OKC VeloCity | 40 years of impact: Inasmuch Foundation’s legacy in Oklahoma City

40 years of impact: Inasmuch Foundation’s legacy in Oklahoma City

By Selena Romero / Inside OKC / September 1, 2023

The Inasmuch Foundation has been a guiding light in Oklahoma City, a testament to compassion, dedication and community since its 1982 founding by Edith Kenney Gaylord. The grantmaking organization focuses on improving the quality of life for Oklahomans. The foundation’s 40th anniversary report marks a remarkable journey of making a difference highlighting its past, present and future.

Transforming Education/Culture

The report encapsulates the Inasmuch Foundation’s journey of impact. Education stands as a cornerstone for their efforts, shaping the trajectory of the community. The foundation’s support of innovative learning technologies like Educare, a national learning network, has sparked positive change and led to a capital campaign to build a state-of-the-art facility in south OKC. The Plaza Theater renovation in 2005 is proof of their commitment to arts and culture, as Inasmuch led Lyric Theatre’s capital campaign with a $1.5 million grant. This is marked as one of the catalysts that led the Plaza District to be presently known as a thriving district of arts, creativity, food and entertainment.

Empowering Communities
The report showcases the foundation’s unwavering dedication to community welfare. It details projects addressing homelessness, health care and social equity. Notably, the foundation’s collaboration-led creation of ReMerge underscores its commitment to breaking systemic cycles. Remerge has helped nearly 200 mothers reunite with their children and saved the state over $42 million.

Sustainable Progress

Inasmuch Foundation’s forward-looking vision extends to environmental sustainability. Their support for projects preserving Oklahoma City’s natural beauty and addressing ecological challenges highlights their commitment to creating a sustainable and resilient future.

Collective Impact

The foundation’s impact isn’t just about funding; it’s about collaboration. The report vividly illustrates the foundation’s efforts with local nonprofits, community leaders and individuals passionate about positive change. Together, they have generated a ripple effect, expanding the reach of their efforts beyond initial contributions hitting major milestones, including endowment growth of more than $550 million and the foundation’s grant funding surpassing $350 million.

Looking Ahead

As Inasmuch Foundation celebrates 40 years, the report illuminates the depth of their impact. It’s a celebration not only of an organization but the lives of Oklahomans who have been touched, transformed and empowered along the way. This legacy stands as an indication to the power of compassionate action.

To learn more about the Inasmuch Foundation's incredible journey and its plans for the future, explore the comprehensive report at inasmuchfoundation.org/40-year-report.

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