Light the Candle Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
Light the Candle Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Tampa, Florida. In tax year 2025 it gave $54,880 in 14 grants; the typical grant was $1,810 and the largest $11,000. 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$54,880
- Number of grants14
- Typical grant$1,810
- Largest grant$11,000
- Assets$2.9 million
- New grantees86%
Giving in 2025 was up from $46,250 the year before.
86% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $15,908 | 8 | $2.0 million |
| 2024 | $46,250 | 7 | $2.6 million |
| 2025 | $54,880 | 14 | $2.9 million |
How to apply
Light the Candle 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 Light the Candle Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Florida. It also paid $1,008 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 11 | $52,622 |
| California | 1 | $1,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $250 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vyo USA Inc | Youth services | $11,000 |
| Sanatan Mandir Tampa | Spiritual services | $10,001 |
| Mary Martha House | Support services/women | $10,000 |
| Wellfed Community | Food education/services | $5,000 |
| Brahma Kumans | Spiritual support services | $5,000 |
| Preserve Vision | Vision education/screenings/services | $5,000 |
| Hindu University of America | Educational and spiritual services | $2,369 |
| Iskcon Tampa | Spiritual services | $1,252 |
| Missionaries of Charity | Spiritual services | $1,008 |
| Foundation Christian Academy | Educational services | $1,000 |
| New Hope Baptist Church of Rusk | Spiritual services | $1,000 |
| New Life Missions | Educational and spiritual services | $1,000 |
| Tabernaculo la Fe de Tampa | Spiritual services | $1,000 |
| Crowdfund Peer-To-Peer | Educational services | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- Saurabh K Chokshi
- Sheela S Chokshi
- Shashin S Chokshi
- Sonia S Chokshi
Questions people ask
Does Light the Candle Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Light the Candle Foundation Inc give?
$54,880 in tax year 2025, across 14 grants, with a typical grant of $1,810.
Who runs Light the Candle Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Saurabh K Chokshi (President), Sheela S Chokshi (Secy/Treas), Shashin S Chokshi (Director) and Sonia S Chokshi (Director).
What does Light the Candle Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities and education.