About RNFF
The Ruth Nelson Family Foundation (RNFF) is a private, independent grantmaking institution rooted in a simple belief: no person should be denied dignity, opportunity, or care because of their circumstances. Established in 1995, Ruth used the Foundation to quietly and faithfully support many organizations and leaders serving the community.
Guided by Ruth’s legacy, RNFF is committed to creating a more compassionate and equitable Tulsa through targeted investments in affordable housing, youth development, and women’s health, causes she supported throughout her life.
Commitment to Tulsa
The Foundation’s focus on Tulsa reflects Ruth’s belief that meaningful change begins close to home. Long known for resilience, creativity, and generosity, Tulsa has become a vibrant hub for arts and culture, education, business, and community innovation.
The second largest city in Oklahoma, the Tulsa metro area is home to about 1 million people. It is also a place where persistent inequities in health, housing, and educational outcomes mean many families in Tulsa struggle to meet today’s needs and to achieve long-term economic stability.
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
The mission of the Ruth Nelson Family Foundation is to support the areas of need that reflect the philanthropic interests of Ruth Nelson by nurturing bold ideas, serving urgent needs, and transforming systems to benefit Tulsa.
Vision
We envision a society in which no person is denied shelter, food, physical well-being or access to education and culture because of gender, race, disability, or economic constraint.
Values
Ruth’s values continue to guide the Foundation today:
Humility
We come to this work with as many questions as we do answers, eager to learn as we help solve. Above all, we respect those who already enhance their communities. Our intent is to support people and organizations in whom we believe, without need for recognition. Once the donor becomes the focus, we have failed. We center those in need.
Spending every dollar by 2038
Our founder chose to have the Foundation spend all of our assets by 2038. By doing so, it allows us to respond to urgent needs while also making lasting change alongside the Tulsa community.
Timeline
1985
1985
The Ruth Nelson Family Foundation is founded as a private, independent charitable foundation and gains status as a 501(c)(3).
1995–2023
1995–2023
Ruth Nelson directed more than $160 million in grants to nonprofit partners aligned with Ruth’s interests in human services, affordable housing, women’s health, education, end-of-life care, health, and the arts.
2016
2016
Ruth is awarded the Key to the City of Tulsa in recognition for her work with housing, women, and the poor.
2023
2023
Following Ruth’s passing and at her direction, the Foundation begins to establish its spend-down strategy guided by its Trustees.
2025
2025
RNFF hires its first staff to execute the Foundation’s mission and ensure continuity while planning to scale, innovate, and deepen impact.
2026+
2026+
The Trustees and staff begin to focus the Foundation’s grantmaking on affordable housing, women’s health, and youth development to deepen relationships with partners, prioritize high-impact initiatives, and align resources with community needs.
2038
2038
In accordance with Ruth’s wishes, all assets of the Foundation will have been allocated to the community, completing the spend-down period.
