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.
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.
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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
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 | — | — | — |
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
121 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 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\"\Related Funders
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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