The McMahon Foundation makes a small number of large, place‑based investments focused on strengthening Lawton/Military City‑area public institutions. Recent grants target cultural heritage preservation, critical local health services (including addiction treatment), and health workforce development through nursing scholarships. The foundation appears motivated by tangible capital projects and program expansions that produce visible community impact.
A defining feature of Mcmahon Foundation’s recent giving is the scale of its place-based investments in Lawton institutions: $540,000 to Cameron University for the CETS engineering program and another $540,000 to Lawton Public Schools Foundation to remodel three high school auditoriums. The foundation’s portfolio also shows a pattern of funding major capital work, such as a $500,000 award to Great Plains Technology Center for a training facility buildout and a $500,000 grant to Museum of the Great Plains to rebuild the Coffee Trading Post. Across the recent grants list, the foundation backs education, cultural preservation, healthcare, and community-serving facilities rather than a broad, dispersed grantbook. Its giving is closely tied to Lawton and nearby communities, with projects that expand physical capacity, strengthen local institutions, and support public-facing services. Healthcare appears in the record through grants for an in-house detox unit, a military family clinic, and medical equipment and building supplies, while education shows up through university scholarships, school facilities, and workforce training. The overall picture is of a foundation funding visible, localized projects with durable institutional impact.
Education is a major thread in the recent record. Mcmahon Foundation gave $317,537 to University of Ok Foundation for nursing scholarships and $150,000 and $125,000 to Cameron University for scholarships. It also supported workforce training with $500,000 to Great Plains Technology Center for a training facility buildout and $75,000 to Great Plains Technology Center Foun for scholarships and emergency assistance. On the K-12 side, the foundation awarded $540,000 to Lawton Public Schools Foundation to remodel three high school auditoriums. Health-related grants focus on access and facility capacity. The foundation gave $485,000 to Ccmh Foundation for an in-house detox unit, $250,000 to Red Rock Military Services for the Cohen Military Family Clinic, and $50,000 to Oklahoma Dental Fndt for Research for a free dental clinic in Lawton. It also supported Hearts That Care with $200,000 for medical equipment and building supplies. Cultural and civic projects appear as well, including $500,000 to Museum of the Great Plains for rebuilding the Coffee Trading Post.
$2.8M
$49.4M
$4.9M
$3.4M
Most grants fall between $12K and $125K, with a median of $37K.
25th Percentile
$12K
Median
$37K
75th Percentile
$125K
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Highly concentrated giving: very few, large one‑off grants to institutional recipients in the foundation's home region rather than many small awards; favors capital and program buildouts that produce measurable local benefits.
Notable grantees: Museum of the Great Plains, CCMH Foundation (Comanche County Memorial Hospital Foundation), University of Oklahoma Foundation (nursing scholarships)
Typical grant size sits at $12,000 at the 25th percentile, $37,292 at the median, and $125,000 at the 75th percentile, showing a pattern of relatively large grants with a long upper tail. The recent record is dominated by one-state giving: every listed grant went to an Oklahoma recipient, and the foundation’s top giving state is OK. The same organizations recur across multiple years, including Cameron University, University of Ok Foundation, United Way of Lawton, Holiday in the Park, Wichita Mtns Easter Sunrise Svc, and Arts for All. The foundation funds institutions rather than individuals and does not make program-related investments. The pattern is consistent with direct institutional support, capital projects, scholarships, and operating or campaign support.
Mcmahon Foundation gives entirely within Oklahoma, and the recent grants cluster heavily in Lawton. The city appears repeatedly through awards to Cameron University, Lawton Public Schools Foundation, Great Plains Technology Center, Museum of the Great Plains, Salvation Army, Teen Court, United Way of Lawton, and Arts for All. Medicine Park also appears multiple times through Wichita Mtns Easter Sunrise Svc grants. Outside Lawton-area recipients, Norman shows up through University of Ok Foundation, and Stillwater through Osu Foundation. The recipient-country distribution is entirely U.S.
The recent grants emphasize education, healthcare, and community facilities. Examples include engineering and nursing support, school auditorium remodeling, a training facility buildout, an in-house detox unit, a military family clinic, and museum reconstruction. The pattern points toward capital projects, scholarships, and institutional capacity rather than small unrestricted awards.
The typical grant size is $12,000 at the 25th percentile, $37,292 at the median, and $125,000 at the 75th percentile. The recent list also includes several much larger awards, including multiple $500,000-plus grants.
No. The recipient-country distribution is entirely U.S., and the foundation’s recent grants are all to Oklahoma organizations. The top giving state is OK, and 100% of grants in the available data went to recipients in the foundation’s HQ state.
Yes. Cameron University appears with both an engineering-program grant and scholarship support; University of Ok Foundation appears for nursing scholarships and journalism; United Way of Lawton appears for annual campaign support in two different years; and Wichita Mtns Easter Sunrise Svc appears several times for facility improvements.
