Lawton is filled with wonderful, hard-working people who band together to make this a community we can be proud to call home. Twenty-five years ago, a group of Lawton community and business leaders had a vision for how they could support the community today and in the future. As the vision took shape, the Lawton Community Foundation was born. With the partnership of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, we have built sustainable funding that supports our community’s nonprofits, schools, scholarships and so much more. Over the past 25 years, we have had the opportunity to support tremendous organizations and projects and give students the chance to further their education, and we look forward to doing more. The Lawton Community Foundation is not just about one or two people – it’s about all of us coming together. It gets back to the core of why Lawton is such a wonderful place to call home. Because when we work together, everyone can make an impact.
— Mike Mayhall, President
25 Years: A Look Back
Twenty-five years ago, a group of Lawton businesspeople came together to transform their community. With a little help from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, they formed Lawton Community Foundation, and for more than two decades, they have brought together donors, businesses and leaders to support their community and make Lawton a city to be proud of.
We recently sat down with Dr. Gib Gibson and Gene Love to talk about the Lawton Community Foundation’s start and success since.
QDr. Gibson, you played a big role in getting the Lawton Community Foundation off the ground. Why do you think this needed to happen?
AGIB: Well, I was part of a group called the Retail Merchants Association, and we had some money and needed to do something with it, but we couldn’t figure out what to do. I went and met with the McMahon Foundation, and they referred us to the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. I thought the possibility of doing something like this was not going to be easy, you know, how do you start a community foundation with $400,000? You really can’t, but the Oklahoma City Community Foundation came in and oversaw all the administration work for us, which was a tough job, and OCCF did it and did it quite well. They did a fantastic job – still do. We couldn’t have started without that.
AQGene, when did you become involved with the Lawton Community Foundation?
GENE: I got involved with the Community Foundation right after it got started here in Lawton. At that time, I was on the board of the YMCA, and when the Community Foundation offered a $10,000 match for nonprofits to start an endowment, it was a no-brainer for me to get on board. When you can make 100% of your money up front after starting your endowment, that will help your organization into perpetuity.
Q Is there anything that you can remember about your time with the Lawton Community Foundation that you feel truly made a big impact on the community?
AGENE: I joined the board in 2005 and served through 2013, and I was president for the last five years I was on the board. When I became president, I set a personal goal for myself to meet with as many nonprofits in the community as I possibly could. And in that five-year period, I met with 21 nonprofits and all 21 of them established endowments, so that was a huge part of our growth during that period. We also stretched it out to surrounding communities during that time.
QGib, how has the Lawton Community Foundation improved people’s lives throughout the Lawton area?
AGIB: Well, I think a lot of it has been the Community Foundation’s grants and donations to our community members who might need a little help. That’s the important thing, you know. It’s very important to take care of our people, and I think the Lawton Community Foundation has done that.
Q What does the next 25 years look like for the Foundation?
A
GIB: We’ve always had good businesspeople on the board, and to keep moving forward I think the more community leadership we have, the more people will get involved with the Foundation.
AGENE: One of the things that I’ve always felt, if you’re going to get involved as an individual or are involved in a business, you ought to try to be the best it can possibly be. And I don’t think we’re there yet for the Lawton Community Foundation, we’ll get there. I think we need to get more individuals and businesses involved and expand outside of Lawton. We need to be a bouncing ball and keep bouncing.
AGIB: I think the next 25 years are going to be good. If you look at where we’ve been for the last 25 years, we’ve done okay. But we can do better. Absolutely, I think we can do better. I mean if you look at us going from $400,000 to $14M in the first 25 years, well that’s not too bad.
AGENE: Now can we double that in the next 25 years? I think we can. I think the prospects are very good. The future is bright, very bright.
“It’s very important to take care of people, and I think the Lawton Community Foundation has done that.” — Dr. Gib Gibson
Left to Right: Gene Love and Gib Gibson
Sustaining Our Community
For 25 years, the Lawton Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Endowment Program has partnered with individuals, families and organizations to provide sustainable funds so our organizations can focus on the mission at hand.
