Category Archives: Philanthropy

Learn How One Oklahoma City Resident Left His Mark in our Community by Supporting Charitable Funds at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation

Community, Donors, Philanthropy

Descriptive transcript

For most of his 90 years, Oklahoma City’s own Pendleton (Pen) Woods lived a life of service, joining the U.S. Army Reserve Corps during World War II. He was called to active duty in 1943, serving with the 99th Infantry Division on the Western front in France, Belgium and Germany. In December 1944, he was captured and spent more than four months in a German prisoner of war camp until he escaped in April 1945.

Pen’s time spent as a prisoner of war not only strengthened his character, but also softened his heart, laying the foundation for a legacy of tireless service and generous giving to the causes he loved. He volunteered for many veterans’ organizations, including the 45th Division Association, helping found the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City. Pen strongly believed in the power of endowment and its importance to the longevity of charitable organizations. He and his wife, Robin, faithfully contributed to countless charitable organizations over the years, helping to establish permanent funds at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation for the Epilepsy Association of Oklahoma and the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, creating an endowment to assist with the upkeep of Oklahoma’s Medal of Honor grove at Valley Forge.

Pen also spent 66 of his life in the Boy Scouts of America, including 16 years as a scoutmaster. He earned his Eagle Scout award at the first national jamboree in 1945. He authored 15 historical books and well known around Oklahoma Christian University where he worked for many years.

Robin died in 2013 and Pen a year later, but their legacy of patriotism, public service and selfless generosity will long be remembered by those who knew him.

“Everywhere you look around this town, you may not know it, but you see Pen Woods,” said Mary Ann Brown, who worked with Pen at Oklahoma Christian University. “Pen’s mantra, if he had one, was let’s make it a better place.”

“The Oklahoma City Community Foundation provided Pen a place to donate to all of his charitable interests, but also with the expectation that those contributions would last beyond his lifetime,” said Oklahoma City Community Foundation president Nancy Anthony.

If you are interested in leaving a legacy, our professional staff can help create the perfect solution for your giving needs. Learn more when you contact Joe Carter at (405) 606-2914 today.

Community Foundation’s Second Round of Grants Awarded to Six Organizations Helping with Covid-19

Community, Philanthropy

Nearly $1 Million Awarded Through Emergency Response Grants Created at Community Foundation

In the second round of grants distributed from the 2020 Disaster Relief Fund, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is awarding $81,500 to six central Oklahoma charitable organizations who are providing direct services and assistance to individuals impacted by Covid-19.

The announcement of these six grants comes two weeks after the Oklahoma City Community Foundation first awarded grants to help central Oklahoma organizations helping with the Covid-19 pandemic. The Community Foundation has awarded a total of $385,750 to seven central Oklahoma organizations since the establishment of the 2020 Disaster Relief Fund in late March.

The Community Foundation has received 76 inquiries requesting more than $1.7 million, but has remained focused on awarding grants to support health care, isolation issues for the elderly and economic support for vulnerable populations.

Additionally, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation has awarded $611,950 through emergency response donor-established advised funds, bringing the total amount awarded through the Community Foundation’s 2020 Disaster Relief Fund and the donor-established advised funds to $997,700.

The following six organizations are receiving the second round of 2020 Disaster Relief Fund grants:

HopeHouse OKC | $10,000 to provide transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness, helping mitigate the long-term effect increased unemployment rates could have on at-risk families.

Hope is Alive Ministries | $15,000 to fund partial rent payments for individuals residing in sober living houses who are at risk of eviction.

Center for Employment Opportunities | $10,000 to fund a transitional work crew of individuals formerly involved with the justice system who are facing significant barriers involving workforce reentry.

Sisu Youth Services | $16,500 to support an emergency shelter for youth experiencing homelessness.

Metropolitan Better Living Center | $20,000 to help the adult day care facility deliver food and other at-home services to clients’ homes instead of at the facility.

Community Health Centers of Oklahoma | $10,000 to provide personal protective equipment for staff and patients at the Mary Mahoney Memorial Health Center and Healing Hands Health Care Services (for the homeless), as well as provide medication for individuals experiencing homelessness.