ABOUT US
The Hardesty Family Foundation, Inc. was established in December 2005, by F. Roger Hardesty and his wife Donna J. Hardesty. Roger is the founder and CEO of United States Aviation Co. and The Hardesty Companies, Oklahoma based companies with diversified holdings. Roger and Donna have sacrificed to get where they are today. It is this pioneering spirit which led them to create The Hardesty Family Foundation, Inc. They believe strongly in the value of hard work and tenacity. They like to support projects that share their belief system–if you can dream you can achieve.
The Hardesty Family Foundation, Inc. was established to benefit specific needs of the people of Tulsa, OK and the surrounding areas. As native Oklahomans, we feel an obligation to give back to the people of our State and to make the future a better place for all whom choose to call Oklahoma home.
Both rural Oklahomans by birth, Roger and Donna began their careers in construction and real estate. The knowledge of construction and mechanical experience gained as a boy led to Roger’s successful expansion into the ready-mix concrete business. Inspired by a love of flying, Roger founded a variety of related endeavors and today they own and operate United States Aviation Company, one of the premier Fixed Base Operations and aircraft charter companies in the USA.
Donna is a graduate of the University of Tulsa. Her ties to Oklahoma, combined with a rich insight in the value of education, have influenced her grantmaking efforts. Donna has a conviction to public stewardship through service to charitable organizations which inspired her to help alleviate the compelling problems faced in our state.
The Foundation is guided by the Board of Directors. As Directors, they establish the grant making programs, guidelines, policies, maintain investments of the Foundation and make all final decisions regarding the acceptance or declination of grant requests. Generally Directors will not meet with an applicant to evaluate a proposal but staff is happy to meet with you as our schedule allows.
Final decisions regarding grant proposals are made jointly by at least two Directors. Applicants will be promptly advised of decisions. Applicants whose proposals are declined or who receive grants in amounts less than requested should understand that the Foundation receives many more proposals than it has the resources to fund.