Our History

The Geoscience Foundation of Tulsa (GFT), formerly known as The Tulsa Geological Society Foundation(TGSF),held its first board meeting on October 14th, 2010 at the office of Winters & King, Inc in Tulsa OK. In 2010, the decision was made by Tulsa Geological Society along with the investment committee looked into forming a Foundation the support and furtherance ofGeology in general.The EIN IRS number was granted to the organization under Section 501c3 status officially June 18, 2010. When GFT was founded it was voted unanimous by the TGS Council that the Foundation, inline with its Mission Statement, could provide monetary support for any educational endeavors of TGSAs with any Foundation that makes monetary grants, the Board should receive and entertain written proposals describing why- to whom - what purpose-how much etc. And the applicant ought to provide reasonable assurances that the money will be applied exactly as requested. The TGSF Board and TGS representatives met withTulsa Community Foundation (TCF) in January of 2010. The TCF was chosen and still manages the funds for the GFT. Currently, the TCF have over 400 nonprofit 501c3 foundations with over $5.5 Billion under management. GFT is invested their “moderate risk” platform and has the option for an annual distribution of 5.1% of the average balance during the last eight quarters. The GFT meets regularly with the TCF liaison to discuss the investments and be proper stewards of the finances. The GFT holds multiple fund raisers on an annual basis in order to maintain our Mission and provide scholarships, grants, aid, and gifts to students and teachers in the fields of geology and Earth sciences.

Roderick Tillman, President

David Tschopp, VicePresident

Ben Chenoweth, Treasurer

Robert Scott, Secretary

Michael McGowan

Directors: Sarah Flynn, Robert Von Rhee, and Jean Parks.