Our process

Time is the most valuable resource for many of our grantees. Our process helps us make applying for a grant as efficient as possible and provides transparency to prospective partners through each step.

We are not currently accepting unsolicited proposals. We recommend that prospective applicants review our mission, strategy, program areas and awarded grants to ensure that your organization and proposal are consistent with our vision, prior to submitting an inquiry.

Prospecting

The Foundation regularly consults with external experts, consultants, leaders, and the wider community impacted by our areas of focus. Our program staff works to identify, cultivate and support philosophically aligned organizations through capacity building grants, pilot projects, and impact investing.

Introductory Call or Meeting

Our staff holds an initial meeting or phone call with an organization’s leadership team to learn more about their mission, values, and programs. This helps us to identify potential alignment with the goals of the Foundation.

Proposal

Guided by our program staff, the requesting organization drafts a one- to two-page proposal that briefly describes the organization, community need, program description, goals, strategy, sustainability considerations and estimated request amount. Proposals should include a project budget that identifies the specific expenses projected to be incurred and allocated to the grant funds during its lifecycle. Indirect costs, administrative fees or overhead ratios are subject to internal policy and will be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact your program officer prior to submitting your proposal to ensure it adheres to Foundations guidelines.

Initial Review

The Foundation reviews the proposal. We may follow up with additional questions and discussion or to schedule a site visit or additional meeting with senior leadership of the organization.

Outcomes

Our program staff works with the grantee to establish specific objectives and metrics by which to measure progress on projected outcomes.

Grant Application

The Foundation submits a request to Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF) to consider the proposal for funding. If accepted, OCCF invites the organization to begin the application process. Once the grant application is submitted, OCCF and our staff review the application and follow up with the applicant if there are any questions. Upon completion, the Foundation presents the full application to the OCCF Committee for evaluation. The OCCF Committee then makes funding recommendations to the OCCF Trustees for final approval. OCCF Trustees meet quarterly to evaluate applications and make award decisions.

At the discretion of the Foundation, some grant applications may be reviewed and funded independently by the Foundation.