Total Since Inception Distributions: $3.1M
FY24 Distributions: $334K
Nonprofit Endowments
Artillery OCS Alumni Chapter Inc.
Arts for All
Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Fires Chapter-Lawton - Fort Sill
Bernice Ford Price Library Endowment
Cache School Scholarship
Catalyst Behavioral ServicesRoadback
Center for Creative Living Endowment
Christian Family Counseling Center
Comanche County Memorial Hospital Foundation
Crime Stoppers/Drug Busters of Southwest Oklahoma Endowment
First United Methodist Church Foundation Inc. of Lawton, OK
Frederick School Enrichment Foundation
Friends of Fort Sill Endowment
Giddy Up 'N Go
Great Plains AMBUCS - Kid's Zone
Great Plains Technology Center Foundation
Great Plains - Jim Nesbitt Scholarship
Total Endowed Funds: 52
Hackberry Flat Foundation
Hearts That Care - Wendy Bartanen
Holiday in The Park
Human Society of LawtonComanche County
Kathy Bea Holsinger Reese Memorial
Lawton AMBUCS Lou Brox Endowment
Lawton Athletic Foundation Endowment
Lawton Community Theatre
Lawton Family YMCA
Lawton Food Bank
Lawton-Fort Sill Armed Services
YMCA Gene Love Endowment
Lawton Friends of the Library
Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra
Lawton Public School Foundation
Larry K. Freeman Endowment
Future Leaders of Lawton Fund
Gene and Wanda Rochelle Memorial Education Fund
Lawton Rotary Leadership Institute
Museum of the Great Plains
On the Chisholm Trail Association
Heritage Center
Endowments listed were established on or before June 30, 2024.
Southwest Oklahoma Genealogical Society
St. John Lutheran Church Foundation
Tipton Children's Home
United States Field Artillery Association Foundation
Dennis J. Reimer Scholarship
General Carl E.Vuono Scholarship
General Donald R. Keith Memorial Scholarship
General Jack N. Merritt Scholarship
General J.H. Binford Peay III Scholarship
United States Field ArtilleryFort Sill Artillery Half Section
U.S. Field Artillery Association
All - Star Scholarship
U.S. Field Artillery Association
Eagle Scholarship
United Way of Southwest Oklahoma
Western Trail Historical Society
World Christian Broadcasting
"We are fortunate to live in a generous community that understand the value of endowment and believes that investing in our youth and public education is leaving a legacy."
- Lisa Carson, Executive Director LPSF
Empowering Teachers so Students Can Thrive
At their best, schools foster an environment where students can thrive and learning abounds. Since 1991, the Lawton Public School Foundation (LPSF) has worked every day to make Lawton’s classrooms the best they can be through classroom grants for technology, programs and materials. When the Lawton Community Foundation was established, LPSF quickly took advantage of the opportunity to create sustainable funding. They established their fund in 2000, becoming one of the first nonprofit endowment funds at the Community Foundation and have put a priority on growing the fund ever since.
In 2013, LPSF launched a campaign specifically designed to bolster their endowment fund to cover salaries and other administrative expenses, and it is paying off. With the help of several generous
families and individuals, they are nearing their goal and will soon be able to say that $.95 of every dollar donated to LPSF goes directly into the classroom.
“Our endowment at the Lawton Community Foundation allows us to strategically allocate our resources to directly impact students in our district today as well as invest in future students,” said Lisa Carson, Executive Director of LPSF. “We are fortunate to live in a generous community that understands this value and believes that investing in our youth and publication education is leaving a legacy. It is a privilege to be trusted with this work, and the Lawton Public School Foundation will continue to advocate for our teachers and students and use our talents and resources to meet their needs."
Lawton Public Schools
Funding the Future
Our generous donors have long recognized the importance of education. Through their support, the Lawton Community Foundation’s scholarship program recognizes students from Lawton and the surrounding area who are good students and active in their school and community.
