About
Our Mission
The Gregory G. Bowles Foundation will support causes that fill in the gaps for those who have fallen through the cracks. We will show courage and strength in kindness. Giving to causes that lift up the individuals and advance our collective community.
Our Vision
The vision of the Gregory G. Bowles Foundation is to empower individuals to overcome their challenges through strength, courage, and kindness. We are committed to providing support to those in need and creating a community where all individuals can thrive and live fulfilling lives. We aim to inspire hope, foster resilience, and promote positive change in the lives of others. Together, we can make a difference and create a more compassionate and caring world.
Our Values
COURAGE
Having courage means facing challenges, fears, or uncertainty with strength and determination, even when the outcome is uncertain, or the path ahead seems difficult. It involves taking action, standing up for what is right, and persevering through adversity. Courage can be found in big, bold acts or in quiet confidence, such as speaking your truth, trying something new, or offering kindness in the face of hardship. It is the strength of heart and mind that empowers us to move forward and stay true to our values, no matter the obstacles.
STRENGTH
Having strength means possessing the resilience and capacity to endure, overcome, and thrive in the face of adversity. It can be physical, mental, emotional, or even spiritual, enabling you to navigate life's difficulties with determination and perseverance. Strength often involves maintaining composure under pressure, adapting to change, and finding the energy to keep going when circumstances are tough. It is not just about power but also about the grace to handle challenges and the fortitude to support others while remaining grounded in our own values.
KINDNESS
Being kind means approaching others with compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to make a difference. It involves treating people with respect, understanding their struggles, and offering support without expecting anything in return. Kindness can be expressed through small, thoughtful actions, words of encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need. It reflects a strength of character that values connection and seeks to uplift others - fostering a sense of community and goodwill in the world.
Board of Directors
Brian Bowles
Brian oversees the Foundation’s strategic vision and ensures its philanthropic mission is carried out effectively. He builds relationships with community partners and ensures legal and regulatory requirements are met. He guides the board in decision-making, oversees the allocation of resources and grants, and represents the Foundation to stakeholders. His role is pivotal in aligning the Foundation’s goals with impactful, community-focused initiatives.
Executive Director
Ronda Falkensten
Ronda manages the organization’s financial health and ensures resources are used efficiently to support its mission. She oversees budgeting, investment strategies, and financial reporting to ensure they remain compliant with tax laws and regulations specific to private foundations. Her role involves monitoring the Foundation's endowment, managing disbursements for grants, and advising on financial strategies to sustain long-term philanthropic impact.
Director of Finance
Cindy Giddings
Cindy oversees the grantmaking process and ensures the effective use of technology and systems. She manages the lifecycle of grants, from application to reporting, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. She maintains efficient workflows, analyzes data, and improves systems to enhance transparency and accountability. She ensures grants are distributed effectively and in compliance with the Foundation’s goals and regulations.
Director of Grants & Systems
Carrying Forward a Legacy of Excellence and Compassion
Gregory G. Bowles Foundation Established
The Gregory G. Bowles Foundation is forged from Greg's relentless pursuit of excellence and his passion for making a meaningful impact. Tragically, Greg succumbed to cancer in his fifties. In his will, he expressed his desire to create a non-profit organization that would benefit the Tulsa community he loved so dearly. His brother, Brian Bowles, made Greg's dream a reality when he co-founded the Gregory G. Bowles Foundation. His foundation aims to partner with other organizations and foundations to amplify its reach, exploring joint ventures that reflect Greg’s spirit of collaboration. What sets the Gregory G. Bowles Foundation apart is its commitment to the "little guy"—the overlooked and underserved. Greg's legacy emphasizes inclusivity and the importance of addressing the smaller, yet equally vital, needs of individuals. His foundation works to ensure that no one is left behind, providing resources and opportunities to help others achieve their potential.
Who Was Greg Bowles?
Greg Bowles was a man of vision, brilliance, and authenticity. From his humble beginnings in East Tulsa, he was laser focused on his goals - determined to become an engineer. Greg was helped by the support of family and friends who believed in his potential. He graduated from East Central High School and attended the University of Tulsa, where his determination and sharp mind shone brightly. While he wasn’t driven by grades alone, Greg excelled, making the most of his time and experiences. Greg had an infectious laugh and a lively sense of humor that endeared him to those who knew him. Though brilliant, he was grounded, often turning down recognition and preferring to focus on the work at hand. Greg’s life was vibrant and multifaceted, filled with high-adventure hobbies like competitive skydiving, motorcycling, sailing car collecting, electric guitar and photography.
Greg's career was nothing short of extraordinary. Starting in oil and gas, he worked with companies like Warren Petroleum and Chevron, where his analytical mind and innovative thinking propelled him into leadership roles. At Louis Dreyfus, Greg helped grow the company’s business development division from $500,000 to $300 million. He was instrumental in pioneering processes to capture valuable byproducts like butane, transforming waste into profit. Greg’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own ventures, including partnering with community leaders, such as George Kaiser, on projects that pushed the boundaries of energy and real estate.
A Lasting Legacy
When people think of Greg, they remember his brilliance, authenticity, and humility. His favorite book, Atlas Shrugged, reflected his belief in self-reliance and the power of individuals to create change. The Gregory G. Bowles Foundation stands as a testament to his legacy. Through its work, Greg’s vision continues to inspire and uplift, proving that one man’s determination can make the world a better place for many.