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The Sparks Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

The Sparks Foundation

Its FY2024 filing reports that it accepted unsolicited grant applications.

$401k
Granted FY2024still arriving
5
Grants FY2024still arriving
3
States reached
$375k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
01What it funds
0195% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2024.

Education$590kPhilanthropy$300kReligion$290kYouth Development$188kPublic Benefit$135kRecreation & Sports$133kHuman Services$127kHealth$73kOther$0
02FY2024 · 5 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2024

  • Under $10k2 grants · $6k
  • $10k–50k2 grants · $20k
  • $250k+1 grant · $375k
$10,000
Median grant
3
States reached
$7.3M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
America First Policy Institute$375,000
Operation Light Shine$10,000
Family Is Everything$10,000
Covenant Church of Heber Springs$5,000
Ambassador Services International$1,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY18–22, $11k) land where the poverty rate runs at 11%, against an area that typically sits at 11%. 48% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Its grants spread fairly evenly across need levels.

area typical 11%Omaha Home for Boys: $5k → 12%PAWS Assistance Dogs Inc: $500 → 11%Ada Jenkins Center: $5k → 10%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.

Which US states its grants reach

MT
IL
NY
NV
IN
OH
CA
CO
NE
MO
KY
VA
MD
AZ
AR
TN
NC
SC
DC
OK
MS
GA
TX
FL
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
04

Where the work is directed

The same grants placed two ways: where each recipient sits, and where its stated purpose sends the money.

About 88% of The Sparks Foundation’s grant dollars are earmarked for a different county than the recipient’s own address. By recipient address, 34% of the giving stays in TN; by stated purpose, 14%.

The Sparks Foundationlessmore of its giving
Placed by recipient address
How this is measured
Recipient view: each grant at its grantee’s ZIP, mapped to a county. Directed view: each grant at the county its stated purpose names, falling back to the recipient’s county when the purpose names no place; US grants only. A county shows only if it carries the top 95% of that view’s dollars. Purposes are read from the funder’s own 990 grant descriptions.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

78%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$1.3M · 19 repeat orgs$357k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +87% since the first grant, against +40% for those funded once.

19 repeat relationships: 4 still active in FY2024, 15 since wound down; 1 grantees were first funded in FY2024 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

19
44

Total granted

$1.3M
$347k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+87%
+40%

Still filing today

63%
55%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2024, 98% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $10k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
EducationHuman ServicesReligionYouth DevelopmentHealthPublic BenefitOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • AF
    AMERICA FIRST POLICY INSTITUTE INC
    2× · 2023–2024 · $425k · revenue +87%
  • OF
    OHER FOUNDATION INC FKA BEAT THE ODDS INC
    3× · 2021–2023 · $162k · revenue ×25 · 27% of their budget
  • CS
    CONGRESSIONAL SPORTSMEN'S FOUNDATION
    6× · 2018–2023 · $111k · revenue +35%

Funded once

  • AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUNDgraduated
    one grant, 2020 · $70k · revenue +36%
  • OS
    Oklahoma State University Foundatio
    one grant, 2020 · $50k
  • AO
    AMERICANS OF FAITHgraduated
    one grant, 2023 · $25k · revenue +219%
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Furman University

The primary mission of furman as a liberal arts institution is to provide a distinctive education in fine arts, humanities, social sciences, mathematics and the sciences, as well as selected professional disciplines.

Education
2
The Association of Former Students of Texas a&M University

To strengthen the association of former students, promote the interests and welfare of texas a&m university, perpetuate ties of affection and esteem formed in university or college days, and serve the student body.

Education
3
United States Naval Institute

Provide an independent forum for those who dare to read, think, speak, and write to advance the professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to global security.

—
4
The Florida State University Foundation Inc

The florida state university foundation enhances the academic mission and vision of florida state university through its organized fundraising activities and funds management. the fsu foundation accomplishes its mission by fostering…

Education
5
Aacsb International - the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Aacsb international provides quality assurance of business school programs, the latest in business education intelligence, thought leadership, and learning and development services.

Education
6
Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

To develop, foster, promote and protect programs for the general welfare, including economic, social, educational and political well-being of farm people of the great state of tennessee.

—
7
Shield of Faith Missions

Sof is called to empower warriors to find purpose, be resilient, and live well. we develop and provide customized treatment plans for veterans through our national network of partners.

Religion
8
Wilberforce University Wilberforce University

Wilberforce university is a historically black college and university and the primary mission is to engage, support, and assist students in identifying and preparing for their respective purposes in life as social change agents, social…

Education
9
Union University

Union university provides christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development in service to church and society.

Education
10
Partners in Food Solutions

Improve the food value chain in developing countries by mobilizing corporate volunteers to share knowledge and expertise with small and growing food processors.

International
11
Dallas International University

As a christian university, we provide education and research opportunities preparing global leaders to partner with local communities.

Education
12
North Greenville University

North greenville university exists to glorify god by cultivating graduates who are equipped to serve as transformational leaders for church and society.

