To kick off celebrations around our100-year anniversary, Ascension St. John Foundation awarded $16M in community-focused health equity grants at its 2nd annual Legacy of Love Luncheon on Friday, February, 13, 2026.  

This event brought together community leaders, health equity partners and representatives from each of this year’s grant-funded organizations. The intent of the St. John Health Equity Initiative grants are to address some of our area’s most pressing needs: housing stability, food insecurity, access to healthcare and mental health support. 

Since 2022, the St. John Health Equity Initiative has provided approximately $64 million in direct operational and programmatic support for local organizations.

“This year marks 100 years of St. John and its unwavering presence in our community. As we celebrate our centennial, we reflect on our Christ-centered mission of service to our patients. Through the dedication of a committed local donor to the St. John Foundation, these health equity grants allow us to extend our mission outside our hospital walls and into the community. The goal: to improve the health of our neighbors in need, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for Tulsa,” said Lauren Landwerlin, President, Ascension St. John Foundation.

Other key programs within the Health Equity Initiative include the St. John Medical Access Program (MAP) which provides program support for area safety-net clinics and the Bedrock Initiative, a health and wellness education program centered within five north Tulsa church communities. 

To learn more about this transformational program, please visit givestjohn.org/health-equity

2026 St. John Health Equity Initiative Grantees:

$1,000,000+
Green Country Habitat for Humanity*
Good Samaritan Health Services
Hunger Free Oklahoma*
Tulsa Housing Authority*
Tulsa Parks*

$500,000 - $999,999
Neighbors Along the Line*
The Common Good*
The University of Oklahoma Foundation (Tulsa Healthcare Coverage Program and Bedlam Clinics)

$250,000 - $499,999
Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma - Saint Teresa of Calcutta Dental Clinic
Tulsa CARES
The Parent Child Center of Tulsa
Tulsa Day Center
Education for Scholars*
RG Foods*

$100,000 - $249,000
Counseling Skillz on Wheelz
Crossover Health Services
Cura for the World
Family & Children’s Services
H.O.P.E.
Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa
Modus
Oklahoma Project Woman
Smiles of Faith
The UMA Center
Tulsa Health Department

$50,000 - $99,000
Ascension Dispensary of Hope
Global Gardens*
Mental Health Association Oklahoma
Neighbors Along the Line

*Denotes multi-year grants