The McCrory Foundation is a private, charitable foundation, incorporated under the laws of the State of Oklahoma and operated exclusively for providing support through gifts and grants to religious, charitable, scientific, and educational institutions which are qualified under section 501(c)(3) and which are not private foundations within the meaning of section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. 

The McCrory Foundation prioritizes human services and health, youth development, and education causes. The Foundation may make grants to school districts, colleges, hospitals, libraries, and municipalities on a limited basis. Grants to churches (and other religious institutions) may be made only if designated for a specific purpose to be performed in Carter County that benefits the general public. 

Eligible organizations must serve the people and communities of Carter County, Oklahoma as this is the geographical boundary placed by founder J. Lyndal McCrory. 

The McCrory Foundation limits its giving to the geographical area of Carter County, Oklahoma. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to the McCrory office first before submitting an application; however, they are not required to. The McCrory Foundation staff can confirm project fit, provide guidance on proposals, and share funding priorities and opportunities. 

Yes; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss the possibility of a multi-year grant with the McCrory Foundation office staff before applying. 

There is no LOI requirement. 

The McCrory Foundation operates a discretionary grants program that is directed by the Board of Directors and staff. The program allows the McCrory Foundation to respond quickly to emergencies and unforeseen circumstances as well as provide support for programs and initiatives. Organizations who find themselves in such a situation are encouraged to reach out to the McCrory Foundation office. Organizations will be asked to write a paragraph to explain the situation and provide general details. 

Yes. The McCrory Foundation supports charitable work that benefits the people and communities of Carter County. There are many examples of this situation. For example, the McCrory Foundation has supported the Southern Oklahoma Rural Transit program in Carter County that is operated by Big Five Community Services located in Durant, Oklahoma. Another example is the work of emergency financial assistance for utilities and rent programs operated by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. The Archdiocese is headquartered in Oklahoma City but operates a small office in Ardmore that serves Carter County as well as other neighboring counties.

In 2025, the average grant awarded by the McCrory Foundation was $19,107.18. It is recommended that applicants review the McCrory Foundation’s grant history as well as the latest 990PF to familiarize themselves with giving trends. The McCrory Foundation office staff can also assist with request guidance. 

No.  The McCrory Foundation only grants to organizations that have qualified under section 501(c)(3) and which are not private foundations within the meaning of section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code. The McCrory Foundation office staff check organizations’ status through the IRS website. Organizations will be asked and required to submit documentation regarding their status.

No. Organizations may apply once per calendar year or twelve month period. Organizations with a current grant may not re-apply until final payment has been received. Exceptions can be granted for unique circumstances. Organizations that find themselves in emergency or unforeseen situations are encouraged to reach out to the McCrory Foundation office. 

The McCrory Foundation accepts completed grant applications with their attachments through drop-off at the office or by mail. The Foundation does not accept electronic submissions. Applicants need to submit one copy of the application and its attachments.

The McCrory Foundation office is located inside the Neustadt Plaza, 333 W. Main Street, Suite 440, in Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401. If the office is closed, envelopes may be placed under the door.

The McCrory Foundation accepts mail through P.O. Box 146, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73402.

After grant applications are staff reviewed, the McCrory Foundation office will reach out to schedule a meeting. The meeting may take place in-person, phone, or through electronic meeting software. If an applicant met with McCrory Foundation staff prior to submitting an application, a meeting may not be necessary. 

The McCrory Foundation Board of Directors meets the following month after a grants deadline. Therefore, the Directors meet in March, June, September, and December. Following the meeting, McCrory Foundation staff will notify applicants of the Director’s decisions within two weeks. 

Generally, the McCrory Foundation does not require follow up reports. The McCrory Foundation Board of Directors may request that a grant recipient submit follow-up reports. Organizations will be notified of required follow-up reports in the grants award letter.