Mary Lou Lemon Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Mary Lou Lemon Foundation is a private foundation in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In tax year 2025 it gave $593,708 in 9 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $431,608. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$593,708
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$431,608
- Assets$43,838
- New grantees56%
Giving in 2025 was up from $109,100 the year before.
56% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $98,500 | 10 | $480,257 |
| 2024 | $109,100 | 13 | $629,656 |
| 2025 | $593,708 | 9 | $43,838 |
How to apply
Mary Lou Lemon Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Oklahoma.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | 5 | $540,708 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $20,000 |
| Maine | 1 | $15,000 |
| California | 1 | $10,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $8,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Church of the Open Arms | Assist in the tax exempt purpose | $431,608 |
| Kgou | Assist in the tax exempt purpose | $100,000 |
| The American Journalism Project | Assist in the tax exempt purpose | $20,000 |
| Elected Officials to Protect America | Assist in the tax exempt purpose | $15,000 |
| Could You | Assist in the tax exempt purpose | $10,000 |
| Artrandi Company | Assist in the tax exempt purpose | $8,000 |
| Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty | Assist in the tax exempt purpose | $5,600 |
| The Juice Radio Show | Assist in the tax exempt purpose | $2,000 |
| African Indians of the Five Civilized Tribes Foundation | Assist in the tax exempt purpose | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Robyn Lemon Sellers
- Crys D Lemon
- James H Lemon
Questions people ask
Does Mary Lou Lemon Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Mary Lou Lemon Foundation give?
$593,708 in tax year 2025, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Mary Lou Lemon Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Robyn Lemon Sellers (President), Crys D Lemon (Secretary-Treasurer) and James H Lemon (Secretary-Treasurer).