Bartlesville, Oklahoma, boasts a vibrant nonprofit sector with over 300 organizations dedicated to various causes. More than 44 private foundations support this thriving network, which provides essential funding and resources. Among them, the Bartlesville Community Foundation (BCF) stands out, managing $25.2 million in assets and distributing over $2 million in grants in 2023. During that year, The Jeanalee and Charles Parsons Foundation also significantly impacted organizations through projects benefiting youth and older adults. Additionally, the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation (BPSF) invested over $300,000 in educational programs last year through a partnership with BCF. Together, these organizations strengthen meaningful causes and foster a shared legacy of progress and hope for the Bartlesville community.
Philanthropy in Action: The Jeanalee and Charles Parsons Foundation
The Jeanalee and Charles Parsons Foundation is a testament to thoughtful philanthropy’s power. Established in 2007, the foundation projects that are capital in nature and serve Bartlesville’s youth and elderly populations. Whether constructing buildings, purchasing equipment, or funding vehicles, it focuses on creating long-term, tangible benefits (projects typically funded are capital in nature).
Harvey Little, a trustee and early collaborator with the Parsons, reflects on the profound impact of their giving: “It’s always about continuing the work they started. We strive to honor their values and ensure every grant aligns with their vision of supporting the community.”
Among its early grant recipients was the Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville, which received its first significant gift from the foundation in 2015. The donation helped the club expand its ability to serve local youth, creating opportunities that continue to change lives today. “When I visit their facility now, I see the number of young people whose lives are being positively changed because of that donation,” Little shares.
Another transformative project supported by the foundation is Paths to Independence, a school that serves individuals diagnosed with Autism. “Very few schools like this exist within a 150-mile radius,” Little explains. “They do a lot with limited resources, and it makes a difference for everyone who receives their help.”
One of the foundation’s most visible impacts is a local park featuring inclusive equipment and shaded areas, a project completed during the Parsons’ lifetime. “They loved seeing the children and families enjoying the park,” Little recalls. “It gave them great joy knowing their legacy was making a difference.”
Through its thoughtful grants, the Parsons Foundation has provided vital resources to nonprofits in Bartlesville, enhancing their capacity to serve the community. From schools supporting individuals with autism to organizations uplifting local youth, every grant reflects the Parsons’ dedication to creating lasting change. “Every dollar we grant builds something concrete that organizations can rely on for years to come,” Little emphasizes.
Bartlesville Community Foundation: A Catalyst for Collaboration
As Bartlesville’s philanthropic hub, the Bartlesville Community Foundation (BCF) empowers donors and nonprofits to collaborate on impactful solutions. Laura Jensen, BCF’s Executive Director, explains, “Community foundations are catalysts for positive change. We bring people together to address pressing needs and create a better future.”
BCF’s impact is undeniable. In 2023 alone, it distributed nearly $2 million in grants, scholarships, and community projects—a dramatic increase from $730,403 just a decade ago. These funds have supported a wide range of initiatives, from empowering public school teachers to advancing healthy living programs, each making a tangible difference in the lives of Bartlesville residents.
Beyond financial contributions, BCF focuses on helping donors establish legacy plans, ensuring their generosity creates lasting change. Jensen, a former scholarship recipient herself, knows the transformative power of philanthropy. “Without the support of my hometown community foundation, my life’s trajectory would have been very different,” she says.
Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation: Building Futures
At the heart of Bartlesville’s education system is the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation (BPSF), a vital partner in empowering students and teachers. Under the leadership of Blair Ellis, BPSF has funded district-wide initiatives that impact thousands of students.
“Our mission is to provide resources, cultivate partnerships, and celebrate achievements to empower teachers and enrich learning,” Ellis says. Through an affiliate partnership with the BCF, in 2023 BPSF invested over $300,000 in programs like Bruins on the Run and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library exemplify this mission. Since its launch in 2022, the library has delivered over 28,000 books to nearly half of Washington County’s eligible children under five.
As an affiliate of BCF, BPSF benefits from collaborative support while maintaining its independence to address specific educational needs. Ellis reflects on the importance of these partnerships: “Quality public schools are critical to our community’s success. Seeing the impact we make is incredibly rewarding.”
A Shared Vision for Bartlesville’s Future
Together, the Parsons Foundation, BCF, and BPSF represent the best of what philanthropy can achieve. Their combined efforts in 2023 alone directed over $3 million toward projects that uplift youth, support the elderly, and empower educators.
These foundations share a common thread: they’re not just about financial transactions—they’re about creating legacies that inspire. As Laura Jensen aptly puts it, “Foundations aren’t just about giving money—they’re about building legacies that endure for generations.”
Bartlesville’s story is one of collaboration, compassion, and commitment. Through strategic investments and a shared vision, these foundations demonstrate the power of giving to transform lives and strengthen communities. Their work serves as a blueprint for resilience, innovation, and hope for the future.
Angie Thompson is an independent development consultant, specializing in messaging for donor impact. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northeastern Oklahoma Green Country Chapter and a member of the Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits. Learn more at AngieThompsonConsulting.com. Contact us for more information.