The Oklahoma Disciples Foundation is blessed with 19 endowments that provide vital support for our annual grants program. These endowments represent the generosity of donors who have invested in ministries that strengthen congregations and transform lives. Over the coming weeks, this newsletter series will highlight each of these endowments and share how the funds are used to support the grants program.
Each endowment is designated as either restricted or unrestricted. Restricted endowments carry specific donor instructions about how funds should be used—whether for children’s programs, senior ministries, or other targeted areas. Unrestricted endowments, however, provide the greatest flexibility. Because the Grants Committee receives a wide variety of applications each year, unrestricted funding can be allocated to any need.
To ensure every application is carefully and fairly considered, the Grants Committee (volunteer Disciple church members from across Oklahoma) uses a scoring rubric to evaluate and prioritize requests. This process ensures that unrestricted dollars will be allocated thoughtfully and in line with the Foundation’s mission.
The grants program provides funding in a wide range of areas, including Children, Youth and Young Adults, Senior Ministries, summer camps, mission outreach, pastoral and ministry support, and more. With so many needs, it can be a challenge to meet both donor intent and the broad scope of ministry requests we receive. That’s why every endowment—restricted or unrestricted—plays such an important role in sustaining this work.
As we continue this series highlighting the endowments behind our grants, we invite you to join in supporting this important ministry. You can start a new endowment, contribute to an existing one, or simply make a gift designated for the grants program. Every contribution helps ensure that vital ministries across our region continue to flourish.