PRIMARY FIELDS OF INTEREST

The Foundation's primary fields of interest are:

· Arts and Culture
· Education
· Natural and Built Environments
· Animal Research and Conservation

Arts and Culture- In partnership with fine arts and cultural organizations, the Foundation enlivens the cultural environment of Oklahoma City, supporting well-established institutions and events, as well as helping to bolster innovative efforts. Applicant organizations should consider how the project could be sustained in the future and must demonstrate efforts to gain other philanthropic support. Funded projects may present a season of dance, theatrical or musical performances or classes, art museum exhibitions, educational programs including projects in film and new media or special projects that bring high quality arts experiences to residents throughout the area.  

Education- The Kirkpatrick Foundation commitment to K-12 education is evident in its support of statewide initiatives to raise the quality of teaching and learning in public, private or parochial schools throughout Oklahoma, with emphasis on the metropolitan Oklahoma City area. The Foundation supports projects that have positive impact on students and their learning environment and has supported such efforts as Oklahoma A+ Schools Network and the Private and Parochial Arts for Students. 

The Foundation may also support a few selected projects in higher education, if significant impact in an interest area of the Foundation is demonstrated. These projects may include a special opportunity or initiative to introduce, strengthen or reinforce a program of the institution or that expands the knowledge base of students and faculty in an Oklahoma City area college or university. Institutional priorities should be determined by an internal process, typically resulting in a single request to the Foundation in one calendar year.
 
Natural and Built Environment- The Foundation has established partnerships with state or local chapters of national environmental or preservation organizations that work with communities to preserve, enhance and protect the natural and built environment of Oklahoma. Working through these entities, The Foundation supports projects that value structural landmarks as well as historic and natural resources of Oklahoma. Areas of interest include architecture, preservation of historic properties, conservation of natural habitats, emerging environmental concerns and environmental education. A Kirkpatrick Foundation Incentive Fund has been established in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This fund will help support restoration related projects of properties of historic importance in Central Oklahoma. Contact the Trust for additional information.
 
Animal Welfare and Conservation- The Kirkpatrick Foundation has a firm commitment to best practice in the medical treatment and welfare of companion and zoo animals. The Foundation works with veterinary teaching hospitals and programs, such as Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences and Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, to strengthen and enhance this area. The Foundation supports entities honoring high standards of practice in the care and handling of animals, focusing on their medical health. Projects will be considered only from organizations with a demonstrated track record of and commitment to the highest quality of care possible from initial contact to follow-up and maintenance.
 
Research- The KF will consider proposals for small research projects from institutions or organizations with qualified researchers and a history of demonstrated success in conducting research in areas of interest to the Foundation. The qualifications of the lead researchers must be evident and a plan for research findings must be articulated. The plan might include using findings to support a subsequent or expanded study, as part of a formal presentation to affect public policy or contribute to the body of knowledge and best practice in the area researched. The Foundation will make Executive Summaries available on its web site as appropriate.