BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MABEE FOUNDATION 

The J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation, Inc., a Delaware non-profit corporation, was formed in 1948 by Mr. John E. Mabee and his wife, Lottie E. Mabee, with its office in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  As stated in its charter, the purposes of the Foundation are to aid Christian religious organizations, charitable organizations, institutions of higher learning, hospitals and other organizations of a general charitable nature. 

The activities and affairs of the Foundation are managed by a Board of Trustees consisting of Thomas R. Brett, John H. Conway, Jr., James L. Houghton, Joe Mabee, Joseph Guy Mabee, Jr., William J. Teague and Raymond L. Tullius, Jr. 

The geographical area of interest of the Foundation includes the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. 

From the date of its beginning through fiscal year ending 8/31/2003, grants by the Foundation to various educational, religious and charitable institutions have totaled in excess of $640,000,000.  The Foundation’s giving is divided approximately – 37% to private, independent non-tax supported college level educational institutions – 41% to general activities including Boy Scouts, Salvation Army, Girl Scouts, YMCA, YWCA, children’s homes and organizations which care for retarded and neglected children – 4% for church support – and 18% for scientific, health and medical activities, including principally grants to hospitals and related activities. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mabee were natives of Missouri.  They had no children.  Mr. Mabee died in 1961 and Mrs. Mabee died in 1965, leaving a substantial portion of their personal estates to the Foundation.  The Foundation continues to carry on its purposes – under the guidance of its Board of Trustees – as a monument to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Mabee. 

The benevolences of this Foundation are evidenced throughout the Southwestern United States and many edifices bear their name.

Last modified:  09/11/2007