Our History

The character of Oklahoma was formed by a combination of unquenchable spirit and a rich and varied cultural heritage. Knowing our state should provide limitless opportunity for all Oklahoma women and girls, a thoughtful group of women launched this new charitable entity to provide grants to organizations serving women and girls, respond to requests that close gaps in programming and create transformative change in many lives. This commitment is an unprecedented opportunity for Oklahoma and promises significant change for generations.

The Women's Foundation of Oklahoma was established in 2003 with a challenge grant from Chambers Family Fund to the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma. Chambers Family Fund's priority was to build a permanent resource for women and girls in Oklahoma, where the family's oil business previously operated.

In early 2003, the Women's Foundation of Oklahoma conducted a statewide needs assessment in Oklahoma. This two-part study consisted of an overview of the status of women and girls and a survey of service providers'' views on economic self-sufficiency barriers and opportunities for women and girls in Oklahoma. The advisory board of the women''s foundation, established in 2004, uses the results of the needs assessment to shape funding priorities and guide grant-making.

In an effort to learn more about the status of women and girls in Oklahoma, the advisory board provided funding to the Institute for Women's Policy Research in 2004 to support the research and publication of their Status of Women in Oklahoma report.