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Oliver Foundation is a private corporation based in OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 2001. The principal officer is Roy T Oliver. It holds total assets of $1.7M. Annual income is reported at $575K. Total assets have grown from $1.2M in 2011 to $1.7M in 2023. The foundation is governed by 1 officer or trustee. Tax records are available from 2020 to 2023. Grantmaking is concentrated in Texas. According to available records, Oliver Foundation has made 44 grants totaling $326K, with a median grant of $3K. Annual giving has grown from $52K in 2020 to $197K in 2022. Individual grants have ranged from $250 to $30K, with an average award of $7K. The foundation has supported 23 unique organizations. Grants have been distributed to organizations in Oklahoma and New York. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
## Approach Strategy
The Oliver Foundation is a Houston-based operating foundation exclusively focused on preventing childhood obesity in Texas. Unlike passive grantmaking foundations, it actively provides technical support, training, and nutrition education materials to grant recipients, making it both a funder and a program partner.
What makes this foundation distinctive: - Operating foundation model: The Oliver Foundation does not just write checks. It provides on-site visits, a full-time dietitian, and a dedicated Program Director who work directly with teachers, nurses, and educators at grant sites. - Seven Healthy Messages framework: All grants must align with the foundation's "Make HEALTHY CHOICES for Life!" curriculum, which includes seven specific health messages (fruits/vegetables, water, healthy snacks, active play, dairy, breakfast, portion size). - Research partnership with Baylor College of Medicine: The foundation has a track record of rigorous evaluation through multi-year intervention studies with Baylor's Department of Pediatrics-Nutrition, lending credibility to its approach.
Recommended approach for applicants: 1. Demonstrate alignment with the Seven Healthy Messages. Your proposal must explicitly incorporate at least 3 (Level 1) or 5 (Level 2) of the seven messages. Physical activity and nutrition education are mandatory components. 2. Emphasize sustainability. Every proposal must include a sustainability plan showing how the program will continue after grant funding ends. This is a non-negotiable requirement. 3. Be Texas-based. The foundation exclusively funds Texas schools, non-profits, and community organizations. 4. Show measurable impact. Given the foundation's research orientation with Baylor College of Medicine, proposals that include clear evaluation metrics (BMI tracking, behavioral change measurement) will be favored. 5. Start with Level 1. New applicants should consider a Level 1 grant ($750-$3,000) as an entry point to build a relationship before pursuing larger Level 2 funding.
## Funding Patterns
Grant Structure (4 tiers):
| Grant Type | Amount | Duration | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $750 - $3,000 | 1 school year or summer | Minimum 3 of 7 Healthy Messages |
| Level 2 | $3,000 - $5,000 | 2+ years (4 semesters) | Minimum 5 of 7 Healthy Messages |
| Garden Grants | $3,000 - $5,000 | 2+ years (4 semesters) | 5+ Healthy Messages + garden coordinator |
| Teen Advisory Board | $500 | Ongoing | School sponsor required |
Rolling quarterly deadlines: April 15, July 15, and October 15 — allowing year-round submission.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | End Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $94,870 | $97,235 | $1,742,399 |
| 2022 | $162,043 | $106,901 | $1,744,764 |
| 2021 | $161,479 | $86,134 | $1,689,622 |
Key observations: - The foundation has awarded over 140 grants since 2013, averaging approximately 12-14 grants per year. - Total assets of approximately $1.7M with annual expenses around $90K-$107K suggest a sustainable grantmaking pace. - Revenue dropped significantly in 2023 (from $162K to $95K), but expenses remained stable, indicating consistent program commitment. - As an operating foundation, a significant portion of expenses goes to program support (dietitian, Program Director, training) rather than pure grantmaking.
Funding exclusions: No capital campaigns, construction, vehicles, emergency equipment, clothing/uniforms, salaries/stipends, endowments, political projects, or operating deficits.
## Peer Comparison
The Oliver Foundation occupies a unique niche among childhood health foundations in Texas:
Asset class comparison ($1M-$5M, Texas-based health foundations): - With ~$1.7M in assets, the Oliver Foundation is small in absolute terms but highly focused and impactful within its niche. - Its operating foundation model is uncommon — most foundations in this asset range are passive grantmakers. The Oliver Foundation's hands-on approach (on-site visits, training, dietitian support) provides significantly more value per dollar than pure grants.