No. The foundation does not fund individuals and does not make program-related investments.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAWTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION | LAWTON, OK | $540,000 | 2025 | REMODEL 3 HS AUDITORIUMS |
| CAMERON UNIVERSITY | LAWTON, OK | $540,000 | 2025 | CETES ENGINEERING PROGRAM |
| GREAT PLAINS TECHNOLOGY CENTER | LAWTON, OK | $500,000 | 2025 | TRAINING FACILITY BUILDOUT |
| SALVATION ARMY | LAWTON, OK | $166,804 | 2025 | PLUMBING REPAIRS |
| TEEN COURT | LAWTON, OK | $145,000 | 2025 | PURCHASE BUILDING |
| LITTLE CHAPEL OF LAWTON | LAWTON, OK | $131,120 | 2025 | MATCH FOR REPAIRS |
| UNITED WAY OF LAWTON | LAWTON, OK | $125,000 | 2025 | ANNUAL CAMPAIGN |
| CAMERON UNIVERSITY | LAWTON, OK | $125,000 | 2025 | SCHOLARSHIPS |
| OSU FOUNDATION | STILLWATER, OK | $100,000 | 2025 | FISTA STEM & DRONE EDUC/PROJ |
| ARTS FOR ALL | LAWTON, OK | $78,660 | 2025 | ANNUAL CAMPAIGN |
| GREAT PLAINS TECHNOLOGY CENTER FOUN | LAWTON, OK | $75,000 | 2025 | SCHOLARSHIPS/EMERGENCY FD |
| LAWTON PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY | LAWTON, OK | $67,500 | 2025 | SEASON SUPPORT |
| TEEN COURT | LAWTON, OK | $27,650 | 2025 | CURRICULUM MATCHING |
| CAMERON UNIVERSITY | LAWTON, OK | $26,000 | 2025 | ENDOWMENT OF MCARTHUR PRESIDENT |
| GREAT PLAINS TECHNOLOGY CENTER FOUN | LAWTON, OK | $25,000 | 2025 | ENDOWMENT OF FORTNEY SCHOLAR FD |
| CROSSROADS YOUTH & FAMILY | LAWTON, OK | $25,000 | 2025 | EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUC PRGM |
| USO OKLAHOMA | LAWTON, OK | $20,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONS |
| CAMERON UNIVERSITY | LAWTON, OK | $17,500 | 2025 | CU ATHLETICS BROADCAST EQUIP |
| WICHITA MOUNTAINS SENIOR CITIZEN | MEDICINE PARK, OK | $16,635 | 2025 | HANDICAP RAMP & FLOORING |
| LAWTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $15,000 | 2025 | 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION |
| LEADERSHIP OKLAHOMA | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $12,000 | 2025 | 2024 YLO |
| LEADERSHIP OKLAHOMA | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $12,000 | 2025 | 2025 YLO |
| INFANT CRISIS SERVICES | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $10,000 | 2025 | BABYMOBILE PROGRAM IN COMANCHE |
| CHISHOLM TRAIL HERITAGE CENTER ASSO | DUNCAN, OK | $9,500 | 2025 | EDUCATION ASSISTANCE |
| MCMAHON AUDITORIUM AUTHORITY | LAWTON, OK | $8,500 | 2025 | INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL |
| INSTITUTE FOR CHILD ADVOCACY | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $5,000 | 2025 | ADVOCACY BOOT CAMP |
| FISTA FOUNDATION | LAWTON, OK | $3,000 | 2025 | MAYOR'S ECONOMIC |
| QUEST OF OKLAHOMA | LAWTON, OK | $550,000 | 2024 | MCMAHON S212 GUEST HOUSE |
| LAWTON YOUTH SPORTS AUTHORITY | LAWTON, OK | $350,000 | 2024 | YOUTH SPORTS COMPLEX |
| UNIVERSITY OF OK FOUNDATION | NORMAN, OK | $267,537 | 2024 | MCMAHON FOUNDATION NURSING FUND |
| CAMERON UNIVERSITY | LAWTON, OK | $250,000 | 2024 | CETES ENGINEERING PROGRAM |
| LAWTON ENHANCEMENT TRUST AUTH | LAWTON, OK | $200,000 | 2024 | CHILDRENS UNITED PLAYGROUND |
| UNIVERSITY OF OK FOUNDATION | NORMAN, OK | $197,245 | 2024 | JOURNALISM/COMMUNICATION SCHOLARSHIP |
| MCMAHON AUDITORIUM AUTHORITY | LAWTON, OK | $150,000 | 2024 | REPLACE MARQUEE |
| LAWTON HERITAGE ASSOCIATION | LAWTON, OK | $140,000 | 2024 | MATTIE BEALE HOME ROOFING |
| BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA | LAWTON, OK | $94,350 | 2024 | REPAIRS TO SERVICE CENTER |
| MEDICINE PARK ECON DEV AUTHORITY | MEDINE PARK, OK | $75,000 | 2024 | PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE |
| UNITED WAY OF LAWTON | LAWTON, OK | $75,000 | 2024 | ANNUAL CAMPAIGN |
| GREAT PLAINS TECHNOLOGY CENTER | LAWTON, OK | $75,000 | 2024 | SCHOLARSHIPS AND STUDENT AID |
| LAWTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION | LAWTON, OK | $72,000 | 2024 | NEW HORIZON KITCHEN |
