Grants

The City of Muskogee Foundation’s mission is to Make a Real Difference in Muskogee through grants to nonprofit organizations, churches, schools, and the City of Muskogee. Carefully review the following information as you prepare your funding request.

Grant Process

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Muskogee a strong community. The City of Muskogee Foundation would like to share several updates to the grantmaking process for the upcoming grant cycle. The process was reviewed and updated to create a more efficient and user-friendly experience for applicants while still providing the information needed for thoughtful grantmaking decisions.

Updated Grant Timeline:
Both the Summer Grant Cycle and the Standard Grant Cycle will open on September 1. The Summer Grant Cycle is intended for programs and projects taking place during the months of June, July, and August.

Simplified Application Process:
The Standard Grant Cycle application has been streamlined into a single-step process, eliminating the Letter of Intent (LOI) requirement. You will also notice updated application questions. While we are still collecting the same key information, we have redesigned the application to gather it more efficiently and with fewer questions.

Applicant Conversations with the Grant Committee:
Each applicant will be invited to attend a committee meeting and share more about the organization and its funding request. This conversation gives committee members an opportunity to learn about your mission, impact, and current needs in a way that goes beyond the written application, while also allowing organizations to build stronger connections with committee members.

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Grant Calendar

2026-2027 Summer Grants

Program or project must occur primarily during the summer months to qualify for the Summer Grant Process.

  • Grant Applications Available – September 1, 2026
  • Grant Application Due – October 23, 2026
  • Grant Decisions – March 2027 City of Muskogee Foundation Board Meeting
  • Grant Funds Distributed – April 2027 (pending Grant Agreement)
  • Final Reports Due – August 31, 2027

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2026-2027 Regular Grants
  • Grant Applications Available – September 1, 2026
  • Grant Applications Due – February 1, 2027
  • Grant Decisions – June 2027 City of Muskogee Foundation Board Meeting
  • Grant Funds Distributed – July 2027 (pending Grant Agreement)
  • Final Reports Due – August 31, 2028

Grant Committees

Economic Development Committee

Committee Chair: John Barton

The mission of the Economic Development Grants Committee is to provide support for programs and initiatives that enhance and increase innovation, productivity, growth, and prosperity for Muskogee. Types of Funding: Consideration will be given to multiple types of funding, such as capital, incentives, and infrastructure. Specific Funding: Priority consideration will be given to programs, projects, and initiatives that relate to (1) quality job creation, retention, and higher wages; and (2) long-term capital and infrastructure investments. Future Funding: Acquiring funding in future years will be contingent upon measured outcomes and other qualitative information, as evidenced in the evaluation reports. All multi-year grants will be contingent upon measured outcomes that meet or exceed expectations.

Click here to apply for a grant.

Education & Empowerment Committee

Committee Chair: Jenny Bell
Updated: September 2025 

The mission of the Education & Empowerment Grants Committee is to strengthen educational opportunities that prepare Muskogee residents for lifelong success. Guided by the Muskogee Means More strategic initiatives, the committee invests in programs that support students from early childhood through career, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to thrive in the workforce—whether through college, career training, or other pathways. 

Types of Funding: 
Consideration will be given to a range of funding approaches, including program support, capacity-building, collaborative initiatives, and innovative models that advance the committee’s priorities. 

Specific Funding Priorities 
Priority consideration will be given to programs, projects, and initiatives that: 

    1. Support student success during key transition years, especially grades 6–8, through character education, leadership development, and preparation for high school graduation. 
    2. Encourage high-quality STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) education and integration across subject areas. 
    3. Strengthen parental and family engagement in early childhood education. 
    4. Create clear, supported pathways that prepare students for postsecondary education, career training, internship opportunities, or direct entry into the workforce. 

Future Funding: 
Eligibility for future funding will be based on demonstrated results and evidence of impact as reported in evaluations. Multi-year grants will remain contingent upon achieving or exceeding stated outcomes.

Click here to apply for a grant.

Health and Wellness Committee

Committee Chair: Kim Walton
Updated: September 2025

The mission of the Health and Wellness Grants Committee is to support programs and initiatives that improve the overall health and well-being of Muskogee citizens. Guided by findings from state and local health studies, the committee seeks to address the most pressing health challenges in our community. Recognizing that health is shaped not only by medical care but also by access to basic needs, the committee prioritizes initiatives that strengthen physical, mental, and social well-being across all ages. 

Types of Funding:
Consideration will be given to a variety of funding approaches, including program support, capacity-building, collaborative projects, and innovative solutions, all designed to respond to the priority areas identified by the committee.

Specific Funding Priorities
Priority consideration will be given to programs, projects, and initiatives that address:

    1. Prevention and reduction of tobacco use.
    2. Obesity reduction through increased physical activity and improved nutrition.
    3. Children’s health, including child abuse prevention and early interventions.
    4. Elimination of generational poverty and improved access to basic needs (such as food security, safe housing, and transportation).
    5. Teen pregnancy prevention and youth empowerment initiatives.
    6. Physical, mental, and emotional health programs that align with proven strategies and build on existing community strengths.
    7. High quality, collaborative health programs that align with proven strategies and build on existing community strengths.

Click here to apply for a grant.

Quality of Life Committee

Committee Chair: Sheena Raunikar-Bair
Updated: September 2025 

The mission of the Quality of Life Grants Committee is to support programs and initiatives that strengthen and enrich the Muskogee community. Guided by the Muskogee Means More strategic initiatives, the committee seeks to enhance opportunities that foster vitality, connection, and pride for residents and visitors alike. 

Types of Funding: 
Consideration will be given to a range of funding approaches, including program support, capital improvements, and collaborative projects, all designed to advance the committee’s priority areas.

Specific Funding Priorities 
Priority consideration will be given to programs, projects, and initiatives that address: 

    1. Entertainment, arts, and cultural opportunities. 
    2. Community safety and security. 
    3. Beautification, preservation, and placemaking. 
    4. Collaborative efforts that align with Muskogee Means More strategic initiatives and City of Muskogee priorities (such as downtown development and community revitalization). 

Click here to apply for a grant.

Grant History By Year

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2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009

A community the next generations!