Education
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is America First Policy Institute Inc; the most unlike its peers is Diamond Derby Inc Barnstable Brown Party. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
05the grantee network

40 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 40 of the 66 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

2
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
6
Early backer (in before they grew)
39/40
Grantees still filing
31/40
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

Victory Christian Church: $125,000 · OtherVictory Christian ChurchCONGRESSIONAL SPORTSMEN'S FOUNDATION: $111,000 · OtherCONGRESSIONAL SPORTSMEN'S FOUNDATIONTURNING POINT USA INC: $110,000 · OtherTURNING POINT USA INCOklahoma State University Foundatio: $50,000 · OtherOklahoma State University FoundatioHarvest Church: $50,000 · OtherHarvest ChurchVICTORY CHURCH: $50,000 · OtherVICTORY CHURCH+38 more: $255,932 · Other+38 moreAMERICA FIRST POLICY INSTITUTE INC: $425,000 · EducationAMERICA FIRST POLICY INSTITUTE …AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND: $70,000 · EducationAMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND+7 more: $44,500 · Education+7 moreCOMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER MEMPHIS INC: $300,000 · PhilanthropyCOMMUNITY FOUNDATION …GARY SINISE FOUNDATION: $75,000 · PhilanthropyGARY SINISE FOUNDATIO…OHER FOUNDATION INC FKA BEAT THE ODDS INC: $162,000 · Youth DevelopmentOHER FOUN…+2 more: $10,000 · Youth Development+2 moreJORDAN THOMAS FOUNDATION INC: $25,000 · HealthBREAKTHROUGH T1D: $25,000 · HealthSHERRY'S HOPE INC: $5,000 · HealthAMERICANS OF FAITH: $25,000 · ReligionNASHVILLE ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING COALITION: $5,000 · ReligionAMERICAN MUSLIM ADVISORY COUNC: $2,500 · ReligionPALMETTO FRONT LINE FOUNDATION: $25,000 · Public BenefitTHE CHARLIE DANIELS JOURNEY HOME PROJECT: $1,500 · Public Benefit
Other$751,932Education$539,500Philanthropy$375,000Youth Development$172,000Health$55,000Religion$32,500Public Benefit$26,500

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$100k$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetAMERICA FIRST POLICY INSTITUTE INC: $425,000 over 2y, 0.7% of budgetCOMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER MEMPHIS INC: $300,000 over 6y, 0.0% of budgetOHER FOUNDATION INC FKA BEAT THE ODDS INC: $162,000 over 3y, 27% of budgetCONGRESSIONAL SPORTSMEN'S FOUNDATION: $111,000 over 6y, 1.0% of budgetTURNING POINT USA INC: $110,000 over 4y, 0.2% of budgetGARY SINISE FOUNDATION: $75,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetAMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND: $70,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetAMERICANS OF FAITH: $25,000 over 1y, 3.4% of budgetPALMETTO FRONT LINE FOUNDATION: $25,000 over 3y, 5.4% of budgetJORDAN THOMAS FOUNDATION INC: $25,000 over 3y, 1.3% of budgetFARMYARD ANIMAL RESCUE: $25,000 over 1y, 30% of budgetBREAKTHROUGH T1D: $25,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetOPERATION LIGHT SHINE: $20,000 over 2y, 0.3% of budgetMEMPHIS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL: $12,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetTHE BULLDOG CLUB INC: $11,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetAMBASSADOR SERVICES INTERNATIONAL: $11,000 over 2y, 1.0% of budgetLOVE ONE INTERNATIONAL: $10,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTHE NATURE CONSERVANCY: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTHISTLE FARMS INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetFamily Is Everything Outreach: $10,000 over 1y, 4.1% of budgetVanderbilt University: $6,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetBOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE LOWCOUNTRY INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetFELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetBRIARCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SYSTEM INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetWORLD RELIEF CORP OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetPOVERELLO CENTER INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTHE OMAHA HOME FOR BOYS: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTASTE THE IMPACT INC: $5,000 over 1y, 1.2% of budgetSHERRY'S HOPE INC: $5,000 over 1y, 1.2% of budgetAda Jenkins Families and Careers Development Center Inc: $5,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetPERSIST NASHVILLE: $5,000 over 1y, 0.7% of budgetNASHVILLE ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING COALITION: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTRANSITIONS HALFWAY MINISTRIES: $5,000 over 1y, 4.4% of budgetPurdue Research Foundation: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetAMERICAN MUSLIM ADVISORY COUNC: $2,500 over 1y, 0.6% of budgetTHE CHARLIE DANIELS JOURNEY HOME PROJECT: $1,500 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetCENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INC: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetFreedom Waters Foundation Inc: $500 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetGolden PAWS Assistance Dogs Inc: $500 over 1y, 0.0% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

Christian Community F…Nashville Predators F…Collier Community Fou…The Community Foundat…Community Foundation …Greater Houston Commu…The Richard M Schulze…Raymond James Charita…T Rowe Price Program …American Endowment Fo…Servant FoundationThe Pfizer Foundation…
Christian Community Foundation of MemphisTN16.6× affinity6 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Christian Community Foundation of Memphis · Nashville Predators Foundation · Collier Community Foundation Inc · The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Inc · Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Inc · Greater Houston Community Foundation · The Richard M Schulze Family Foundation · Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund · T Rowe Price Program for Charitable Giving Inc · American Endowment Foundation · Servant Foundation · The Pfizer Foundation Inc

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization The Sparks Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from The Sparks Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 30%6%25%56%100%funder's share of their income ↑0%19%38%56%75%share of the org’s income from government →median 67%
  • World Relief Corp of National Association of Evangelicals: 67% of income from government
no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
3get no government money at all
8report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
1rely on government for over half their income
⤢ axis zoomed · 0–75%
typical government reliance, FY20–25
How this is measured
Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.

On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 66 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

How this is measured
Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2024, released 2024. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

Source object · view filing

Play a game based on Sparks’ filings →

More from the funding graph

The unnamed billions
grants reported with no recipient in the public record
The regranting layer
51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
The DAF merry-go-round
$9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
The endowment market
who holds foundation money, and what just moved
The camps
funders cluster by geography, not ideology
By state
where grant money is based, and what stays home