The Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation was established in 1995 by Carolyn Watson, the former CEO and chairman of Shamrock Bank N.A., with the goal of improving the quality of life in rural Oklahoma communities. Since its inception, the foundation has distributed more than $3 million in grants to support nonprofit organizations in rural areas. The grant programs are administered by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and focus on areas such as classroom enhancements, community literacy programs, and scholarships.

The Community Grants program provides funding to nonprofit organizations working to enhance the quality of life in rural Oklahoma. Grant awards can be up to $40,000. These grants are designed to support projects that address key community needs and create meaningful impact. Classroom grants are also available for Pre-K through 12th-grade educators, enabling them to introduce innovative learning experiences beyond traditional curriculums.

The application process for the Community Grants program includes a two-step approach. Interested applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to determine eligibility and alignment with the grant’s priorities. The LOI must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025. If the LOI is approved, the organization will receive an invitation to complete a full grant application, which must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

Eligible projects must demonstrate a clear plan for enhancing community services, educational initiatives, or other critical areas that support the well-being of rural Oklahoma residents. While specific priority areas are not explicitly mentioned, past grants have been awarded in diverse categories such as arts and culture, STEM education, literacy programs, and social studies projects. Schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations serving rural communities are the primary beneficiaries.

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in May 2025, and funded projects must be implemented between May 2025 and March 2026. The foundation values sustainability and measurable outcomes, which may influence the evaluation process. The grant does not require matching funds, making it accessible to smaller organizations with limited resources.

For inquiries regarding application access and submission, potential applicants should contact Patti Biera at p.biera@occf.org. Additional program details, including grant guidelines and past recipients, can be found on the Oklahoma City Community Foundation website.