Ann Arbor Spark
Ann Arbor Spark is a nonprofit economic development organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Founded in 2005, the organization serves as a catalyst for economic development in the greater Ann Arbor region by supporting business growth, entrepreneurship, and regional prosperity. The organization operates as a 501(c)(6) business league and maintains an affiliated 501(c)(3) foundation.
Key facts about Ann Arbor Spark
- EIN
- 38-2436899
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $678,026
- Grants made (2024)
- 13
- Average grant
- $52,156
- Median grant
- $10,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 100% first-time grantees (13 of 13, 2024)
- Total assets
- $19,044,143
- Primary geography
- Michigan (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Who Ann Arbor Spark funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for Ann Arbor Spark's 13 itemized 2024 grants were Michigan (100%). The most frequent recipient cities were Ann Arbor, MI (4 grants), Ypsilanti, MI (4 grants) and Monroe, MI (2 grants). None of its 13 grants with a stated purpose were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Assitance to Small Businesses" (7 grants) and "COVID Recovery Funds" (5 grants).
Is Ann Arbor Spark open to new grantees?
100%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 13 of 13 grantees (100%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $52K. How we count
- Giving fell 81% from 2021 to 2024. Method
Estimate from itemized IRS Form 990-PF grant lists (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Next steps with Ann Arbor Spark
- How to evaluate Ann Arbor Spark as a funder
Our grant prospecting guide: read the 990-PF, check fit, and decide whether to apply.
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Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$19.0M
+40.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$678K
Grant Count
13
Avg Grant Size
$52K
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Ann Arbor Spark will advance the economy of the Ann Arbor region by establishing it as a desired place for innovation, business location and growth, and for talented people to live and work. The Ann Arbor region will be recognized for its academic, business, and community resources, and its collaborative culture.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Business incubator and accelerator services for startups and early-stage companies
- Entrepreneurial services and startup support
- Business development and regional marketing
- Talent services and workforce development
- Support for key driving industries including manufacturing, automotive and mobility, life sciences and healthcare, data and information, and technology
Grantmaking
Ann Arbor Spark provides grants to help fund bootstrapped entrepreneurs achieve business milestones. Based on recent financial data, the organization distributed $683,026 in total giving, with typical grant awards ranging from $5,199 to $172,777.
Ready to take the next step with Ann Arbor Spark?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
While Ann Arbor Spark's core programs are designed for companies and individuals primarily located in Washtenaw County, the organization's support extends to the six-county Greater Ann Arbor Region (GAAR), which includes Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, Livingston, and Hillsdale counties.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 13 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2023:
- Total Assets: $13.6 million
- Total Revenue: $8.45 million
- Total Expenses: $9.49 million
- Total Liabilities: $1.68 million
- Number of Employees: 206
Tax Status: Tax-exempt since October 1984 (EIN: 38-2436899)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $19,044,143 | $13,599,567 | $16,558,054 |
| Revenue | $12,807,921 | $8,451,260 | $9,443,903 |
| Expenses | $11,301,566 | $9,490,354 | $10,507,768 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $567,481 | $-164,860 | $-18,866 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
977 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include Howell Area Chamber of Commerce ($172,777), Grand Valley State University ($130,568), Jewish Family Services ($106,700).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Howell, MI | COVID Recovery Funds | $172,777 |
| Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI | COVID Recovery Funds | $130,568 |
| Jewish Family Services Ann Arbor, MI | COVID Recovery Funds | $106,700 |
| Monroe County Business Alliance Monroe, MI | COVID Recovery Funds | $96,535 |
| MI-HQ Ann Arbor, MI | Assitance to Small Businesses | $75,000 |
| Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MI | COVID Recovery Funds | $42,324 |
| Tortillas Tita LLC Wayne, MI | Assitance to Small Businesses | $10,000 |
| University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI | Research & Development | $10,000 |
| BCHIRA Monroe, MI | Assitance to Small Businesses | $7,923 |
| B-Cubed Bakery Ypsilanti, MI | Assitance to Small Businesses | $7,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 IRS filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly Sexton | Chair | 1 | — |
| Simon Whitelocke | Vice Chair | 1 | — |
| David Snodgrass | Treasurer | 1 | — |
| Tiffany Ford | Secretary | 1 | — |
| David Ruud | Past Chair | 1 | — |
| Dr Rose Bellanca | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Gregory Dill | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Milton Dohoney | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Patti Glaza | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Leigh Greden | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Jeff Hauptman | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Brandon Hofmeister | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Justin Hodge | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Chris Kolb | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Chris Kowitz | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Paul Krutko | President & CEO | 39 | $395,347 |
| Mark LePage | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Lon Lowen | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Marcy Marshall | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Timothy Marshall | Board Member | 1 | — |
| John McLaughlin | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Peter Mertens | Board Member | 1 | — |
| David Parsigian | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Paul Roney | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Trish Reilly | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Chris Sing | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Rick Sheridan | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Brenda Stumbo | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Robert Young | Board Member | 1 | — |
| Tom Crawford | CFO | 39.75 | — |
| Phil Santer | Business Development V.P. | 40 | $194,019 |
| William Mayer | Entrepreneurial Srvs V.P. | 40 | $162,204 |
| Michael Flanagan | Capital Programs V.P. | 40 | $157,000 |
| Jenn Hayman | Marketing V.P. | 40 | $136,195 |
| Laura Berarduci | Communications Director | 40 | $106,513 |
| Jennifer Olmstead | Business Development Director | 40 | $106,319 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Ann Arbor Spark has been recognized for significant achievements and partnerships:
Ann Arbor SPARK, University of Michigan Accelerate Blue Fund ...Named awardee in Michigan's first-ever Innovation Fund
Ann Arbor SPARK named awardee in first-ever Michigan Innovation Fund | WEMU-FMAwarded millions in partnership with the University of Michigan Accelerate Blue Fund for startups and entrepreneurs
Ann Arbor SPARK, University of Michigan Accelerate Blue Fund ...Honored with a Community Impact Award at the 2025 Michigan Venture Capital Association celebration
Ann Arbor SPARK named awardee in first-ever Michigan Innovation Fund | WEMU-FMAnnounced as a winner in the State of Michigan's 2025 "Make It in Michigan" Mobility Prototyping Grant program
State of Michigan Announces $2 Million for 2025 \"Make It in Michigan\"\Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ann Arbor Spark fund?
**Mission:** Ann Arbor Spark will advance the economy of the Ann Arbor region by establishing it as a desired place for innovation, business location and growth, and for talented people to live and work. The Ann Arbor region will be recognized for its academic, business, and community resources, and its collaborative culture. **Primary Focus Areas:** • Business incubator and accelerator services for startups and early-stage companies • Entrepreneurial services and startup support • Business dev…
How do I apply for a grant from Ann Arbor Spark?
Ann Arbor Spark provides grants to help fund bootstrapped entrepreneurs achieve business milestones. Based on recent financial data, the organization distributed $683,026 in total giving, with typical grant awards ranging from $5,199 to $172,777. The organization's grantmaking focuses on nonprofit human services, human and social service grants, and poverty alleviation.
Where does Ann Arbor Spark make grants?
While Ann Arbor Spark's core programs are designed for companies and individuals primarily located in Washtenaw County, the organization's support extends to the six-county Greater Ann Arbor Region (GAAR), which includes Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, Livingston, and Hillsdale counties.
What size grants does Ann Arbor Spark award?
In 2024, Ann Arbor Spark awarded 13 grants totaling $678K — an average of about $52K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Ann Arbor Spark's EIN?
Ann Arbor Spark's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-2436899. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.