. – $1,419,192 (over 3 years)

STAAR Resources Agency – Pathway to Excellence Pilot Program to provide job readiness and industry mentoring programs for justice-involved youth. – $600,000 (over 3 years)

About the Oklahoma City Community Foundation 

Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works with donors to create charitable funds that will benefit our community both now and in the future. To learn more about the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, visit www.occf.org. 

The Arnall Community Funds, created by the Arnall Family Foundation at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, support organizations creating lasting change for our community by reducing homelessness and reforming the criminal justice, foster care and juvenile justice systems.

]]> Remembering Our Veterans https://occf.org/memorial-day-2024/ Thu, 23 May 2024 16:26:22 +0000 https://occf.org/staging/?p=242997

The following is a recreation of a flyer shared by ARM (Associated Risk Managers) created in remembrance of Jeffry Rogers, circa 2006. Portions of the flyer have been updated to ensure accuracy.

Like many young men, Jeff Rogers was moved to join the military by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “He said he wanted to give something back,” said the late Janet Rogers, Jeffry’s mother. Cpl. Jeffry A. Rogers gave his life for his country on November 16, 2005, when he and four other marines were killed in an ambush in Uhaydi, Iraq.

Janet Rogers learned of her son’s death after returning from a business trip to Kansas. She said she still hasn’t fully processed the news. “All I can tell you is I’m going to miss him tons and tons” she said.

Rogers, 21, was the 35th Oklahoma services member killed in Iraq since the U.S. Invasion in 2003, according to the Defense Department’s records. Rogers joined the Marine Corps in 2002 shortly before graduating from Putnam City North High School. His mother said she did her best to talk him out of it but he insisted on enlisting. Rogers’ desire to join the military crystallized as he watched the horrific toll of the 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington unfold on television. “He said, ‘We have to keep our world safe. We have to protect our people’,” his mother said. Rogers prospered in the Marines, according to his mother, earning an invitation to join the security forces because of his high test scores. Those scores also netted him a $50,000 scholarship.

Jeff was proud to be a Marine and he lived his life reflecting the Marine Corps principles of honor, courage and commitment. He was a strong squad leader and had earned the respect of his unit and the commanding officers. Jeff was a courteous and loving young man who always said and did the little things to make others feels special. Cpl. Rogers’ personal awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and The Purple Heart.

Janet and Jim Rogers would like all who read this to remember… Jeff is an AMERICAN HERO, and please continue to pray for and support all of our troops who are fighting to maintain our freedom.
Semper Fi.

Janet Rogers was the Executive Director ARM of Mid America. (Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Colorado, Kansas)

The Family has established the Jeffry Rogers Education Memorial Fund to be used to help both military and non-military youth attend college.

***

The Jeffry Rogers Memorial Fund Scholarship

The scholarship was established by family in memory of Jeffry Rogers, with awards benefitting graduating seniors of Putnam City North High School. Since its inception, the memorial fund has awarded $50,000 to 21 PCN High School students.

Award Recipients

Jesse Arnold – 2006
Amanda McBride – 2007
Bradley Brooks – 2008
Santos Gaytan – 2009
Jennifer Roberts – 2010
Stefan Glass – 2011
Amy Wallace – 2012
Cierra Chastain – 2013
Abbigail Milligan – 2014
Dylan Rodolf – 2015
Dylan Shirallie – 2016
Grant Edwards – 2017
Che Wylie – 2018
Megan Allen – 2019
Delaney Fulp – 2021
Emma Spalding – 2022
Alex Vongphakdy – 2022
Piper Bush – 2023
Winnie Du – 2023
Diana Flores – 2024
Dion Mabhoti – 2024

A plaque commemorating Cpl. Jeffry A. Rogers at PCNHS.

By The Numbers

By The Numbers

Students Awarded

Total Awarded in Scholarships

Thank you to all who have served our country. OCCF is proud to support those in uniform.

If you would like to donate to the Jeffry Rogers Education Memorial Fund, please visit our donation portal.

Donate Now

]]> Resources for Those Affected by the April 25-28 Severe Weather Event https://occf.org/4-24-severe-weather-resources/ Mon, 29 Apr 2024 16:11:13 +0000 https://occf.org/staging/?p=242696

Last updated 5/3/24 @ 2 p.m.

