For over 20 years, the Allen Family Charitable Foundation has invested in Northern Oklahoma College, making contributions to students and programs while enhancing the quality of life in Enid-area communities. Paul Allen, entrepreneur, is a community and state leader who continues to invest resources for growing businesses and developing workforce. The foundation has supported numerous NOC-Enid student scholarships and grants through both the Enid Higher Education Council and the Enid Entrepreneurship Leadership Series. Additionally, the $2 million donation to establish the Allen Family Opportunity Scholarship through the Cherokee Strip Community Foundation help Enid-area students achieve their dream of earning a college degree, especially first-generation students.
Paul and his late wife, Joan, have provided significant funding on the NOC-Enid campus with projects such as the Failing Field turf and the Integris Indoor Baseball Facility. Through the Foundation’s funding within the community, the David Allen Memorial Ballpark opened in 1999 and continues to be updated annually. It is a successful public/private partnership involving the nonprofit ballpark association plus the City of Enid, Enid Public Schools and NOC. The ballpark is host to the NJCAA Division II College World Series and home of the NOC Jets baseball team. Most recently, the foundation’s donation along with other donors helped raise over $11 million to construct the Advance Soccer Complex in Enid.