Kirschner Trusts
People who have benefitted from the Kirschner Trusts
A Family Legacy
When Phil passed in 1985, five trusts were established to continue the Kirschners’ charitable work. Their daughter, Miriam Freedman, administered the trusts after the loss of Roberta in 1985. She transferred the Kirschner Trusts to the Oklahoma City Community Foundation in 2013. These trusts continue to award grants to organizations important to the family.
Application Process
- Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)
All potential applicants must fill out an online LOI form no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. To complete an LOI, go to our online grant portal (click here) and refer to the instructions on the homepage to log in.- Log in.
- Select the “Apply” icon in the top left-hand corner of your screen.
- Input the access code KIRSCH24.
- Complete an Official Application
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will receive an email granting you access to the official application. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
Please direct all login and access questions to Keaton Van Sickle at k.vansickle@occf.org.
Grant Range
Up to $40,000
Important Dates
- Grant Application Opens: Thursday, September 5, 2024
- Letter of Intent (LOI) Deadline: 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024
- Grant Application Deadline: 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024
- Decision Notification Timeline: Mid-December 2024
Funding Categories
Jewish Education, Culture & Heritage
Funding Goal: To support Jewish organizations that provide the following:
- Educational programming specifically targeted to children and young adults (ages 0 – 24) of Jewish heritage
- Promote and/or preserve Jewish religion and cultural heritage
- Provide essential social services to Jewish community members.
Educational & Vocational Opportunities for Children & Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)
Funding Goal: To support organizations that provide children and young adults with I/DD (ages 0 – 24) educational and vocational opportunities that contribute to long-term independence and self-sustainability.
Muskogee Nonprofits
Funding Goal: To support organizations in Muskogee, Oklahoma, that are actively addressing social, economic, and educational needs within their communities.
Eligibility
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve and are located in the state of Oklahoma.
- Nonexempt organizations that qualify for the use of charitable dollars such as schools, local government agencies, or state/city-connected agencies may apply as long as the funding request is for public programs that take place in Oklahoma.
- Grants will not be made to individuals or private foundations.
Funding Limitations
Funding for the following items is generally not supported:
- Fundraising events/activities
- Capital campaigns
- Vehicle purchases
- Retroactive projects
- Individuals and private foundations
FAQs
If my organization received a Kirschner Trusts grant last year, am I eligible to apply again this year?
Yes, you may apply if the following conditions have been met:
- The funds from your previous grant have been fully expended
- All follow-up evaluation reports have been submitted
When will I be notified of a funding decision?
All applicants will be notified of a decision following the annual Kirschner Trusts Trustee meeting that takes place in early December 2024.
What is the timeline to implement my project/expend the awarded grant funds?
You may start your activities shortly after you receive notification of your award being notified of your award (expected in early to mid-December 2024). If you would like to align your timeline with our funding cycle (outlined below), you will have approximately 11 months to finalize your project activities, utilize the awarded funds, and submit your final evaluation report. Please note that aligning your activities with our funding cycle is optional, but you will not be eligible for another grant until the conditions mentioned above are met.
Kirschner Trusts 2023-24 Grant Cycle:
- Early September – late October 2024: Application submissions
- November 2024: Internal application review process (all current grantees who intend to reapply for funding must submit final evaluations to be eligible for renewed funding)
- Early to mid-December 2024: Trustee meeting and grant award notifications
- Mid-December 2024 – mid-November 2025: Project implementation
Can I request funding for the same program or project that I previously received a grant for?
Recent Grants
A New Leaf, Inc. | $20,000 for the Hardesty Transition Academy, a two-year residential program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to equip students with independent living and employment skills.
Blessings to Share Foundation Inc. | $5,000 for educational experiences and opportunities for practical independent living skills for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and students with an autism spectrum disorder.
Children’s Health Foundation | $5,000 for Sooner SUCCESS, a statewide program to help families, caregivers, and young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in underserved communities navigate the complex system of available resources.
Dale Rogers Training Center | $20,000 for the DRTC Hub Program, a dynamic business incubator program for young adults with disabilities.
Morrison Public Schools | $8,435 for a Life Skills Classroom to equip students with essential everyday skills such as budgeting, cooking, communication, problem-solving, and social skills.
Noble Public School | $10,000 to launch a workplace readiness program to empower students with IEPs through a student-run photobooth micro-business.
