Lightspark Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Lightspark Foundation is a private foundation in Salt Lake City, Utah. In tax year 2025 it gave $413,018 in 41 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $99,018. 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$413,018
- Number of grants41
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$99,018
- Assets$6.8 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2025 was up from $327,667 the year before.
27% 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 | $317,215 | 38 | $6.4 million |
| 2024 | $327,667 | 38 | $6.5 million |
| 2025 | $413,018 | 41 | $6.8 million |
How to apply
Lightspark Foundation 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Lightspark Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Utah.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | 35 | $260,500 |
| California | 2 | $100,018 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $25,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $25,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Guild | Prosocial advocacy | $99,018 |
| Better Utah | Government accountability | $50,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club | Youth services | $31,000 |
| Chicanos Por la Causa Inc | Community support | $25,000 |
| Patriotic Millionaires | Equality advocacy | $15,000 |
| Utah Donor Collaborative | Political advocacy | $15,000 |
| Salt Lake City Corp Youthcity | Youth services | $13,500 |
| Immigrant Legal Services | Legal aid | $10,000 |
| International Rescue Committee | Refugee support | $10,000 |
| Planned Parenthood | Healthcare and education | $10,000 |
| Sounds Support Foundation | Youth musicians | $10,000 |
| Urban Rural Action | Community support | $10,000 |
| Utah Investigative Journalism Project | Nonprofit journalism | $10,000 |
| Women of the World | Women's services | $10,000 |
| Equality Utah | Human rights | $6,500 |
| Cache Refugee & Immigrant Connection | Refugee support | $5,000 |
| Catholic Community Services of Utah | Social services | $5,000 |
| Comunidades Unidas | Community support | $5,000 |
| O2 Utah Foundation | Environmental research | $5,000 |
| SJQ College of Law | Education | $5,000 |
| The Other Side Village | Homeless services | $5,000 |
| The Road Home | Homeless services | $5,000 |
| Utah Clean Energy | Environmental advocacy | $5,000 |
| Wasatch Community Gardens | Food assistance | $5,000 |
| Wasatch Women's Center | Women's services | $5,000 |
| Waste Less Solutions | Food rescue | $5,000 |
| Wat Lao Buddharam Temple Event | Community support | $5,000 |
| Salt Lake Academy of Music | Youth music education | $4,000 |
| Fourth Street Clinic | Healthcare for homeless | $3,500 |
| Voices for Utah Children | Youth services | $3,000 |
| ACLU of Utah | Civil liberties/legal aid | $2,500 |
| Columbus House | Homeless services | $2,500 |
| Guadalupe School | Education | $2,500 |
| Spyhop | Youth media arts | $2,000 |
| Heal Utah | Environmental advocacy | $1,500 |
| Utah Clean Air (Ucair) | Environmental advocacy | $1,500 |
| And Justice for All | Legal aid services | $1,000 |
| Critical Resistance | International community support | $1,000 |
| Salt Lake Community College | Education | $1,000 |
| Utah Food Bank | Food assistance | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Jonathan M Ruga
- Scott F Young
- Jared Ruga
Questions people ask
Does Lightspark Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Lightspark Foundation give?
$413,018 in tax year 2025, across 41 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Lightspark Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jonathan M Ruga (Director), Scott F Young (Director) and Jared Ruga (Director).
What does Lightspark Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, human services and education.