Between April 25-28, several tornadoes touched down across the central Oklahoma region. While Oklahomans are no strangers to severe weather, it does not make the incident any less strenuous.

Working with leading organizations like OKVOAD, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation has identified several resources available to those affected by this severe weather event.

FEMA Assistance Application - Hughes, Love, Murray Counties

FEMA designation delivers assistance for housing repairs or temporary housing, low-interest loans for individuals and businesses from the US Small Business Administration to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs.

Learn more and apply here or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Red Cross Shelters, Volunteer Coordination and Reunification Centers

Shelters available in the following locations:

  • Sulphur – Crossway First Baptist Church Sulphur, 2108 W. Broadway Ave.
  • Ardmore – Christ Community Church Ardmore, 2620 Mount Washington Road

Mass care and feeding responses are ongoing, as well.

For the most up-to-date shelter information, please visit redcross.org/shelter

Oklahoma Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (Sulphur, Ardmore & Marietta)

Providing meals, debris removal, chainsaw teams, roof covering, and volunteer coordination.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)-trained chaplains are also available for affected residents and first responders.

To request help, go to okdisasterhelp.org

The Salvation Army (Emergency Responder Support)

Providing first responders in Murray and Love Counties with meals as of 4/28.

Each service will run until no longer needed.

Emotional and spiritual care workers are also available. The Salvation Army is determining need for clean-up kits and other supplies today, 4/29.

Medical Equipment and Supply Replacement

Contact Shelley Gladder at shelley.gladder@okstate.edu

National Disaster Distress Helpline & 211 (Heartline)

If you are experiencing emotional distress related to a natural disaster, you are encouraged to call or text the National Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. This line is available for anyone seeking compassionate listening support, including first responders, survivors, and relief workers – you may call for yourself or on behalf of someone. Options for Spanish speakers and deaf or hard of hearing are available.

211 is available for non-emergency-related disaster relief.

  • A statewide resource used to connect individuals to local resources whether it’s food pantries, clothing closets, diapers + food for kids, utility assistance, rental assistance, etc.
Oklahoma Disaster Legal Help

“If you were impacted by the April 2024 storms, you may have disaster-related civil legal issues. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Indian Legal Services provide free civil legal services to eligible disaster survivors. More information can be given through the LASO Disaster Hotline or by applying online.”

Legal Aid Disaster Hotline: 888-602-8494

Apply Online

Chickasaw Nation Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund
“If you were impacted last night by the tornado in Sulphur (or elsewhere), you might be eligible to receive financial assistance through the Chickasaw Nation Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.
Please contact your respective Chickasaw Nation area office tomorrow for details:
Ada Area Office: (580) 436-7256
Ardmore Area Office: (580) 226-4821
Duncan Area Office: (580) 470-2131
Oklahoma City Area Office: (405) 767-8971
Pauls Valley Area Office: (405) 207-9883
Purcell Area Office: (405) 527-4973
Sulphur Area Office: (580) 622-2888
Tishomingo Area Office: (580) 371-9512
We at the Chickasaw Foundation are here to help.”
Oklahoma Insurance Department

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is available to help residents with issues they may have with their insurance claims.

For more information, click here or call 1-800-522-0071.

Oklahoma Attorney General - Consumer Protection Unit

The Emergency Price Stabilization Act prohibits an increase of more than 10% for the price of goods and services after a declared emergency. If you suspect price gouging is occurring in a disaster area, please contact the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office at 833-681-1895.

Citizen Potawatomi Nation - Disaster Relief

Members of the Potawatomi Nation impacted by the tornado outbreak are encouraged to call 405-275-3121 for resources and assistance.

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management - Damage Reporting Link

“Information collected here will help local and state authorities understand locations impacted by disaster. Please fill out the survey more than once if you have sustained damage to homes, businesses, or agriculture in the same location. This survey is not in any form an application for or guarantee of assistance.” – ODEM

To complete this survey, click here.

Oklahoma Gas and Electric - Outage Reporting

You can quickly report an outage online or text OUT to 32001 if you’re signed up for myOGEalerts. You can also call 405-272-9595 (OKC) or 800-522-6870 (all other areas).

Operation BBQ Relief Mobile Kitchen - Sulphur

Walmart Supercenter 2705 Broadway Ave. Sulphur, OK 73086

Meal distributions will take place at both 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. while supplies last.

