Oklahoma Launches Nonprofit to Boost Public School Funding

The Oklahoma Public Schools Foundation will facilitate tax credits to drive private investment in public education.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Oklahoma Public Schools Foundation (OKPSF), a new nonprofit organization, has been launched to champion investment in the state's public schools. Formed through partnerships with the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence and the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, OKPSF will focus on raising awareness and facilitating the tax credits created by Oklahoma's Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act. This program allows donors to direct funds to eligible public school improvement projects and receive state tax credits of up to 75% in return.

Why it matters

Oklahoma's public schools have long faced funding challenges, and this new foundation aims to leverage private investment to support innovative programs and initiatives that can directly benefit students. By making it easier for individuals and businesses to direct their tax dollars toward public education, the OKPSF hopes to create a sustainable model for supplementing state funding and improving educational outcomes across the state.

The details

The OKPSF will operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and public school foundation, partnering with districts and collaborating with existing local education foundations. Donations must go to an eligible public school foundation, district, or educational improvement organization to qualify for the tax credits, which range from 50% for one-time gifts to 75% for gifts given over two consecutive years. Individual donors can receive up to $1,000 in tax credits, while businesses can receive up to $100,000.

  • The Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act was adopted in Oklahoma in 2021, expanding on a law initially passed in 2011.
  • The Oklahoma Public Schools Foundation was launched in February 2026.

The players

Oklahoma Public Schools Foundation (OKPSF)

A new nonprofit organization formed to champion investment in Oklahoma's public schools, facilitating tax credits and raising awareness of the state's Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act.

Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence (OFE)

A nonprofit organization that has focused on recognizing and encouraging academic excellence in Oklahoma's public schools, and is now partnering with OKPSF to broaden its reach and impact.

Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA)

An organization that works to promote quality public education in Oklahoma, providing training, support, and information services to the state's locally elected school board members and the districts they serve.

Lauren Dow

The director of the Oklahoma Public Schools Foundation.

Dr. Shawn Hime

The executive director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.

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What they’re saying

“These tax credits have created an incredible opportunity for Oklahomans to strengthen public schools. Donors can maximize their tax benefits while putting their dollars toward worthy, innovative programs that impact Oklahoma students in a big way.”

— Lauren Dow, Director, Oklahoma Public Schools Foundation (eufaulaindianjournal.com)

“From the beginning, our nonprofit has focused on how private investment dollars are vital to public education in Oklahoma. OFE leadership felt that this was the right time and opportunity for us to broaden our reach and impact with this type of foundation, and we found the right partner in the OSSBA.”

— Elizabeth Inbody, Executive Director, Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence (eufaulaindianjournal.com)

“We are profoundly grateful for the generosity shown by Oklahomans who support public education. This new partnership will open the door for even more opportunities to invest in students, teachers and the longterm success of our state. This foundation will help ensure that goodwill and the generous nature of Oklahomans translate into even greater opportunities for schools and students.”

— Dr. Shawn Hime, Executive Director, Oklahoma State School Boards Association (eufaulaindianjournal.com)

What’s next

The Oklahoma Public Schools Foundation plans to continue raising awareness of the tax credit program and facilitating donations to eligible public school improvement projects across the state.

The takeaway

By creating a centralized nonprofit to champion private investment in public education, Oklahoma is taking an innovative approach to supplementing state funding and empowering local communities to support their schools. This model could serve as a blueprint for other states looking to leverage tax incentives and private philanthropy to drive improvements in public education.