Granting Guidelines
(for all requests except scholarship funds)

The Noble Foundation is engaged in basic plant biology research, forage improvement research and agricultural research, consultation and demonstration. Historically, funds available for granting are those remaining after the operating and capital expenses of the Foundation are met.

When additional funds are available, the trustees make grants in a number of areas, with primary focus on capital funding for higher education and on health research and delivery systems. Generally, these grants are geographically limited, with primary emphasis in Oklahoma. Proposals are considered only from tax-exempt organizations located within the United States. No loans or grants are made to individuals or for-profit entities.

Prior to sending out formal grant applications for completion, we require the organization to submit a letter of inquiry. The letter (usually no more than two pages) should summarize both the organization and the project for which a grant is requested.
Letters of inquiry are accepted year-round.

The letter should be addressed to:
Mr. Michael A. Cawley, President
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.
Post Office Box 2180
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73402

If the proposed project falls within our granting parameters and would be a project in which our Trustees would have an interest, we will forward a formal grant application for completion.

Deadlines
Deadlines for receiving completed grant applications (not letters of inquiry) are December 1, March 1, June 1 and September 1. Our Trustees meet quarterly in January, April, July and October. The organization may be requested to provide additional information or answer specific questions about the proposal prior to the meeting date. Notification of the Trustees' decision is usually made within two weeks following the meeting.

Questions concerning grant request procedures, completion of application forms or the status of a pending request may be directed to Donna Windel, dkwindel@noble.org, Director of Granting, or Mary Kate Wilson, mkwilson@noble.org, Program Officer.