Small Business Administration

SBA loans are available for eligible businesses of all sizes, Renters, Homeowners, and Private and nonprofit organizations located in a declared disaster area.

MySBA Loan Portal

Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma

For disaster survivors seeking resources for people with disabilities. Includes information on accessing services, support and advocacy, transportation, adaptive technology, planning, and caregiver support and training.

Learn more here or call 405-521-4984.

OK Department of Rehabilitation Services

Resources and information for disaster survivors who are deaf or hearing impaired and their families.

Learn more here or call this video phone line – 405-543-2646.

OK Department of Human Services: Aging Services Division

Information and resources for older people, including Adult Day Services, Advantage Services, legal services, long-term care, nutrition, and transportation.

Senior Info Line:  800-221-2116

Abuse Hotline: 800-522-3511

Oklahoma Farm Services Agency

Farmers & ranchers in the declared area with damages may be eligible for assistance.

Learn more here or call 405-742-1130.

For individuals able and looking to volunteer, we ask you to follow the guidelines set forth by OKVOAD at okvoad.org/volunteer/.

UPDATE LOG

5/3 @ 2 p.m.

  • Re-added 211 after a miscommunication leading to the removal in a previous update.
  • Added additional resources:
    • FEMA Assistance Application – Hughes, Love, Murray Counties
    • Operation BBQ Relief Mobile Kitchen
    • Small Business Administration
    • Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma
    • OK Department of Rehabilitation Services
    • OK Department of Human Services: Aging Services Division
    • Oklahoma Farm Services Agency

4/30 @ 3 p.m.

  • Removed Heartline resource (doesn’t cover disaster events or southern Oklahoma), leaving the National Disaster Distress Helpline.
  • Added additional resources:
    • Chickasaw Nation Disaster Relief & Recovery Fund
    • Oklahoma Insurance Department
    • Oklahoma Attorney General – Consumer Protection Unit
    • Citizen Potawatomi Nation – Disaster Relief
    • Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management – Damage Reporting Link
    • Oklahoma Gas and Electric
  • Added update log.

4/29@ 1:30 p.m.

  • Created page.
  • Added initial resource list
    ]]>         OCCF Awards $567,000 in Scholarships to 189 Central Oklahoma Students https://occf.org/cfs-celebration-24/ Tue, 23 Apr 2024 17:09:49 +0000 https://occf.org/staging/?p=242612

    The Oklahoma City Community Foundation is excited to announce it is awarding $567,000 in scholarships to 189 central Oklahoma graduating high school seniors, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. These students were honored during a celebration event held on April 2nd in Oklahoma City.

    These $3,000 scholarships are made possible through the Community Foundation Scholars program and New Opportunities Scholars programs at the Community Foundation, and this is the largest amount awarded to these groups of students since the beginning of the program. These scholarships are available to students attending 54 high schools participating in the Community Foundation’s Central Oklahoma High School Counselor Network. Students and their high school counselors attended.

    If my donor were here today, I would be honored to tell them that they have had a significant impact on my life.

    Christyan Barnett

    Guest Speaker, Former #CFScholar

    The Community Foundation Scholars program is just one of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation scholarship opportunities that benefit more than 900 students with a total of $4.1 million in scholarships yearly.

    Check out below for more photos from the event!

    ]]>         $515,588 Granted for Access to Health Care & Public Parks https://occf.org/24-health-parks-announcement/ Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:45:58 +0000 https://occf.org/staging/?p=242336

    Oklahoma’s nonprofit sector plays a central role in delivering vital resources and services to our community. To support their efforts, we offer a variety of grant opportunities throughout the year. Recently, we have awarded $515,588 to support access to health care and help activate green spaces and public parks.

    $327,500 in Grants for Access to Health Care

    According to the Commonwealth Fund Scorecard on State Health System Performance, Oklahoma is the 8th worst in the nation for access to health care.

    In an effort to improve the lives in the OKC metro area, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is investing in our health by awarding more than $327,000 in grants to organizations providing healthcare services so people can get the care they need.

    An OKC Resident utilizes free and reduced health screenings via Oklahoma Project Woman, supported by OCCF’s Access to Health Care grant.

    Poor health affects every part of a person’s life. It impacts their ability to work, take care of their families and build communities. These grants are designed to support personalized health services based on needs in different demographics and geographic areas so people get quality care that fits their circumstances.

    Trisha Finnegan

    President & CEO, Oklahoma City Community Foundation

    The grants are part of the Community Foundation’s Access to Health Care Community Grant Program, which provides funding for central Oklahoma nonprofits offering healthcare services to people who are uninsured or otherwise unable to access the health care they need. Since 2007, the foundation has provided nearly $2.9 million for people who are uninsured in our community through this program.

    Grants were awarded to the following outstanding organizations and programs:

    Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America –$5,000 to hold two health fairs in collaboration with local community partners for underserved populations.

    Center for Children & Families – $15,000 to provide counseling services to families experiencing child abuse.

    Oklahoma Children’s Health Foundation – $6,300 to provide an intensive group treatment program for children with selective mutism.

    Community Health Centers, Inc. – $35,000 to provide Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for uninsured patients at Community Health Highland Park Family Medical Center.

    Crossings Community Clinic – $20,000 to support uninsured patients with the management of uncontrolled diabetes to achieve better overall health.

    Health Alliance for the Uninsured, Inc. – $40,000 to provide access to free prescription medications and flu shots for low-income, uninsured adults.

    Limbs for Life Foundation – $15,000 to provide up to six people with prosthetic limbs.

    Neighborhood Services Organization, Inc. – $35,000 to provide 8,000 procedures to address chronic and preventative care needs.

    NewView Oklahoma, Inc. – $7,500 for essential low-vision services.

    Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation – $20,000 to provide no-cost durable medical equipment to Oklahomans in need.

    Oklahoma Dental Foundation – $10,000 to partner with D-DENT and Dale Graham Veterans Foundation to provide dental care and treatment to their clients.

    Parent Promise – $15,000 to provide postpartum care products to women who are first-time mothers in high-risk situations.

    Planned Parenthood Great Plains – $35,000 to provide affordable care to 200 patients if Title X benefits do not apply.

    Skyline Urban Ministry – $8,700 to provide 250-300 patrons seeking vision correction services.

    Teen emPower, Inc. – $40,000 for implementing teen pregnancy prevention education in 8th-grade classrooms.

    Youth and Family Services, Inc. – $20,000 to provide a full-body approach to recovery focusing on exercise, nutrition, counseling, and therapeutic activities that promote self-care.

    $188,088 in Grants for Parks & Public Spaces

    Will Rogers Park in Oklahoma City

    Will Rogers Parks, OKC – activated in part due to the OCCF Parks & Public Space Initiative.

    The Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF) is awarding $188,088 to 10 schools, municipalities and organizations focused on the beautification, development and activation of neighborhood parks, trails, schools and public spaces.

    The grants are part of the Community Foundation’s Parks & Public Space Initiative, a program that has invested more than $4.8 million in the community to encourage central Oklahoma residents to enjoy parks and other public areas.

    This OCCF initiative grew out of the Margaret Annis Boys Trust, which was established through a gift from Miss Boys’ estate in 1991 to support and encourage landscaping and beautification projects in parks, medians and other public lands in Oklahoma City. Grant awards will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. In addition to funding, Oklahoma City Community Foundation staff will provide project expertise.

    Grants provided through the Community Foundation’s Parks & Public Space Initiative include:

    An integral part of healthy and robust communities are accessible, modern parks and public spaces. These grant partners have developed innovative ways to integrate community involvement and care into improving their parks and public spaces and we are so excited to see these projects grow and thrive.

    Trisha Finnegan

    President & CEO, Oklahoma City Community Foundation

    Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine – $13,600 to plant 34 trees to beautify the entrance to the church grounds.

    City of Midwest City – $35,600 to plant 18 trees along park trails in five different city parks and install 10 park benches near the new trees.

    Metro Technology Centers – $16,060 to plant shade trees adjacent to new walking trails at the Springlake Campus.

    Mount St. Mary Catholic High School – $8,800 to plant 10 trees and install irrigation along the perimeter of the school grounds.

    Nichols Hills Enterprise Elementary PTA – $32,750 for irrigation and landscaping upgrades for the school along Wilshire Boulevard.