Oklahoma Family Center for Autism Inc. | $20,000 for Invisible Layers Productions, a free filmmaking program empowering autistic young adults with skills, real-world experience, and industry connections in Oklahoma’s growing film sector.
Oklahoma Lawyers for Children, Inc. | $15,000 for an educational guardian ad litem advocacy initiative that provides specialized advocacy for foster children with I/DD who face significant educational challenges due to trauma, frequent school changes, and lack of access to resources.
Oklahoma State University Foundation | $25,000 for Opportunity Orange Scholars, an inclusive, full-time certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities that offers comprehensive college experiences.
Pervasive Parenting Center | $5,000 for a life skills program for young adults with disabilities in rural eastern Oklahoma to empower successful transitions into adulthood.
Putnam City Schools Foundation | $10,000 for on-site training at Putnam City North High School led by Oklahoma State University experts with student field trips to OSU and Langston University for career exploration in food safety related careers.
RiverHawks Scholar Program at Northeastern State University | $25,000 for Career Navigator, a four-year educational and vocational program for children & young adults with disabilities.
Spiro Public Schools | $4,000 to equip a classroom with kitchen and laundry appliances, creating a home-like environment where students with intellectual disabilities can develop independent living skills.
The Arc of Oklahoma | $15,000 for Arc@School a program that equips parents, volunteers, and professionals in Oklahoma to advocate for students with disabilities. In 2025, the program will expand to serve Spanish-speaking families.
The Little Light House, Inc. | $10,000 for the Developmental Center Program, a full-time program for children with special needs providing individualized education and therapy activities.
Trinity School | $15,000 to expand a film production program called Tiger TV to include students with intellectual and learning disabilities preparing career pathways through hands-on, immersive experiences.
University of Oklahoma Foundation, Inc. | $20,000 to expand access to the SPARK360 Support and Scholarship Initiative for students with an autism spectrum disorder to assist them as they navigate academic programs.
University of Oklahoma Foundation, Inc. | $20,000 for Sooner Works, a four-year inclusive postsecondary education program for students with I/DD that fosters academic, social, and career success.
Oklahoma Impact Investing Collaborative and the Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board | $34,014 for two workforce development programs that deliver job exploration, work-based learning, and independent living skills at universities, high schools and technical education centers statewide.
City of Muskogee | $6,500 for Camp Bennett for volunteers to serve as “camp buddies” for children and adults experiencing science, arts and crafts, music, outdoor recreation.
Eastern Oklahoma Library System | $4,000 to boost literacy by providing free books to young children in underserved communities participating in the Books Before Kindergarten program and StoryWalk events at Honor Heights Park.
Green Country Behavioral Health Services Inc. | $25,000 for the Family Wellness Center Crisis Stabilization Unit to create safe outdoor spaces for clients in crisis that reduce anxiety and promote positive emotions.
Junior Achievement of Oklahoma | $40,000 to provide financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurial experiences for students in Muskogee County featuring local companies and high-demand industries.
Kelly B. Todd Cerebral Palsy & Neuro-Muscular Foundation, Inc. | $20,000 for the Sustain and Serve Initiative, a program aimed at securing long-term financial sustainability, expanding services, and creating tailored resources for families.
Muskogee Arts & Science Center Inc. | $2,000 for field trips for school-aged children in Muskogee to expose students to museums and science centers, inspiring a love for science, learning, and personal growth.
Muskogee Community Band Association | $10,000 to repair and maintain musical instruments to loan to 6th-8th graders interested in joining band but who are unable to afford an instrument.
Muskogee County Child Advocacy Center | $15,000 for a comprehensive response program for children experiencing child abuse. The team supports children and non-offending caregivers, connecting them to resources for immediate and long-term needs.
Muskogee Little Theatre | $6,000 for a Teen Summer Theatre Camp that provides an intensive performing arts experience for teens aged 14-19.
Neighbors Building Neighborhoods Inc. | $20,000 for the Dream Team After School and Summer Learning Programs providing academic support, nutritious meals, physical activity, and social engagement for Muskogee children.
Northeastern State University Foundation, Inc. | $10,000 for the E. Phil Kirschner Memorial Scholarship for NSU students under 21 who grew up without a two-parent household.
Volunteers of America Oklahoma | $10,000 for the Americorps Retired Senior Volunteer Program to engage older adults aged 55+ to meet crucial volunteer needs across Muskogee, Cherokee, McIntosh, and Sequoyah Counties.
Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma | $15,000 to provide compassionate care to those in need, offering essential services such as food assistance, infant supplies, and educational resources.
Indian Capital Technology Center Foundation Inc. | $6,000 for a tuition assistance program, enabling students to complete training and enter the workforce.
MCM Food Pantry Inc. | $15,000 to address emergency food needs for people of all ages in Muskogee County with a nutrition-focused approach, providing fresh, locally sourced produce, proteins, grains, and healthy snacks.
Muskogee Organization for Narcotics and Alcohol Referral, Counseling and Help Inc. | $30,000 for trauma-informed services for individuals affected by substance abuse and mental illness.
Women in Safe Home Inc. | $15,000 for programs working to eliminate domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in the state of Oklahoma.
Chabad Jewish Center of Greater Oklahoma City | $5,000 for the OKC Community Chanukah Festival, Oklahoma’s largest Jewish event, to be held on Sunday, December 29th, from 4:30-6:30 PM at Scissortail Park.
Congregation Beit Simchat Torah | $10,000 for Jewish Education Through the Life Cycle, a program addressing vulnerable LGBTQ Jews seeking to merge their faith and identity.
Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab Restorative Nursing Program, Cordova, TN | $10,000 for a restorative nursing program supporting Jewish seniors’ physical and mental health.
Reboot Inc. | $15,000 to fund Normandie: A Documentary Video Game which blends video gaming and documentary storytelling to recreate the final transatlantic crossing of the SS Normandie in August 1939, immersing players in the true stories of Jewish refugees fleeing persecution.
Temple Israel of Tulsa | $20,000 to assist in building a new, energy-efficient, accessible, and modern 18,000-square-foot facility to support its commitment to outreach, diversity, and social justice.
Erna Krouch Preschool | $15,000 to provides a safe, nurturing environment for children to grow, explore, and build confidence. Erna Krouch Preschool is the oldest, continuously operating preschool in Oklahoma City.
JBI International (Est. as The Jewish Braille Institute) New York City, NY | $7,500 to support individuals who are blind, have low vision, or other disabilities to they can fully engage with Jewish life through free access to its extensive library of audio, large print, and Braille materials.
Jewish Children’s Regional Service, Metairie, LA | $60,000 to support Jewish youth and families, including scholarships for summer camp, college aid, assistance for children with special needs, disaster relief, and the Hanukkah Gift Program.
Jewish Theatre of Oklahoma | $15,000 for programs that explore Jewish heritage, culture, and spirituality through theater, showcasing works by Jewish and Israeli playwrights.
Mizel Jewish Community Day School | $10.000 for an integrated curriculum blending Jewish studies and general education, emphasizing Hebrew, Jewish history, traditions, and values.
OU Hillel | $20,000 to enrich the lives of Jewish students statewide, fostering future Jewish leaders through social, cultural, educational, and religious programs.
Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Inc. | $30,000 to preserve and promote Jewish heritage, culture, and history while fostering education and combating bias. Central to its mission is Holocaust education, providing school tours, interactive exhibits, and resources, particularly for underserved communities.
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion | $5,400 from the Harry and Sarah Kirschner Memorial Trust for rabbinical scholarships for students participating in the Reform Movement’s rabbinical and cantorial seminary training visionary Jewish leaders to serve communities worldwide.
Eastern Oklahoma Nonprofits
Compassion Outreach Center – $15,000 – To support free medical services for uninsured individuals through their Compassion Clinic.
Eastern Oklahoma Library System, Muskogee Public Library – $4,000 – To provide lower-income families with books to build home libraries and encourage healthy habits in kids.
Education Foundation of Muskogee – $1,000 – To support classroom teachers and their innovative curriculum projects that spark their students’ enthusiasm for learning.
Home of Hope – $25,000 – To support a training model for high school students with intellectual disabilities to prepare them for competitive employment post-high school.
Junior Achievement of Oklahoma – $10,000 – To support hands-on, project-based lessons for K-8th grade students that combine classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Kelly B. Todd Cerebral Palsy & Neuro-Muscular Foundation – $25,000 – To support Neuro-Muscular Electrical Stimulation-related costs as part of their speech-language therapy for children with dysphagia.
Muskogee Community Food Pantry – $15,000 – To provide emergency food packages to ensure people have a comprehensive supply of healthy food, pet food and essential items.
Muskogee Community Band Association – $10,000 – To maintain instruments and support musical education for financially disadvantaged students.
Muskogee County Child Advocacy Center – $20,000 – To support forensic interviewing and emergency support for youth as well as repair and refurbish a client resource room.
Muskogee County EMS/COACHES TEAM – $2,000 – To provide vital child passenger safety services and fund a peer support program for medics.
Muskogee Little Theater – $4,575 – To rent professional puppets for their production of “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Muskogee Arts and Science Center – $3,000 – To purchase supplies for school field trips and Saturday activities.
Neighbors Building Neighborhoods of Muskogee – $20,000 – To support the Dream Team’s after-school and summer learning programs that address the challenges of generational poverty and social isolation.
Northeastern State University Foundation – $10,000 – To support the E. Phil Kirschner Memorial Scholarship at Northeaster State University.
Oklahoma Foundation for the Education of Blind Children and Youth – $6,000 – To support scholarships for visually impaired students and grants for teachers of blind or visually impaired students.
Town of Tullahassee – $20,000 – To help revitalize and enhance the town’s appeal to visitors through heritage markers and Civic Center improvements.
Volunteers of America of Oklahoma – $5,000 – To engage Americans aged 55 and older in volunteer service in Cherokee, Muskogee, McIntosh and Sequoyah counties.
Women In Safe Home – $10,000 – To provide refuge and supportive services to individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, enabling them to leave abusive environments securely.
Zoe Institute – $15,000 – To help launch the Work Ready Oklahoma Program in Cherokee County, which will help foster self-sufficiency among vulnerable Oklahomans.
Educational & Vocational Opportunities for Children and Young Adults with Disabilities
A New Leaf – $20,000 – To support Transition Academy, a two-year residential program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on equipping them for independent living and employment.
NewView Oklahoma – $20,000 – To support a 90-day initiative providing low-vision and blind individuals with training to enhance their school attendance, career skills, workforce entry and overall livelihood.
Not Your Average Joe – $25,000 – To help launch a new Not Your Average Joe location in Choctaw, support mentors and trainers and enhance training for neurodiverse and neurotypical staff.
Oklahoma State University Foundation – $35,000 – To support new faculty and a scholarship for Opportunity Orange Scholars, an on-campus certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities.
Paths to Independence – $25,000 – To support a new Cooking for Independence program that will include culinary arts classes and food handler permit preparation for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Pathways Adult Learning Center – $20,000 – To support their Life Skills Cooking class and develop a curriculum that integrates academic subjects with life skills and experiential learning.
South Central Industries – $20,000 – To help expand training and employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the opening of HaPEEPy’s Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Shawnee.
Spiro Public School District – $15,000 – To support a practical living space equipped with kitchen and laundry appliances to teach students independent living skills.
The Academy of Classical Christian Studies – $20,000 – To support the expansion of their Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy program for students aged 6-14, diagnosed with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down syndrome.
The Arc of Oklahoma – $10,000 – To train volunteers as lay advocates, aiding K-12 students with disabilities in Tulsa Public Schools.
The Little Light House – $15,000 – To support the year-round preschool program that helps students learn vital skills like walking, talking, eating, playing and living independently.
University of Oklahoma Foundation with OU’s Sooner Works – $35,000 – To support their four-year program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities seeking a college experience.
University of Oklahoma Foundation with OU’s SPARK360° Program – $35,000 – To enhance the Spark360 program to better serve neurodiverse students, extend services and increase program visibility.
Jewish Education, Culture & Heritage
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion – $3,600 – To support scholarships for rabbinical students.
Institute of Southern Jewish Life – $10,000 – To preserve and enrich the history and ongoing experience of Southern Jewish life by ensuring access to meaningful Jewish experiences for all.
JBI International – $6,000 – To provide free audio, large print and braille materials to individuals who cannot read standard print.
Jewish Children’s Regional Service – $60,000 – To support college scholarships, grants for Jewish summer camps, special needs assistance and other vital outreach programs pivotal in building one’s Jewish identity.
Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab – $10,000 – To support their Restorative Nursing/Care Gym with Certified Nursing Assistants who assist residents with exercise and physical therapies.
Stillwater Museum Association – $7,799 – To create a new exhibit exploring the history of Jewish residents, including notable figures and businesses like Jake Katz and Katz’s Store.
Tulsa Jewish Community Council Jewish Federation of Tulsa – $20,000 – To help preserve and promote Jewish Culture and history at the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art.
