The Lightner Sams Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
The Lightner Sams Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Wilmington, Delaware. In tax year 2025 it gave $470,889 in 30 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $30,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$470,889
- Number of grants30
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$13.3 million
- New grantees21%
Giving in 2025 was up from $426,400 the year before.
21% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $455,500 | 33 | $11.4 million |
| 2024 | $426,400 | 33 | $12.2 million |
| 2025 | $470,889 | 30 | $13.3 million |
How to apply
The Lightner Sams Foundation Inc says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Lightner Sams Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 27 | $405,889 |
| Colorado | 3 | $65,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy Counseling Center Inc | Technology Needs fund | $30,000 |
| Judis House | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| North Texas Food Bank | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Valley Zoological Society Chartered May 1968 | Mundo Huasteco y Totonaco project | $25,000 |
| Dallas Casa | Volunteer training program | $20,000 |
| Dallas Pets Alive | Dogs Matter fund | $20,000 |
| Genesis Womens Shelter & Support | General & Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Metro Crisis Services Inc | Caring Connect fund | $20,000 |
| Morgan Adams Foundation | General & Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Resource Center of Dallas Inc | Health and Wellness Programs | $20,000 |
| Amys Friends | General & Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Meals on Wheels Collin County | General & Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Mental Health America of Greater Dallas | WHO Program | $15,000 |
| Mosaic Family Services Inc | Counseling Program | $15,000 |
| Sky Ranches Inc | Cabin Remodel Project | $15,000 |
| Sky Ranches Inc | Scholarship fund | $15,000 |
| The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psycholo | General & Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Transition Resource Action Center | Care Kits Program | $15,000 |
| Health Services of North Texas Inc | for the purchase of Two new refrigerators for vaccine storage and six wifi-enabled data loggers | $10,389 |
| Ascend Dallas | Nurse Family Partnership fund | $10,000 |
| Brain Injury Network of Dallas | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Childrens Medical Center Foundation | Mental Health Services at the Rees-Jones Center for Foster care excellence | $10,000 |
| Health Services of North Texas Inc | for Supporting medical visits for uninsured children | $10,000 |
| Patriot Paws Service Dogs | Pet for a Vet 2025 Campaign | $10,000 |
| Senior Citizens of Greater Dallas Inc | Beat The Heat Project | $10,000 |
| Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas | Teens Can Survive Program | $10,000 |
| The Mentoring Alliance | After School and Summer Camp Scholarship fund | $8,000 |
| Well Community | General & Unrestricted | $7,500 |
| Solar Car Challenge Foundation | Solar Car Trailer Wrap fund | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Charles Derek Adleta
- Kristin Lightner
- Larry F Lightner
- Robin H Lightner
- Sue B Lightner
- Kamala A Lightner-Scammahorn
Questions people ask
Does The Lightner Sams Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Lightner Sams Foundation Inc give?
$470,889 in tax year 2025, across 30 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs The Lightner Sams Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Charles Derek Adleta (Dir, Trustee, Pres), Kristin Lightner (Dir, Trustee, Treas), Larry F Lightner (Trustee, VP) and Robin H Lightner (Trustee) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Lightner Sams Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, animals and health.