    Nichols Hills Parks, Inc. – $16,560 to replace dead or damaged trees and landscaping for the central bed in Kite Park.

    Nova Community Homeowners Association – $20,521 to landscape the W Hefner Road neighborhood frontage with new shrubs and small trees.

    OKC Beautiful – $10,000 to plant 50 trees on the campuses of Oklahoma City Schools, along with providing educational material on the importance of trees.

    Western Avenue Association – $18,440 to install new irrigation, shrubs, and trees within the street medians along Western Avenue at I-44.

    About the Oklahoma City Community Foundation 

    Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works with donors to create charitable funds that will benefit our community both now and in the future. To learn more about the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, visit www.occf.org. 

    ]]>         Christina Adcox Named Chief Operating Officer of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation https://occf.org/occf-names-new-coo/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 21:36:07 +0000 https://occf.org/staging/?p=242482

    After a nationwide search, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is excited to announce the hiring of Christina Adcox as the foundation’s new Chief Operating Officer. 

    Christina Adcox

    Christina Adcox

    Chief Operating Officer

    Oklahoma City Community Foundation

    “Christina Adcox has the perfect combination of expertise in philanthropy, deep local roots and dedication to our community, which make her an excellent addition to our team,” said Trisha Finnegan, Oklahoma City Community Foundation President and CEO. “She knows transformational change in our community happens when we all work together, and she has the proven leadership skills to work with our team as we continue growing the capabilities and impact of the foundation.”

    The Oklahoma City Community Foundation was looking for a self-motivated and forward-thinking individual to help lead our talented, passionate team.

    We found Christina Adcox.

    Trisha Finnegan

    President & CEO, Oklahoma City Community Foundation

    With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she has driven operational and fundraising strategies across multiple service sectors for leading Oklahoma-based nonprofit organizations. Most recently, Adcox served as the Director of Advancement and Philanthropic Partnerships at the Noble Research Institute in Ardmore, OK. Prior to that, she served as the Regional Chief Operating Officer for the American Red Cross as well as the Interim Executive Director for INTEGRIS Health Foundation.

    In the role of Chief Operating Officer, Adcox will implement and directly enhance operational capabilities along with major strategic initiatives as she works alongside the president and CEO.

    “As an ever-evolving organization, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation was looking for a self-motivated and forward-thinking individual to help lead our talented, passionate team,” said Trisha Finnegan. “We found Christina Adcox. Her leadership will fuel our excellent service and facilitate OCCF and our partners investing even more in our community and the people who live here.

    Adcox succeeds Rhonda Godwin, a stellar leader in the philanthropic and banking community who worked at OCCF for fourteen years, most recently as COO. The Oklahoma City Community Foundation board of trustees, leadership team and staff are deeply appreciative of her legacy and service to the community.

    About the Oklahoma City Community Foundation 

    Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works with donors to create charitable funds that will benefit our community both now and in the future. To learn more about the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, visit www.occf.org. 

    ]]>         Remembering Carolyn Watson https://occf.org/remembering-carolyn-watson/ Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:18:14 +0000 https://occf.org/staging/?p=242097

    Carolyn Watson was a woman of action and understood the value of blessing others with the gifts she was given. The longtime chair and CEO of Shamrock Bancshares wanted to improve the quality of life for the residents living in rural Oklahoma communities where her banks are located.

    Born in Ada, Oklahoma, and a graduate of East Central University, Carolyn knew well where the needs and opportunities existed. In 1995, she established the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation and, in 2010, the Carolyn Watson Opportunities Scholarship.

    Through these permanent endowment funds at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, she has provided educational, economic and civic advancement opportunities to rural communities throughout Oklahoma.

    Carolyn passed away ten years ago on March 17, 2014, at the age of 86. She leaves a meaningful legacy that will benefit future generations of rural Oklahomans. At the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, we are honored to carry on her legacy by administering the scholarships and grants of the Rural Foundation.

    The Carolyn Watson Opportunities Scholarship

    Founded in 2010, the Carolyn Watson Opportunities Scholarship benefits graduating seniors of rural Oklahoma high schools who demonstrate exceptional ability and excel beyond the high school environment in arts and humanities, science and engineering or community leadership.

    An opportunity for students in 62 rural counties in Oklahoma, the Opportunities Scholarship now awards 12 students per year at $12,000 each, providing significant support toward their total tuition cost.

