Kaiser Family Foundation Announces Multi-Million Dollar Grants Tulsa-Area Nonprofits

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma – The George Kaiser Family Foundation is donating more than $5 million in grants to more than 60 non-profit organizations in northeastern Oklahoma.

Twenty-two of the organizations are receiving matching grant challenges.

"These are difficult times for many individuals and families in our community as so many struggle with basic needs like food, shelter, health care and other critical services," said Ken Levit, executive director of George Kaiser Family Foundation.

"Charitable organizations in Tulsa work hard every day to help fill the needs of tens of thousands of Oklahomans throughout our city, county and region."

The Kaiser Family Foundation said more than 1.2 million will go toward substance abuse, mental health and crisis intervention, $1 million will go toward community health initiatives, and $669,000 will support child and family welfare, senior services, and youth development and training.

Organizations receiving donations include Meals on Wheels, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Credit Counseling Centers of Oklahoma, Goodwill Industries of Tulsa, Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Neighbor for Neighbor Inc, and many more.

See the complete list

"Children and adults in our community suffer from abuse everyday," said Tracey Lyall, executive director of Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Inc.

"We work to assist and protect those affected by domestic and sexual violence. We depend on donor support to protect the vulnerable and appreciate this grant as it will help us serve and protect more families in the community."

The Parent Child Center of Tulsa, which focuses on preventing child abuse and neglect, is receiving a $165,000 grant.

"This donation will help decrease child abuse in our community, ensuring parents and children receive the support they need," said Desiree Doherty, executive director of The Parent Child Center of Tulsa.

The George Kaiser Family Foundation selected the agencies based on the most critical social service needs in northeastern Oklahoma.

Family and Children's Services received $460,000 from the foundation.

"Government funding is shrinking and state funding. Difficult economic times. There's more people in need," said Gail Lapidus, CEO of Family and Children's Services. She said the need for help is up 25 percent.

"The rest of the funding has stayed flat, and he's stepped up to make sure we can continue to respond to the growing number of children who need our help."