Nonprofit

The Fred Jones Family Foundation is officially accepting applications for the 2025 Mary Eddy Jones Signature Gift, a $75,000 grant awarded annually to an Oklahoma City nonprofit focused on arts, culture or landscaping.

With recent economic pressures reducing charitable donations nationwide, this year’s signature gift offers critical support when many nonprofits need it most. The 2024 recipient, Wings Special Needs Community, used the funds to build a natural grass and wildflower garden supporting its members with developmental disabilities.

Eligible organizations must be Oklahoma-based and have 501(c)3 status. Applications due by 5 p.m. CT on Monday June 2 here.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

The Fred Jones Family Foundation recently awarded Wings Special Needs Community a $75,000 grant to create the Mary Eddy Jones Natural Grass and Wildflower Garden at the nonprofit’s new community on Wilshire Boulevard.

The grant will support the Thriving Together Campaign, which includes constructing a two-story Program and Education Center, a Fellowship Commons and Chapel, and the first residential home for 12 adults. The garden will include an adaptive walking and biking trail to foster community engagement and exercise.

The initiative, scheduled to open in late 2024, will significantly expand Wings’ capacity to serve those in need in central Oklahoma.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

In anticipation of National Nonprofit Day on Saturday, Aug.17, Treasurer Russ and the Unclaimed Property Division encourage all nonprofit organizations to search for unclaimed property. Many nonprofits may not know they are entitled to funds such as forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks and insurance proceeds.

The Oklahoma State Treasurer’s website provides a user-friendly search tool to assist in reclaiming these assets. This straightforward process can provide valuable resources to support their missions. Treasurer Russ advises all Oklahomans to conduct an annual search for unclaimed funds.

Got a minute? Search for your organization to discover potential assets at YourMoney.OK.gov.

– Phinina Corey, Jones PR

The Fred Jones Family Foundation awarded Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health as the 2023 Mary Eddy Jones Signature Gift recipient.

Following the announcement, the foundation opened applications for Oklahoma City nonprofits to apply for the 2024 Mary Eddy Jones Signature Gift. Organizations interested in applying must be based in Oklahoma and registered with an official tax-exempt status letter under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

To learn more about or to apply for the Fred Jones Family Foundation 2024 Mary Eddy Jones Signature Gift, visit fredjonesfamilyfoundation.com. Applications are due by Saturday, June 1, at 5 p.m. CT.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Cocoa Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is on a mission to empower young African American girls to lead successful lives. Its recent Be For Real Conference addressed the genuine experiences and challenges of Black women in America.

The conference included a college student panel that explained balancing fun, mental health and academics, followed by a career panel on fostering personal and professional growth alongside microaggressions and discrimination. Both panels emphasized choosing friends and relationships wisely.

The nonprofit recognized two deserving high school seniors with a $500 scholarship and a free senior photo shoot.

For more information, follow @cocoa.initiative on Instagram.

– Phinina Corey, Jones PR

Did you know that in 2022, more than 20% of deaths by suicide occurred in American Indian, Black and Hispanic communities?

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and is dedicated to promoting available resources for mental health in minority communities and encouraging individuals to seek support and treatment.

This month, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) will join with minority community leaders to promote the 988 Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline, a free and confidential service that provides immediate support for those experiencing a mental health need.

Call or text 988 for mental health support.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Dolese Bros. Co. recently made a $10,000 donation to the Marland Community Center to help fund needed improvements, including an epoxy coating to make the floor more durable.

Sally Buxton, chairman of the board for the Town of Marland, accepted the check from Kermit Frank, vice president of communications and community relations at Dolese.

“At Dolese, our mission is to improve communities through our products, action and support,” Frank said. “We understand the importance of the center to the town of Marland, and we’re proud to help the community keep their center in good repair.”

Visit Dolese’s website for more information.

– Jeanine Bertou, Jones PR