    Cricket & Prairie Kaya, Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Scholarship Recipients

    Nominated by a teacher or community leader, these students demonstrate exceptional accomplishments outside the classroom environment.

    Each Year

    Scholarship Opportunities

    per student

    Since Inception

    Total Scholarships Awarded

    Total Amount Awarded

    Community & Classroom Enhancement Grants

    With a grant program in place since 1995, the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation has distributed more than $3 million to support nonprofit organizations to enhance the quality of life in rural Oklahoma communities.

    The Community and Classroom Enhancement Grants focus on supporting more than 20 Oklahoma counties.

    Mobile Smiles Vehicle of the Oklahoma Dental Foundation, recipient of the Carolyn Watson Community Grant

    Community Grants

    The Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in rural Oklahoma communities by providing funding for organizations offering services supporting four distinct categories.

    • Arts, Culture & History
    • Health & Safety
    • Libraries & Literacy
    • Economic Development

    By The Numbers

    As we looked at our ability to take our Mobile Smiles program around the state, we realized that going into rural communities – to smaller towns across Oklahoma – had to be a hallmark of what we were doing.

    John Wilguess

    Executive Director, Oklahoma Dental Foundation

    By The Numbers

    Community Grants Awarded

    Community Grants Distributed

    Counties Covered

    Classroom Enhancement Grants

    Available for pre-K through 12th-grade classrooms and school libraries, the classroom enhancement grant program supports projects focusing on the arts, literacy, STEM and history.

    Our rural teachers are brimming with creativity and passion. When provided with resources, they can offer their students experiences that broaden their horizons. Carolyn Watson’s classroom enhancement grants empower these educators to bring their innovative projects and ideas to life, thereby greatly enriching their students’ learning experience.

    Leslie Woodward

    Community Programs Manager, Oklahoma City Community Foundation

    Students engage in a building project, funded by a Classroom Grant.

    By The Numbers

    By The Numbers

    Classroom Grants Awarded

    Classroom Grants Distributed

    Counties Covered

    Additionally, the Classroom Grant program has touched 106 school districts across 85 towns/cities.

    Thank you, Carolyn Watson, for your tremendous contribution to rural Oklahoma. Your legacy continues to impact lives each and every day.

    Want to see more? Visit the Carolyn Watson Rural Community Foundation page.
    See More

    ]]>         OCCF Celebrates National School Counseling Week https://occf.org/nscw24/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:31:48 +0000 https://occf.org/staging/?p=241277

    As the state’s largest independent scholarship provider, we work closely with counselors nationwide to provide students with the best possible outcomes.

    The American School Counselor Association shares our affinity for these fantastic counselors, sponsoring the 2024 National School Counseling Week!

    Celebrated from February 5-9, the 2024 NSCW is an opportunity to show these counselors a little more love than usual, providing recognition for their implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program, a vital part of the education process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century.

    School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career options and social/emotional skills. School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.

    Jill Cook

    Executive Director, American School Counseling Association

    The Foundation recognizes counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. School counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in school counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.

    More than 100,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week’s festivities. Many schools will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the countless benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.

    To learn more about OCCF and its relationship with Counselors in Oklahoma, please visit our Central Oklahoma High School Counselor Network.

    Scholarship applications are also currently open for students from all backgrounds. Learn how to apply here:

    Apply Now

    We at the Foundation cannot stress enough the value school counselors bring to our scholarships program. OCCF is grateful to be able to provide opportunities for continuing education to our Central Oklahoma High School Counselor Network as well as unique opportunities for the students at these counselors’ schools.

    The work these counselors do is tremendous. Together, we are working for better outcomes for students in our state.

    Rick Fernandez

    Counselor & Development Outreach Coordinator, OCCF Scholarships Team

    ]]>         Jess Schwager shares Scholarship Opportunities through OCCF https://occf.org/jess-schwager-kfor/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:55:28 +0000 https://occf.org/staging/?p=241159

    OCCF’s Director of Scholarship Programs, Jess Schwager, recently visited with KFOR to talk about all the amazing opportunities offered at the Foundation!

    View the full interview here: 

    Learn more about the 180+ scholarship opportunities available through the Foundation here:

    View our Scholarships
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