C Spire Foundation
C Spire Foundation is a corporate foundation established in 2005 and based in Ridgeland, Mississippi. The foundation is funded by C Spire and operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving quality of life in markets where C Spire Wireless operates.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$383K
-44.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$850K
+64.4% YoY
Grant Count
55
-11.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$15K
+85.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation works to inspire excellence and transform the communities it serves. Primary funding areas include:
- STEM Education & Digital Literacy: Computer science education, professional skills development, and technology training
- Education: Academic programs with special emphasis on improving educational opportunities in Mississippi
- Health & Wellness: Healthcare initiatives and medical research
- Athletics: Sports-related programs
- Civic Affairs: Community development and civic engagement
- Safety: Public safety and disaster preparedness initiatives
The foundation serves students of all races, genders, and backgrounds, with a focus on providing clear pathways to high-paying, fast-growing career fields.
Grantmaking
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds programs in:
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- Alabama
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent (2024):
- Total Assets: $383,081
- Total Revenues: $591,511
- Total Expenses: $896,491
- Total Liabilities: $0
Previous Year (2023):
- Total Assets: $688,000
- Total Revenues: $600,000
- Total Expenses: $585,000
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $383,081 | $688,061 | $672,825 |
| Revenue | $591,511 | $600,000 | $600,000 |
| Expenses | $896,491 | $584,764 | $344,398 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $896,491 | $584,764 | $344,398 |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | $27,012 | $32,582 | $25,817 |
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
175 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from C Spire Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Elizabeth C Pickering: Executive Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELIZABETH C PICKERING | EXEC DIR PRESIDENT | 8 | $8,750 |
| TANYA RANKIN | VICE PRESIDENT | — | — |
| WESLEY GOINGS | TREASURER | — | — |
| CARA CARR | SECRETARY | — | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation announced a $5 million gift to support a new cancer center and research institute at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The C Spire Foundation and Creekmore family also donated $1 million to Children's of Mississippi at UMMC.
C Spire Announces $5 Million Gift to Support New UMMC Cancer ...In 2024, the foundation continued its commitment to STEM education through a $180,000 grant to Mississippi State University for online computer science classes.
C Spire Foundation, MSU continue commitment to STEM education in MississippiSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Similar funders by location and focus area
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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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