KIRKPATRICK FAMILY FUND ANNOUNCES $4.4 MILLION IN GRANTS

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA, DECEMBER 4, 2018 – Today the Kirkpatrick Family Fund announced the distribution of $4.44 million in grants to 104 organizations for the first half of its fiscal year in the areas of animal welfare; arts & humanities, children, youth & families; community development; education; environment; health; social services; and endowment matching grants. The Kirkpatrick Family Fund, founded by John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick in 1989, supports charitable, civic, and cultural causes that impact citizens in central Oklahoma and beyond. In the last 29 years, the Kirkpatrick Family Fund has funded organizations and programs across many areas of need, contributing more than $108 million to qualified nonprofit organizations that work tirelessly to address the greatest needs in their communities.

Possibilities, Inc.  is a nonprofit organization that builds innovative grassroots efforts to revitalize Oklahoma City’s communities from the inside out. The Family Fund recently awarded the organization $20,000 towards general operating support.

 “The generous support of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund means so much to us and makes a big impact in our local communities,” said Shannon Dennis, Executive Director - Possibilities, Inc. “The Kirkpatrick Family Fund believes in the power of people and knows that each of us, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to achieve our purpose. By investing in us, people find common ground and work together to make lives better. Possibilities transforms individuals, and then they transform communities.” The Family Fund recently awarded Pivot, A Turning Point for Youth $20,000 towards general operating support. Pivot is committed to advocating, educating, intervening, and counseling youth and families to make a positive difference in their lives.

“This grant from the Kirkpatrick Family Fund provides support and resources to many young people in our community who need a safe, secure place to stay as well as access to necessities like food, personal hygiene items and clothing,” said Kami Kuykendall, President and Chief Executive Officer - Pivot. “Pivot offers support and resources through its food pantry and clothing closets, as well as short and long-term housing solutions, providing the base they need to continue their education. Whether in the child welfare system, living on their own without parental support, formerly juvenile justice involved, or a runaway, Pivot can provide safe, stable housing – all in part to the support of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund.” A Chance to Change is a nonprofit organization that offers education classes, workshops and prevention programs to those suffering from addictions, behavioral disorders, and those whose families have been affected. The organization received $25,000 towards general operating support from the Family Fund.

“Through the Kirkpatrick Family Fund’s support, A Chance to Change is able to provide prevention education, counseling and support for families and individuals to reduce chemical dependency and other compulsive behaviors,” said Janienne Bella, Chief Executive Officer - A Chance to Change. “Our partnership with the Family Fund is significant in transforming lives and helping our clients and their families through battles with addiction, mental illness, depression, anxiety and daily stress or grief.” “These grantees have tremendous vision and commitment to strengthening our community,” said Christian Keesee, President – Kirkpatrick Family Fund. “Their successes over the years are not about the funding we have provided, but about the individuals dedicated daily to making our community a better place for all. We are proud to be their encouraging partner and honored to support their meaningful work.”

Project support for small grants ($10,000 or less) and matching grant requests are on a rolling quarterly deadline of September 1, December 1, March 1, and June 1. General operating and large grant applications will be accepted biannually on March 1 and September 1. To learn more about the Kirkpatrick Family Fund, visit www.kirkpatrickfamilyfund.org or call (405) 767-3702.

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund was founded by John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick in 1989 and is the largest affiliated fund in the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. The organization remains committed to adhering to the priorities and guiding principles of its founders through the leadership of Trustee and President, Christian K. Keesee, the grandson of John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick.

Grants awarded by the Kirkpatrick Family Fund to organizations and projects in the first half of FY2019 are as follows: Animal Welfare - $133,000

Arts & Humanities – $2,106,000

Children, Youth, & Families - $182,000

Community Development - $515,500

Education - $58,000

Environment - $272,000

Health - $95,000

Social Services - $220,000

Endowment Matching - $858,395 total