Competitive advantages: - Baylor College of Medicine partnership: Few foundations of this size have a research partnership with a top-tier medical institution, lending rigorous evidence to their programs. - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas collaboration: Partnership with a major health insurer validates the approach and expands reach. - Proven track record: Multi-year BMI studies showing actual weight loss in elementary students is rare among small health foundations. - W.K. Kellogg Foundation recognition: Being a partner of the Kellogg Foundation (a $7.5B foundation) signals credibility far beyond the Oliver Foundation's own asset size.
Peer organizations in the childhood obesity space in Texas: - Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (much larger, broader health/education focus) - Texas Health Institute (policy-oriented rather than direct programming) - Paso del Norte Health Foundation (El Paso-focused)
What sets Oliver Foundation apart: Its school-by-school, hands-on intervention model combined with research rigor creates a distinctive approach that larger foundations often cannot replicate at the individual campus level.
## Recent Activity
Organizational status: Active and operational as of 2026. The foundation continues to accept grant applications on a rolling quarterly basis (April 15, July 15, October 15).
Recent financial data (Tax Period 2023): - Total revenue: $94,870 - Total functional expenses: $97,235 - Ending assets: $1,742,399 - IRS data updated through March 2026, confirming ongoing operations
Program milestones: - Over 140 grants awarded since 2013 across Texas school districts and non-profit organizations - Partnership network spans 20+ Texas school districts and organizations including Spring Branch ISD, Fort Bend ISD, YES Prep Public Schools, Austin ISD, Richardson ISD, and many others - Active research collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine for evidence-based program evaluation - Successfully demonstrated measurable BMI reduction in elementary students through multi-year intervention studies
Website and digital presence: - Active, well-maintained website at oliverfoundation.com with grant application forms, newsletters, and educational resources - Foundation provides downloadable educational materials including the HEB Buddy Book and Choices program materials - Teen Advisory Board program actively recruiting at middle and high school campuses
Notable geographic note: The IRS filing address shows Oklahoma City, OK, but the foundation's operational headquarters and all programming are in Houston, TX (5535 Memorial Drive Suite F, #256, Houston, TX 77007). This appears to be a registered-agent vs. operating-address discrepancy common with foundations established across state lines.
## Application Tips
The Oliver Foundation has a transparent, well-documented grants process. Here are specific tips for maximizing your chances:
1. Match the Seven Healthy Messages explicitly. The foundation's entire framework revolves around seven specific messages: (1) Choose 5-A-Day servings of fruits and vegetables, (2) Have more water and less sugary beverages, (3) Opt for healthy snacks, (4) Increase active play and decrease screen time, (5) Choose 3-A-Day servings of low-fat dairy, (6) Enjoy a healthy breakfast, (7) Serve a small portion size. Your proposal must explicitly reference which messages you will incorporate and how.
2. Include both physical activity AND nutrition education. These two components are mandatory for all grant levels. Proposals that address only one will not be considered.
3. Build a strong sustainability plan. This is repeatedly emphasized across all grant types. Show how your program will continue after Oliver Foundation funding ends. Address how equipment/supplies will be renewed and how curriculum integration will persist.
4. Start with Level 1 to build the relationship. New organizations should apply for a Level 1 grant ($750-$3,000) first. The foundation provides technical support that decreases over time, creating a natural progression from Level 1 to Level 2.
5. Leverage the foundation's resources. The Oliver Foundation offers more than money — request training from their dietitian and Program Director, use their Oliver Kids Team curriculum, and reference the HEB Buddy Book and CHOICES materials in your proposal.
6. Include measurable evaluation methods. Given the Baylor College of Medicine research partnership, the foundation values evidence-based approaches. Include specific metrics (BMI tracking, pre/post knowledge assessments, behavioral surveys) in your evaluation plan.
7. Consider the Garden Grant or Teen Advisory Board. These specialized tracks may have less competition than the general Level 1/Level 2 grants. Garden grants work well for schools with outdoor space, and Teen Advisory Board grants ($500) are an easy entry point for secondary schools.
8. Note the rolling deadlines. You can apply April 15, July 15, or October 15. Plan your proposal timeline accordingly — there is no need to wait for an annual cycle.
9. Contact before applying. Reach out to info@oliverfoundation.org or call 713-202-2973 to discuss your idea before submitting. As an operating foundation with hands-on staff, they welcome pre-application conversations.
10. Be Texas-based. Only Texas non-profit organizations, agencies, and schools are eligible. If you are outside Texas, this foundation cannot fund your work.
