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Our Vision
Since the earliest days of the Schusterman family’s philanthropy, we have invested in strengthening the social and economic fabric of their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Alongside our partners, we have worked for nearly four decades to ensure Tulsa is a compelling place to live and work.
To shape the city as a place where all people can thrive, it is important to understand the lasting effects of Tulsa’s past. The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was part of a long history of discrimination and violence against Tulsa’s Black community and has contributed to the racial and economic inequities people of color continue to experience today—particularly in north Tulsa.
We believe the path toward progress runs through improving our hometown’s critical systems, including public education, higher education, social services and housing. We envision this work will contribute to building a vibrant and equitable Tulsa, where all community members have true access to the resources and opportunities that will enable them to realize their full potential and build a better future for themselves and their families.
The Opportunity
Tulsa is a resilient, vibrant city fueled by civic pride and a belief that if we work together, we can build a community where everyone can thrive.
At the same time, like many U.S. cities, Tulsa faces serious challenges underscored by significant disparities in every outcome area—including educational attainment, household income and life expectancy—based on race and ZIP code.
Today, community leaders in Tulsa are charting a path forward in which everyone—especially people of color, immigrants, families living in poverty and LGBTQ people—can thrive. To support this work, we invest in local organizations and community-led initiatives that center the experiences of those most impacted and strive to ensure that youth and families have food to eat, a stable place to live, and the chance to succeed at school and work. In particular, we support opportunities for positive youth experiences and education; pathways to college and careers that prepare young adults to earn a living wage; and efforts to set up families and communities to thrive.
1 in 5
Children in Tulsa is at risk of going to bed hungry. (Source)
13.5%
Young adults (16-24) in Tulsa are not working and are not in school. (Source)
19%
Of Black Tulsans have a bachelor's degree, about half the rate of white Tulsans. (Source)
11th
Highest eviction rate among U.S. cities. (Source)
Our Focus Areas
We work closely with our community-based partners to make Tulsa a great place to live for everyone.
Youth Experiences and Education
We support an array of programs that engage youth in academics, leadership development and STEM learning so they can develop as engaged citizens and community leaders.
Pathways to College and the Workforce
We work to ensure that every young person in Tulsa—regardless of their race, ethnicity or the neighborhood where they grow up—has the opportunities and support they deserve to earn a postsecondary credential and earn a fair wage.
Family and Community Support
We help increase access to resources so families and communities can overcome racial, social and economic inequities and live healthy, self-sustaining lives.
Our Grantees
We are proud to support a range of organizations and initiatives working to overcome racial, social and economic barriers in Tulsa. Meet some of our grantees.
View more grantees in our Tulsa Grantmaking portfolio
Preparing Youth for a STEM-Enabled Future
To ensure all young people have access to high-impact careers, Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance (TRSA) is shaping a growing pipeline of diverse STEM talent by building broad, deep and innovative STEM pathways for students.
Supporting Equity-Oriented Classroom Leaders
Since 2009, Teach For America’s presence in Tulsa has helped develop excellent, culturally responsive educators. Today, TFA corps members reach 6,000 students in 32 schools across the Tulsa area, and over 300 alumni call Tulsa home and continue to make a difference in our community.
Advocating for the Arts
Ahha Tulsa advocates for arts and humanities education at all levels and develops innovative programs and exhibits that bring the arts to the public.
Advancing Equal Rights
Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) seeks equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals and families through intersectional advocacy, education, programs, alliances and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
Protecting Vulnerable Children
Child Abuse Network provides collaborative intervention services to child abuse victims so they can embrace a future driven by hope.
Creating Engaging Learning Environments
City Year Tulsa AmeriCorps members partner with teachers and schools to help create learning environments where all students can build on their strengths and fully engage in their learning.
