Five Tulsa nonprofit organizations are splitting a quarter of a million dollars from the Tulsa Area United Way to improve the city.
Earlier this year, 77 local organizations submitted community-changing ideas for a one-time United Way social innovation grant. From that group, five finalists received $40,000 to launch their proposed projects.
On Thursday, Oct. 20, Tulsa Area United Way hosted its Pitch United celebration at The University of Tulsa, where the finalists presented their visions for improving Tulsa. Attendees cast votes for two Audience Choice Awards, adding $15,000 and $10,000 in additional funding on top of the guaranteed $40,000.
BeHeard Movement won the $15,000 Audience Choice Award for BeSeen, an AI-powered outreach hub that acts like a smart vending machine staffed by virtual volunteers. BeSeen offers unhoused Tulsans essential supplies and resources at any hour.
“Homelessness doesn’t shut down at 5 p.m.,” said Evan Dougoud, president and founder of BeHeard Movement.
Carabelle’s Legacy Inc., led by executive director and chef Maria Morris, won the $10,000 Audience Choice Award to advance the organization’s mission of improving outcomes for justice-impacted women and families. Carabelle’s Legacy provides second-chance employment and training through Morris’ food businesses.
“When women are invested in and believed in, they don’t go back — they give back,” said Morris.
The three other finalists include Met Cares Foundation Inc., MODUS and YouthWorks. Read more about the organizations’ proposals here.
To close out the evening, TAUW announced it raised more than $26.2 million during its 2025 fundraising drive, surpassing a goal set in August.
News decisions at the Tulsa Flyer are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