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Single school year grants ($750-$3,000) for campus-level, grade-level, teacher, and summer programs incorporating at least 3 of the 7 Healthy Messages including physical activity and nutrition education components.
Two-year or longer grants ($3,000-$5,000) for programs incorporating at least 5 of the 7 Healthy Messages, intended to create long-term sustainable programs at the campus level.
Two-year or longer garden grants ($3,000-$5,000) for K-12 campus programs incorporating at least 5 of the 7 Healthy Messages, requiring a garden coordinator and encouraging parent and community involvement.
Grants ($500) for middle and high school campuses implementing Teen Advisory Boards — groups of diverse students passionate about creating healthy campus environments, community service, and mentoring younger students.
School-based program to prevent childhood overweight and obesity by incorporating health and nutrition information into existing curriculum through educators, parents, mentors, and community partners.
## Funding Patterns Grant Structure (4 tiers):.
Oliver Foundation has distributed a total of $326K across 44 grants. The median grant size is $3K, with an average of $7K. Individual grants have ranged from $250 to $30K.
## Approach Strategy The Oliver Foundation is a Houston-based operating foundation exclusively focused on preventing childhood obesity in Texas. Unlike passive grantmaking foundations, it actively provides technical support, training, and nutrition education materials to grant recipients, making it both a funder and a program partner.
Oliver Foundation is headquartered in OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. While based in OK, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 2 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roy T Oliver | Pres./Dir. | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
$97K
Total Assets
$1.7M
Fair Market Value
$2.4M
Net Worth
$1.7M
Grants Paid
$93K
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
$95K
Distribution Amount
$104K
Total: $1.7M
Total Grants
44
Total Giving
$326K
Average Grant
$7K
Median Grant
$3K
Unique Recipients
23
Most Common Grant
$1K
of 2022 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground ZeroCOMMUNITY ENRICHMENT | Norman, OK | $25K | 2022 |
| Ou Sooner Flight AcademyEDUCATIONAL | Norman, OK | $30K | 2022 |
| The University Of OklahomaEDUCATIONAL | Norman, OK | $12K | 2022 |
| First Baptist Church - Loaves FisheCOMMUNITY ENRICHMENT | Calvin, OK | $12K | 2022 |
| Transition HouseCOMMUNITY ENRICHMENT | Norman, OK | $5K | 2022 |
| Allied ArtsCOMMUNITY ENRICHMENT | Norman, OK | $5K | 2022 |
| Britton Christian Church Tennis AcaEDUCATIONAL | Oklahoma City, OK | $2K | 2022 |
| Austin Erika MorenoMEDICAL & DISASTER ASSIST | Blanchard, OK | $2K | 2022 |
| Historical Society Of Us District CEDUCATIONAL | Oklahoma City, OK | $2K | 2022 |
| The University Of Oklahoma OutreachCOMMUNITY ENRICHMENT | Norman, OK | $1K | 2022 |
| Peppers RanchCOMMUNITY ENRICHMENT | Guthrie, OK | $1K | 2022 |
| Special Olympics OklahomaEDUCATIONAL | Tulsa, OK | $500 | 2022 |
| Oklahoma County Sheriff'S OfficeCOMMUNITY ENRICHMENT | Oklahoma City, OK | $20K | 2021 |
| The Foundation For OkcpsEDUCATIONAL | Oklahoma City, OK | $5K | 2021 |
| CpasaCOMMUNITY ENRICHMENT | Tishomingo, OK | $5K | 2021 |
| Fractured AtlasEDUCATIONAL | New York, NY | $1K | 2021 |
| Westminster SchoolEDUCATIONAL | Oklahoma City, OK | $1K | 2021 |
| WingsEDUCATIONAL | Edmond, OK | $1K | 2021 |
| Us Grant High SchoolEDUCATIONAL | Oklahoma City, OK | $470 | 2021 |
| Josh Leffler Scholarship FundEDUCATIONAL | Oklahoma City, OK | $22K | 2020 |
| Girl Scouts Western OklahomaEDUCATIONAL | Oklahoma City, OK | $15K | 2020 |
| United Way Of Central OklahomaCOMMUNITY ENRICHMENT | Oklahoma City, OK | $1K | 2020 |
| Regional Food Bank Of OklahomaCOMMUNITY ENRICHMENT | Oklahoma City, OK | $1K | 2020 |
TULSA, OK
ARDMORE, OK
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK