Wish Granted. Five grants worth $205,000 go to Tulsa area organizations

One foundation, the Inasmuch Foundation, has distributed $205,000 to five organizations in the Tulsa area.

Grants were awarded for projects addressing education, health and human services and community enhancement.

Edith Kinney Gaylord founded Inasmuch Foundation in 1982 to support charitable, scientific and educational causes that enhance the progress and quality of life for Oklahomans.

KIPP Tulsa College Preparatory was awarded $50,000 for teacher supplemental salaries for additional time of instruction, teacher professional development, technology and/or instructional software and the purchase of curriculum for the school.

"As 80 percent of those from affluent households graduate from college compared to eight percent of those from under-resourced homes, we all know that students from underserved communities are not receiving the same education as more affluent students," said John Wolfkill, executive director of KIPP Tulsa.

"It takes more days and more time on task to overcome this huge achievement gap in our community," Wolfkill said.

Cherokee National Historical Society received $40,000 for the Cherokee Humanities Course, college-level study of Cherokee life, language, beliefs, practices and behaviors.

Tulsa Boys' Home was awarded $45,000 over three years to support an on-campus work program providing residents the opportunity to earn wages in a "real world" environment.

"We are very proud and grateful for the tremendous, long-standing support of the Inasmuch Foundation in helping us heal troubled young boys," said Gregory T. Conway, executive director of Tulsa Boys' Home.

Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) received a $40,000 grant for shelter, counseling and education to families affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

DVIS Executive Director Tracey Lyall said they will use the funding for general operations, which includes a 50-bed emergency shelter, 13 apartment transitional living facility, counseling programs and hospital advocacy.

Friends Of Honor Heights Park Association received $30,000 for their teaching gardens and butterfly sanctuary. Gardens will include a plaza, fountains, seating and a large pond with a bridge. The greenhouse-type butterfly sanctuary will allow for an up-close experience.

Check out more about Inasmuch Foundation at inasmuchfoundation.org.