Lift a Life Foundation Inc
Lift A Life Foundation Inc (also known as the Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation) is a private foundation established by the Novak family in 1999 and granted tax-exempt status in May 2000. Based in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, the foundation invests in nonprofit organizations across multiple states to create meaningful, measurable change through strategic partnerships and community impact grants.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$64.3M
-8.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$10.2M
+66.1% YoY
Grant Count
52
+36.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$196K
+21.4% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Lift a Life Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $4.3M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to fund innovative, high-impact projects led by passionate leaders committed to outstanding execution. The foundation directs its funding toward five key areas:
- Early Childhood Education — Empowering educators and caregivers with tools and resources to set children up for lifelong success
- Food Insecurity — Fighting food insecurity so every Kentuckian has the opportunity to thrive
- Diabetes Care — Supporting innovative treatments and comprehensive care across the entire continuum, from perinatal to end-of-life
- Military & First Responder Support — Providing education, care, and support to those who serve and the families who sacrifice alongside them
- Leadership Development — Equipping the next generation with confidence and skills to lead with purpose
Grantmaking
The foundation accepts grant applications through its website for each of its five focus areas.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Kentucky, Florida, and Georgia.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 31, 2024:
- Total Assets: $64,297,872
- Total Giving: $10,181,457
- Total Revenues: $15,425,440
- Total Expenses: $11,380,479
- Number of Employees: 1
2023 Comparison:
- Total Revenues: $10,282,394 (grants and contributions)
- Investment Income: $1,385,785
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $64,297,872 | $70,193,186 | $59,047,979 |
| Revenue | $15,425,440 | $25,115,757 | $8,561,648 |
| Expenses | $11,380,479 | $6,974,216 | $11,976,715 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $10,181,457 | $6,130,950 | $10,954,168 |
| Net Investment Income | $4,592,415 | $14,529,176 | $463,394 |
| Distributable Amount | $4,261,474 | $3,514,443 | $3,519,307 |
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
233 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Lift a Life Foundation Inc
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Norton Children's Hospital ($2,180,410), David Novak Leadership Inc ($2,100,000), Rita June Foundation Inc ($1,500,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| A CURE FOR ROBERT INC LOUISVILLE, KY | GENERAL | $50,000 |
| ADVANCE LOUISVILLE LOUISVILLE, KY | CAREER DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE | $35,000 |
| AMERICAN JUNIOR GOLF ASSN BRASELTON, GA | SPORTS - GOLF/LEADERSHIP CAROLINA CUP | $10,000 |
| BACKSIDE LEARNING CENTER LOUISVILLE, KY | EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION | $45,000 |
| BRINGING JUSTICE HOME INC LOUISVILLE, KY | HUNGER | $15,000 |
| CAMP HENDON LOUISVILLE, KY | JUVENILE DIABETES (JD) | $100,000 |
| CHARITY WATER HAGERTOWN, MD | CLEAN WATER | $25,000 |
| COMMUNITY COORDINATED CHILD CARE AKA 4-C LOUISVILLE, KY | EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION | $470,000 |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF LOUISVILLE LOUISVILLE, KY | EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION | $450 |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE - CHIEF CARES NASHVILLE, TN | TN FLOODING | $25,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAVID C NOVAK | DIRECTOR & PRESIDENT | — | — |
| ASHLEY NOVAK BUTLER | DIRECTOR | 40 | $241,835 |
| JONATHAN A BUTLER | DIRECTOR | — | — |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lift a Life Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation's mission is to fund innovative, high-impact projects led by passionate leaders committed to outstanding execution. The foundation directs its funding toward five key areas: • **Early Childhood Education** — Empowering educators and caregivers with tools and resources to set children up for lifelong success • **Food Insecurity** — Fighting food insecurity so every Kentuckian has the opportunity to thrive • **Diabetes Care** — Supporting innovative treatments and comprehensive car…
How do I apply for a grant from Lift a Life Foundation Inc?
**Grant Amounts:** Typical awards range from $450 to $4,000,000. **Recent Grants (2024):** • David Novak Leadership: $2,100,000 • Rita June Foundation (Early Childhood Education): $1,500,000 • Metro United Way (Early Childhood Education): $812,500 **Total Giving:** $10,181,457 in 2024 The foundation accepts grant applications through its website for each of its five focus areas.
Where does Lift a Life Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Kentucky, Florida, and Georgia.
What size grants does Lift a Life Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Lift a Life Foundation Inc awarded 52 grants totaling $10.2M — an average of about $196K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Lift a Life Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Lift a Life Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $4.3M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Lift a Life Foundation Inc's EIN?
Lift a Life Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 61-1359337. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Lift a Life Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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