The Inasmuch Foundation is a private, philanthropic organization established in 1982 by Edith Kinney Gaylord, daughter of The Daily Oklahoman publisher E.K. Gaylord. Based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Oklahomans and, to a lesser extent, supporting national initiatives in journalism.
History
The Inasmuch Foundation was founded by Edith Kinney Gaylord (1916–2001), a journalist and philanthropist. Her father, Edward King Gaylord, was a prominent media executive who built The Oklahoma Publishing Company into a major enterprise. Edith Kinney Gaylord inherited her father's commitment to community and established the Inasmuch Foundation with a significant endowment to carry on her philanthropic vision. The name "Inasmuch" is inspired by Matthew 25:40: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Following her death, the foundation's assets grew substantially, allowing it to become one of the largest grantmaking organizations in Oklahoma.
Mission and Focus Areas
The Inasmuch Foundation's mission is to invest in organizations that strengthen communities and improve the lives of Oklahomans. Its primary grantmaking efforts are concentrated in Oklahoma, with a particular focus on Oklahoma City and its surrounding areas. The foundation typically supports initiatives within four key program areas:
- Education: Supporting programs that improve educational outcomes, from early childhood to higher education, and promote lifelong learning. This includes initiatives focused on teacher development, literacy, STEM education, and access to quality learning environments.
- Health: Funding organizations that enhance health and well-being, focusing on access to healthcare, mental health services, disease prevention, and healthy living initiatives.
- Human Services: Providing support for organizations that address basic needs, strengthen families, and empower vulnerable populations. This includes efforts related to food security, shelter, domestic violence support, and services for children and seniors.
- Community (Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement, Environment, Journalism): Investing in projects that enrich community life, foster civic participation, protect natural resources, and uphold the importance of quality journalism. The foundation has a particular interest in supporting independent, non-profit journalism, often through national programs.
Grantmaking and Impact
The Inasmuch Foundation operates primarily as a grantmaking institution, providing financial support to non-profit organizations that align with its mission and program areas. It often engages in strategic partnerships, seeking to fund projects that demonstrate sustainable impact and foster collaboration among community stakeholders. The foundation's grants range in size and scope, supporting both large-scale capital projects and smaller, programmatic initiatives. It is recognized for its significant contributions to the cultural, educational, and social infrastructure of Oklahoma.
Leadership
As a private family foundation, the Inasmuch Foundation is governed by a board of trustees, many of whom are descendants of Edith Kinney Gaylord. This structure ensures that the founder's philanthropic legacy and vision continue to guide the foundation's operations. The foundation also employs a professional staff to manage its grantmaking process and community engagement.
See Also
- Philanthropy
- Grantmaking
- Oklahoma City
External Links
- Official Website of the Inasmuch Foundation (Conceptual link; actual URL not provided as per instructions)