[Oklahoma City Community Foundation](https://occf.org)

February 26, 2026 (LOI) | March 12, 2026 (Full Application)

Up to $30,000 per award; project periods typically one year.

Supports projects that advance literacy, arts, health, safety, and economic development in rural Oklahoma communities.

--- ## Description The Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation Community Grants aim to improve the quality of life in rural Oklahoma by supporting initiatives that strengthen libraries and literacy, arts and culture, health and safety, and economic development. Established to honor Carolyn Watson’s commitment to rural communities, these grants fund a wide array of projects—from educational enrichment and cultural programming to health, safety, and workforce development—empowering local organizations to address unique community needs and foster sustainable growth. --- ## Due Dates - Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline: February 26, 2026 (5:00 p.m.) - Full grant application deadline: March 12, 2026 (5:00 p.m.) _All deadlines are firm. No exceptions._ --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $30,000 per project. - Typical grant period: One year. - Grants are intended for discrete projects or initiatives rather than ongoing operational support. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be organizations serving rural Oklahoma communities. - Projects must directly benefit rural areas and align with at least one of the following priority areas: - Arts, Culture & History - Health & Safety - Libraries & Literacy - Economic Development - All applicants must adhere to the detailed eligibility requirements outlined in the [Grant Guidelines](https://occfarchives.org/documents/Rural%20Oklahoma%20Community%20Grant%20Guidelines%20FY26_FINAL.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Review the [Grant Guidelines](https://occfarchives.org/documents/Rural%20Oklahoma%20Community%20Grant%20Guidelines%20FY26_FINAL.pdf) to ensure eligibility and alignment. - Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) via the [OCCF Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=oklahomacity) by February 26, 2026. - If invited, submit a full application by March 12, 2026. - All application materials must be submitted through the online portal. - Applicants are encouraged to contact program staff with questions prior to submission. --- ## Additional Information - Decision notifications will be sent in May 2026. - Past funded projects have included educational programs, arts initiatives, health and safety equipment, workforce training, and more. - A separate Classroom Enhancement Grants program is available for Pre-K–12 educators (up to $5,000 per classroom; see program page for details and next cycle). --- ## External Links - [Program Page](https://occf.org/rural) - [Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://occfarchives.org/documents/Rural%20Oklahoma%20Community%20Grant%20Guidelines%20FY26_FINAL.pdf) - [Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=oklahomacity) - [Recent Grantees](https://occf.org/rural/#recent-grants) - [Contact OCCF](https://occf.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|-----------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------| | Patti Biera | Senior Programs Specialist | [p.biera@occf.org](mailto:p.biera@occf.org) | 405-606-2935 | | Leslie Woodward | Community Programs Manager | [l.woodward@occf.org](mailto:l.woodward@occf.org) | 405-606-2911 | | General Inquiries | | [info@occf.org](mailto:info@occf.org) | 405-235-5603 |

Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation Community Grants

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