Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Sarkeys Foundation: Empowering Oklahoma Nonprofits Through Grants
Established in 1962, Sarkeys Foundation has dedicated over six decades to enhancing the quality of life in Oklahoma through strategic grantmaking and community support. Founded by Sarkeys J. Sarkeys, our mission remains rooted in advancing education, social services, and cultural initiatives across the state. Governed by a committed Board of Trustees, we provide critical funding to 501(c)(3) organizations, alongside hosting leadership forums and offering conference facilities to amplify nonprofit impact.With assets exceeding $100 million, our foundation has awarded over $80 million in grants, maintaining rigorous compliance with IRS regulations and prioritizing transparency in all operations. Our quarterly grant review process ensures resources reach programs addressing Oklahoma's most pressing needs, from human services to state-significant cultural projects.
Services
Grant Awards
Conference Facilities
Board Retreats
Nonprofit Support
Leadership Forums
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We have awarded over $80 million in grants to Oklahoma nonprofits since 1962
- Our quarterly grant review process ensures transparent and equitable funding decisions
- We provide free conference facilities for nonprofit board retreats and leadership development
- Our grantmaking prioritizes Oklahoma-based organizations with state-significant impact
- We host annual leadership forums featuring expert-led sessions on nonprofit sustainability
Services
Grant Awards
Our grantmaking program supports Oklahoma-based 501(c)(3) organizations through quarterly funding cycles. We prioritize education initiatives, social service programs, and culturally significant projects that demonstrate community impact. Applications undergo rigorous evaluation by our Board of Trustees to ensure alignment with our mission of improving state quality of life.
Leadership Forums
Annual Southwest Regional Leadership Forums provide professional development through expert-led sessions on nonprofit management, fundraising strategies, and board governance. These two-day events feature keynote speakers, breakout workshops, and networking opportunities for Oklahoma's nonprofit sector professionals.
Conference Facilities
We offer complimentary conference facilities for nonprofit organizations to conduct board retreats, strategic planning sessions, and leadership training. Our venues include fully equipped meeting rooms and outdoor spaces designed to facilitate productive collaboration and organizational development.
Board Retreats
Our foundation provides venue support and logistical assistance for nonprofit board retreats focused on organizational growth and mission advancement. These retreats emphasize capacity-building through structured programming that strengthens governance and strategic direction.
Nonprofit Support
Beyond financial grants, we offer operational support through educational resources, leadership development programs, and networking opportunities. Our initiatives aim to strengthen Oklahoma's nonprofit sector by promoting best practices in financial management, program evaluation, and community engagement.
Questions
What geographic areas do you fund?
We exclusively fund organizations operating within Oklahoma state boundaries.
What types of grants do you award?
Our grants support education programs, social services, cultural initiatives, and humanitarian projects with statewide significance.
How often can organizations apply?
Organizations may submit one application per calendar year following a successful Letter of Inquiry.
What is your grant decision timeline?
Decisions occur quarterly after our April and October board meetings, with notifications approximately two weeks post-deadline.
Do you fund religious institutions?
We generally don't fund religious institutions unless they serve unique, unmet community needs.
Are multi-year grants available?
Yes, we consider multi-year funding for programs demonstrating sustained impact and clear evaluation metrics.
