Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail Grant Program

The Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail Grant Program was a one-time competitive funding opportunity supported by a legislative appropriation. It was administered by the Oklahoma Historical Society to support projects that highlight Oklahoma’s Civil Rights legacy. The objective of this program includes connecting All-Black towns and locations significant to the Civil Rights Movement in Oklahoma, including many Native American sites of historical significance. In doing so, it endeavors to stimulate tourism, foster entrepreneurship, and promote economic development within these communities.

Although “trail” is in the program’s title, it does not refer to a single physical route. Instead, it represents a network of historically significant sites and communities across the state. Not every location tied to Oklahoma civil rights history received grant funds; only those that met eligibility requirements and submitted applications during the open grant window (January 2, 2025, through February 15, 2025) were considered for funding. Grant applications were determined through a weighted evaluation process that considered factors such as educational impact, project potential, institutional readiness, project sustainability, and the strength of the project proposal.

Grants ranging from $3,000 to $50,000 were awarded in May 2025 to eligible municipal, county, and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations that met specific criteria. In total, $1,136,334.94 was awarded to 28 organizations. Funded projects include museum exhibits, historical markers, oral history initiatives, public programs, and preservation efforts designed to enhance public understanding and engagement with Oklahoma’s civil rights history.