CURRENT NEWS

Grants During 2009 Focus on Education

The American Fidelity Foundation continued its trend toward more grants to support education as 26% of all grants during 2009 were directed toward education initiatives. 

The American Fidelity Foundation made more than $700,000 in grants during the past year, including more than $190,000 for education purposes. The percentage of Foundation grants to education have more than quadrupled during the past three years.

In addition, the Foundation continued its strong support of health and human services programs with nearly $284,000 in grants representing 38% of all 2009 contributions. The Foundation’s single largest grant was to United Way for $172.235, matching individual donations made by American Fidelity employees during the year.

Among the largest education grants made by the American Fidelity Foundation were:

• $16,250 to Oklahoma City University for a variety of programs;
• $15,000 to Possibilities for education projects in community redevelopment areas;
• $14,050 to the University of Oklahoma Foundation for Spanish language immersion programs for educators;
• $10,000 to Oklahoma Christian University for a scholarship and intern program;
• $10,000 to Eagle Ridge Institute for the Wings of Harmony choir comprised of at-risk students;
• $10,000 for Oklahoma Economic Summit on early childhood education;
• $9,850 to the Oklahoma State University Foundation for safety programs for agencies providing early childhood education programs;
• $8,500 to the University of Central Oklahoma Foundation for a scholarship and intern program;
• $7,500 to World Neighbors for geography education in area schools; and,
• $6,500 for teachers to attend history training at Colonial Williamsburg.

In addition, the Foundation provided scholarships for students to attend classes or camps through grants made to the Boy Scouts, Boys & Girls Club, First Tee, Lyric Theater, the Oklahoma Heritage Association and the State Fair of Oklahoma.