| LAWTON PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY | LAWTON, OK | $60,000 | 2024 | SEASON SUPPORT |
| OKLAHOMA DENTAL FOUNDATION | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $50,000 | 2024 | OK MOM EVENT |
| LAWTON ENHANCEMENT TRUST AUTH | LAWTON, OK | $50,000 | 2024 | GOLD MEDAL MEMORIAL |
| CROSSROADS YOUTH & FAMILY | LAWTON, OK | $30,000 | 2024 | EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUC PRGM |
| TEEN COURT | LAWTON, OK | $27,650 | 2024 | MATCHING FUNDS FOR CURRICULIM |
| LAWTON MOBILE MEALS | LAWTON, OK | $15,804 | 2024 | MOBILE MEALS FOR 15 USERS |
| INFANT CRISIS SERVICES | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $10,000 | 2024 | BABYMOBILE PROGRAM IN COMANCHE |
| CHISHOLM TRAIL HERITAGE CENTER ASSO | DUNCAN, OK | $9,500 | 2024 | EDUCATION ASSISTANCE |
| CAMERON UNIVERSITY | LAWTON, OK | $5,911 | 2024 | CU DUAY OF GIVING MATCHING FUNDS |
| MCMAHON AUDITORIUM AUTHORITY | LAWTON, OK | $5,000 | 2024 | INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL |
LAWTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
$540,000REMODEL 3 HS AUDITORIUMS
CAMERON UNIVERSITY
$540,000CETES ENGINEERING PROGRAM
GREAT PLAINS TECHNOLOGY CENTER
$500,000TRAINING FACILITY BUILDOUT
SALVATION ARMY
$166,804PLUMBING REPAIRS
TEEN COURT
$145,000PURCHASE BUILDING
LITTLE CHAPEL OF LAWTON
$131,120MATCH FOR REPAIRS
UNITED WAY OF LAWTON
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
CAMERON UNIVERSITY
$125,000SCHOLARSHIPS
ARTS FOR ALL
$78,660ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
GREAT PLAINS TECHNOLOGY CENTER FOUN
$75,000SCHOLARSHIPS/EMERGENCY FD
LAWTON PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
$67,500SEASON SUPPORT
TEEN COURT
$27,650CURRICULUM MATCHING
CAMERON UNIVERSITY
$26,000ENDOWMENT OF MCARTHUR PRESIDENT
GREAT PLAINS TECHNOLOGY CENTER FOUN
$25,000ENDOWMENT OF FORTNEY SCHOLAR FD
CROSSROADS YOUTH & FAMILY
$25,000EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUC PRGM
USO OKLAHOMA
$20,000OPERATIONS
CAMERON UNIVERSITY
$17,500CU ATHLETICS BROADCAST EQUIP
WICHITA MOUNTAINS SENIOR CITIZEN
$16,635HANDICAP RAMP & FLOORING
LAWTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$15,00025TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
LEADERSHIP OKLAHOMA
$12,0002024 YLO
LEADERSHIP OKLAHOMA
$12,0002025 YLO
CHISHOLM TRAIL HERITAGE CENTER ASSO
$9,500EDUCATION ASSISTANCE
MCMAHON AUDITORIUM AUTHORITY
$8,500INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
INSTITUTE FOR CHILD ADVOCACY
$5,000ADVOCACY BOOT CAMP
FISTA FOUNDATION
$3,000MAYOR'S ECONOMIC
QUEST OF OKLAHOMA
$550,000MCMAHON S212 GUEST HOUSE
LAWTON YOUTH SPORTS AUTHORITY
$350,000YOUTH SPORTS COMPLEX
CAMERON UNIVERSITY
$250,000CETES ENGINEERING PROGRAM
LAWTON ENHANCEMENT TRUST AUTH
$200,000CHILDRENS UNITED PLAYGROUND
MCMAHON AUDITORIUM AUTHORITY
$150,000REPLACE MARQUEE
LAWTON HERITAGE ASSOCIATION
$140,000MATTIE BEALE HOME ROOFING
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
$94,350REPAIRS TO SERVICE CENTER
MEDICINE PARK ECON DEV AUTHORITY
$75,000PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
UNITED WAY OF LAWTON
$75,000ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
GREAT PLAINS TECHNOLOGY CENTER
$75,000SCHOLARSHIPS AND STUDENT AID
LAWTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
$72,000NEW HORIZON KITCHEN
LAWTON PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
$60,000SEASON SUPPORT
LAWTON ENHANCEMENT TRUST AUTH
$50,000GOLD MEDAL MEMORIAL
CROSSROADS YOUTH & FAMILY
$30,000EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUC PRGM
TEEN COURT
$27,650MATCHING FUNDS FOR CURRICULIM
LAWTON MOBILE MEALS
$15,804MOBILE MEALS FOR 15 USERS
CHISHOLM TRAIL HERITAGE CENTER ASSO
$9,500EDUCATION ASSISTANCE
CAMERON UNIVERSITY
$5,911CU DUAY OF GIVING MATCHING FUNDS
MCMAHON AUDITORIUM AUTHORITY
$5,000INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL