Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of GKFF?
George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF) is a charitable organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through investments in early childhood education, community health, social services and civic enhancement. GKFF is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and develops projects in conjunction with direct service organizations to serve the Tulsa area population.
What are the Foundation's primary program areas?
GKFF has invested heavily in expanding the availability of high-quality, very early childhood education for low-income children in Tulsa County because research studies suggest that giving at risk infants and toddlers exposure to such programs is the most effective way to improve their opportunity for success in school and life. GKFF also supports numerous health and human service organizations in the Tulsa area to reinforce its anti-poverty efforts.
In addition, the George Kaiser Family Foundation supports and develops projects in community health, such as the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine and the Community Prenatal Project; civic enhancement and beautification in the City of Tulsa, through programs such as the Arkansas River Enhancement project and the Tulsa Beautification Foundation, and the National Energy Policy Institute, an initiative to develop a national energy policy focusing on alternative fuels and conservation to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
What are GKFF's grant application requirements?
With respect to GKFF's annual social services process, potential applicants are contacted directly by GKFF to apply for an end-of-year grant. Applicants are selected from a pool of local health and human service organizations that meet the needs of people living in poverty either through direct service offerings or through programmatic involvement among underserved populations.
In general, GKFF develops projects with service providers and in areas of mutual interest. GKFF typically does not accept unsolicited proposals.
To what kinds of programs does GKFF grant?
GKFF tends to seek out granting opportunities relevant to its areas of focus: early childhood education, social services support, civic enhancement projects and community health initiatives.
Does GKFF fund nationally, or internationally?
GKFF prefers to fund organizations and efforts related to direct service delivery to the greater Tulsa area and elsewhere in Oklahoma. GKFF occasionally supports projects nationally and internationally to replicate its local efforts, but does not generally consider unsolicited requests.
What is the relationship between GKFF and TCF (Tulsa Community Foundation)?
GKFF is a supporting organization (SO) of TCF which means that it is a subsidiary of and a supporter of its parent organization, the Tulsa Community Foundation. The Board of Tulsa Community Foundation appoints the GKFF Board of Directors.
Where can I find more information about GKFF?
For more information about GKFF, please click here.