Scholarships
Total Since Inception Scholarships Awarded: $486K
FY24
Scholarship Awards: $35K
Total Scholarship Recipients Since Inception: 342
Scholarship funds listed were established on or before June 30, 2024.
Cleo and Lucille Craig Scholarship
Frank Curran Memorial/Lawton Noon Lions Club Scholarship
CYA Franklin Scholarship
Lawton Business Women Nell Franklin Scholarship
Total Scholarship Recipients in FY24: 19
Lawton Business Women Scholarship
Lawton Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship
Lawton Scholarship Fund
McMahon Legacy Scholarship
Empowering Students, Enriching Community
When the founders started the Lawton Community Foundation, they had a vision – to support the community today and in the future. They quickly realized that supporting the future was key, and in 2001, they awarded the first Lawton Community Foundation Scholars.
Supporting higher education for Lawton area students soon became a cornerstone of the Community Foundation. In 2006, with the help of the Lawton Retail Merchants Association and many individual donors, the Foundation established an endowment that has allowed the program to grow and provide more substantial scholarships over the years.
Over the past 23 years, the Lawton Community Foundation has supported hundreds of incredible students so they can grow, make an impact and lift the entire community so it’s a better place to live.
– Lauren Faram
2005 Lawton Community Foundation Scholar, 2007 Miss America
Lamont N. Wilson ROTC Scholarship The scholarship I received from the Lawton Community Foundation helped make it possible to go to the University of Central Oklahoma. I’m very thankful for the resources that the Foundation put toward my education, and I’m honored to have been chosen for the scholarship.
Investing In Our Community
We make the biggest impact when we join together to address important issues. Our community grant program allows individuals, families and organizations to support projects geared toward improving the quality of life and providing opportunities for Lawton-area citizens. In addition, our matching grants allow donors to magnify their giving and provide sustainable support for nonprofit endowments.
Total Since Inception Community Grants Awarded: $827K
Total Since Inception Matching Grants Awarded: $679K
FY24
Community Grants
Citizens Caring for Children
Friends of the Lawton Public Library
Giddy Up ‘N Go
Great Plains Technology Center Foundation
Holiday in the Park Infant Crisis Services
Lawton Family YMCA
Lawton Farmers Market Institute
Lawton Public School Foundation
Museum of the Great Plains
Salvation Army of Lawton Teen Court
FY24 Community Grant Total: $57K
FY24 Matching Grant Total: $32K
FY24
Matching Grants
Arts for All
Cache School Education Foundation
First United Methodist Church of Lawton Foundation
Friends of Ft. Sill
Great Plains Technology Center Foundation
General Donald R. Keith Memorial Scholarship Fund
Lawton AMBUCS Lou Brox Endowment Fund
Lawton Public School Foundation
Lawton Rotary Leadership Institute
Bernice Ford Price Library Endowment
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Western Trail Historical Society
World Christian Broadcasting
Harvesting Community Spirit
As the scissors cut and the ribbon fell away at the grand opening for the Lawton Farmers Market in February 2022, the new building was filled with dreams and ambition. Fast forward two short years and it’s bursting with energy and exceeding all expectations.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Lawton, the farmers market has become a true community center filled with shoppers from across the region.
By partnering with local businesses, the library and donors like the Lawton Community Foundation, the market has developed a year-round slate of festivals, events and classes and has become the largest farmers market in southwest Oklahoma, hosting an average of 2,000 people a week.
"It's been wonderful to see donors and community members stepping up and pitching in in unexpected ways. We could not be more be more grateful for their support." - Cindy Nocton, Lawton Farmers Market Director
Photo Caption: In 2023, the Lawton Community Foundation awarded the Lawton Farmers Market Institute a $5,000 community grant to support community events and free educational programming.
Our Donors
The Lawton Community Foundation brings people together who want to invest in this place and the people who live here. Together, we can work toward meaningful change across our community, impacting areas like:
• Nonprofit Sustainability
• Educational Opportunities for Students
• Community Needs
Donors
22nd Street Building Company
Stephen J. Arntz
Arts For All Inc.
Dr. George I. Bridges
Brooke Pointe Apartments
Cache School Education Foundation
Center for Creative Living Corp.
Chisholm Trail Heritage Center Association
Christian Family Counseling Center
Dennis D. & Anita R. Clippinger
Comanche County Memorial Hospital Foundation
Phil & Nancy Ferrell
First United Methodist Church Foundation Inc. of Lawton
Friends of Fort Sill Inc.
Great Plains Technology Center Foundation Inc.
Greater Lawton Rotary Club
Hackberry Flat Foundation
Humane Society of Lawton - Comanche County
Michael & Carolyn Keith
Lawton Athletic Foundation
Lawton Business Women
Lawton Chapter of National AMBUCS Inc.
Lawton Family YMCA
Lawton Food Bank
*Donors who gave $500 or more from July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024.
Donor-Advised
Funds
Terry K. Bell Charitable Trust Fund
Virginia Brewczynski Legacy Fund
Cowboy Fund
Cleo Craig Memorial Cancer & Research Foundation Fund
First United Methodist Church Foundation Gift Fund
Katherine D. Lacy Fund
Gene & Carolyn Anne Love Gift Fund
Oklahoma Arts Institute Scholarship Fund
Lawton Kiwanis
Lawton Public School Foundation Inc.
Steve Livingston
Gene Love
David Madigan
Michael C. Mayhall
Museum of the Great Plains
Linda K. & Larry D. Neal
Oklahoma Historical Society
OPAA Food Management of Oklahoma LLC
Karla J. Oty & John M. McArthur
Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc.
River Ridge Group
H. John Rogers
Mike E. & Melody E. Scott
St. John Lutheran Church
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
Stifel Financial Corporation
J.T. Thomson
David Towe
United Way of Southwest Oklahoma
Glendon Warren
Sandra L. Warren
Western Trail Historical Society
World Christian Broadcasting
How Can You Support the Lawton Community?
HOW TO GIVE
Lawton Community Foundation
By giving to the general fund you can support community and matching grants for Lawton and surrounding areas.
Donor-Advised Funds
A donor-advised fund is a simple, flexible and tax-efficient way to meet your charitable goals.
Give to an Endowment
By giving to a nonprofit endowment at the Lawton Community Foundation, you can provide reliable, ongoing support to the nonprofits you care about so they can focus on the mission at hand.
Give to a Scholarship
By supporting a scholarship at the Lawton Community Foundation, you help more students reach their educational goals today and in the future.
WAYS TO GIVE
Gift from a Will or Trust
Make a provision in your will or trust to donate a portion, if not all, of your estate for the benefit of or to establish a fund.
Other Non-Cash Gifts
Stocks, Bonds & Business Interests
Real Estate
Oil & Gas Royalty Interests
Life Insurance Policies
Retirement Plans
Cryptocurrency
Financials & People
Financial Snapshot
Total Assets
$14,011,933 FY24
Total Gifts
$1,092,027 FY24 Total Grants and Scholarships $851,785
Cumulative Grants and Scholarships $8,791,991
Number of Funds 76
*The numbers listed above are a snapshot of the Lawton Community Foundation’s unaudited financials as of Aug. 15, 2024. OCCF's annual independent audit report and the related audited consolidated financial statements with footnotes will be available at occf.org, after Nov. 30, 2024.
Investment Performance
Pooled Investments as of June 30, 2024. Amounts are gross of fees. *Indicates Benchmarks For more information on our investment policies, visit: occf.org/investment. Our
Alternatives
*Equity performance is compared to the Russell 3000 stock index and the MSCI ACWI exUS International equity index; fixed income performance is compared to the Barclays Capital Government/Credit Intermediate bond index (Barclays Capital G/C Int) and total return is compared to a composite of these three indices. For more information on our investment
