Darrin Walters

Background

About Darrin Walters

As Director of Foundation Relations at the University of Oklahoma Foundation, I help shape and secure funding partnerships that strengthen educational opportunities across Oklahoma. With over 15 years of experience in communications, grant development, and stakeholder engagement, I’ve led efforts resulting in over $5M in philanthropic support for K-12 innovation, Indigenous research, college access, public health, and more. My work centers on creating strategic alignments between foundations and community-impact projects—especially in education. I’ve helped design and steward partnerships with national and regional funders, working closely with university leaders, community stakeholders, and faculty researchers to advance programs that support educational equity, systems change, and access to opportunity. I bring a unique blend of relationship management, grant strategy, editorial excellence, and cross-sector collaboration—grounded in deep knowledge of Oklahoma’s educational and philanthropic landscape. Whether facilitating a multi-stakeholder grant application, supporting a community-based early childhood program, or translating a funder’s vision into impact, I aim to create meaningful outcomes that last. Let’s connect if you’re passionate about using philanthropy to transform education in Oklahoma and beyond.