Governance
How we handle other people’s money.
The Ernie Brooks Foundation, Inc. is an Oklahoma nonprofit corporation. We hold ourselves to strict rules so that every gift is used exactly as intended.
Grantmaking is currently paused.
We are not making grants yet. Grantmaking is paused until two additional independent directors are seated on our board. Until that governance is in place, we are building our reserve and completing our registrations — not giving out funds.
Board composition.
The Foundation is directed by a board of directors that is being built to include a majority of independent members. Independent directors have no financial stake in the Foundation and no family relationship with its insiders.
Independent directors
The board must include independent directors — people with no financial interest in the Foundation and no family tie to its insiders. Their independence is what keeps our giving honest.
Two-director approval
Every single grant requires the approval of two directors. No one person can approve a payment alone.
Direct-to-vendor payment
We pay the provider owed — the landlord, utility, hospital, or funeral home — never cash to an applicant. Every dollar is traceable to a real bill.
No grants to insiders
We will not make a grant to a director, an officer, or any of their family members. This prohibition is absolute and cannot be waived.
Annual review
The board reviews its policies, its grants, and its conflicts of interest every year, and corrects course where it needs to.
Governing documents.
Our policies are public. You can read them for yourself.
Documents are posted as they are finalized.