FAQs

Ruth Nelson decided to allocate her philanthropic resources to meet today’s pressing social and economic needs almost exclusively in the Tulsa community, by 2038. Concentrating the Foundation’s giving over the next decade allows RNFF to make bold, meaningful investments that will have lasting impact.

Ruth was well known for her relational and responsive approach to philanthropy. After her passing, the Trustees recognized that sustaining her impact would require new staffing and systems. In 2025, they hired an executive director to build a small team and develop a strategic plan for future giving. The staff and Trustees are committed to upholding Ruth’s values while ensuring responsible stewardship of the Foundation’s resources.

While the operations may look different, the spirit of giving remains rooted in the generosity, trust, and community-first mindset that defined Ruth’s philanthropy.

Much of Ruth’s giving was done without applications or reporting requirements. Going forward, we will utilize LOIs, grant applications, and reporting. We will continue to share information about our strategy, application processes, and timelines on our website and via other communication channels.

If your organization aligns with our focus areas and eligibility requirements, we encourage you to check our website or join one of our information sessions to learn more about our LOI and application process. Following the LOI, applications are by invitation followed by a formal review process and board approval.

In addition to our strategic areas of focus, we will continue to support several organizations that were especially important to Ruth through our Founder’s Initiative. This portfolio is by invitation only.

If your organization aligns with our focus areas and eligibility requirements, we encourage you to review our grantmaking process or join one of our information sessions to learn more about our LOI and application process. If you have a specific question, you may contact program staff through our contact page.

Grant awards will vary by year. The Foundation’s annual giving will increase over the next several years as it begins to deploy all of its assets, almost exclusively in the Tulsa community, by 2038. As we develop strategies around our spend-down timeframe, we will share them with the community.

The Foundation will consider funding if the faith-based organization does not discriminate service delivery based on personal values, beliefs, identity, and orientation. The Foundation does not support proselytizing or religious instruction.