Community leaders hope grant will help NE OKC thrive - applications now open

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The saying “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is well known across the Sooner State.

A group of community leaders are taking that phrase and putting it to action in February with something called the Do Unto Others (DUO) fund. Six community leaders from the northeast side of the city are hoping all those funds can be used to help that same area of the city flourish.

"To have the opportunity to be a part of giving away resources to help and support what's going on in northeast Oklahoma City is a really thrilling thing for us,” said Stephan Moore. An executive director of a northeast OKC summer camp and committee member for the fund.

The grant and its giveaway means something to Moore as one of the six committee members and contributor to northeast Oklahoma City with the Shiloh Summer Camp.

"We have that phrase here, the Oklahoma Standard,” he said. “Certainly folks rallying around a cause, rallying around that which is good and positive. Something is not new to Oklahomans and it's certainly not new to northeast Oklahoma City."

The fund is in collaboration with Flourish OKC. They plan to distribute $300,000 to applicants, that being nonprofits, Black community leaders, or social enterprises whose programs or participants are primarily for northeast OKC residents.

"Those that have been serving in a capacity, maybe don't have an official structure, but have a meaningful work that is impacting northeast Oklahoma City,” Moore said.

They’re taking applications now. Grantees can be given anywhere from $1,000 to $75,000 depending on criteria and the impact of their project submitted.

"We get to do unto others as folks have done for us in this process of serving this community,” Moore said.

The application process runs through March 1 at 5 p.m. If you or anyone you know would like to apply or want more information on their criteria, visit eastsideduofund.com.