The Sparks Foundation Trust
Preselected recipients only
The Sparks Foundation Trust is a private foundation in Mattoon, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $197,000 in 11 grants; the typical grant was $6,000 and the largest $125,000. 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$197,000
- Number of grants11
- Typical grant$6,000
- Largest grant$125,000
- Assets$3.0 million
- New grantees18%
Giving in 2025 was down from $199,000 the year before.
18% 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 | $122,000 | 11 | $2.4 million |
| 2024 | $199,000 | 12 | $2.9 million |
| 2025 | $197,000 | 11 | $3.0 million |
How to apply
The Sparks Foundation Trust 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 Sparks Foundation Trust funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 11 | $197,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Fields Church the Fields Church | Facility construction | $125,000 |
| Emerald Acres Sports Complex Land of Lincoln Sports Complex | Facility construction | $25,000 |
| Coles County Habitat for Humanity Coles County Habitat for Humanity | Operations | $13,500 |
| Mattoon Area Family YMCA Mattoon Area Family YMCA | Operations | $10,000 |
| RK Foundation RK Foundation | Class e entrepreneurial development | $10,000 |
| Sarah Bush Lincoln Foundation Sarah Bush Lincoln Foundation | Hospice house /operations | $6,000 |
| Mattoon Public Library Mattoon Public Library | Operations | $2,500 |
| Mattoon Community Food Center Mattoon Community Food Center | Operations | $2,000 |
| Camp New Hope Camp New Hope | Operations | $1,000 |
| Lifelinks Lifelinks | Operations | $1,000 |
| Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Siste Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters | Operations | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ray A Sparks
- Debra A Sparks
Questions people ask
Does The Sparks Foundation Trust accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Sparks Foundation Trust give?
$197,000 in tax year 2025, across 11 grants, with a typical grant of $6,000.
Who runs The Sparks Foundation Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists Ray A Sparks (Trustee) and Debra A Sparks (Advisory Com).
What does The Sparks Foundation Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs.