OKLAHOMA CITY (October 13, 2016) – Oklahoma City Public Schools teachers will soon see an additional $50,000 to match donations for arts education requests on DonorsChoose.org.

The Kirkpatrick Foundation provided the $50,000 through a grant to The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools.

“The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools greatly appreciates Kirkpatrick Foundation for supporting arts education,” said Mary Mélon, president and CEO of The Foundation. “We are so pleased to have another partner who understands our teachers need financial assistance to provide the quality education our students deserve.”

The Kirkpatrick Foundation, founded in 1955 by John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick, is a private foundation located in Oklahoma City. The philanthropy funds arts, culture, education, animal wellbeing, environmental conservation and historic preservation nonprofit organizations, distributing approximately $3 million annually in grants and charitable activities.

“We can’t overstate the importance of arts education in the development and happiness of a child. We believe this is one of the most immediate ways we can support art teachers and their students in the midst of this budget crisis,” said Louisa McCune, executive director of the Kirkpatrick Foundation. “DonorsChoose.org lets teachers ask for exactly what they need to help children learn and grow. We look forward to seeing the benefits this gift provides for our community.”

DonorsChoose.org empowers teachers to post projects for supplies and innovative projects for the classroom. Once the project is funded, requested materials are shipped directly to teachers. Donors can select projects aligning with their goals and interests and assist with funding with as little at $1.

The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools currently matches two projects per teacher per school year that are $1,000 or less. Since the partnership with DonorsChoose.org began in November 2014, more than 1,400 projects have been funded, with a total financial impact of $848,146.

About The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools
Created in 1984, The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools is a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance excellence, create champions and build strong community support for lasting success in Oklahoma City Public Schools. The Foundation works closely with the District and business community to align strategies and priorities for sustained performance improvement. Please visit us online at www.okckids.com for more information on our focus areas and volunteer and giving opportunities.