The Sparks Foundation Inc is a private independent foundation based in Midland, Texas. Established in 2004, it operates as a 501(c)(3) organization with tax-exempt status. The foundation functions as a grantmaking entity focused on supporting charitable organizations and community initiatives.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$12.7M
+57.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.1M
+295.6% YoY
Grant Count
11
+83.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$97K
+115.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Sparks Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $351K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary purpose is giving to organizations that improve the quality of life for residents of Midland, Texas. Grant-making focuses on Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services, with funding activity extending into Texas, Virginia, and Florida.
Grantmaking
The foundation made eight grants in 2024, with typical award amounts ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Recent grants include:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
While the foundation is based in Midland, Texas, its grant-making extends to organizations in Texas, Virginia, and Florida.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $12,705,306
- Total Revenues: $5,800,390
- Total Expenses: $1,171,411
- Total Liabilities: $4,930
As of December 2023:
- Total Assets: $8,090,000
- Total Revenues: $2,150,000
- Total Expenses: $430,000
Investment income and dividends increased significantly, from $89,126 in 2023 to $264,393 in 2024 (a 196.7% increase).
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $12,705,306 | $8,094,163 | $6,554,909 |
| Revenue | $5,800,390 | $2,151,637 | $3,757,870 |
| Expenses | $1,171,411 | $430,322 | $964,517 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,072,000 | $271,000 | $892,200 |
| Net Investment Income | $5,696,205 | $2,127,364 | $3,697,553 |
| Distributable Amount | $350,856 | $180,095 | $183,863 |
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
64 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Midland Memorial Foundation ($300,000), Texas Public Policy Foundation ($300,000), Pbbhc ($200,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Midland Memorial Foundation Midland, TX | To assist and support the services and programs of the foundation. | $300,000 |
| Texas Public Policy Foundation Austin, TX | To assist and support the services and programs of the foundation. | $300,000 |
| One Accord for Kids Midland, TX | To assist and support the services and programs of the foundation. | $10,000 |
| America First Policy Institute Arlington, VA | To assist and support the services and programs of the foundation. | $125,000 |
| Christians Engaged Garland, TX | To assist and support the services and programs of the foundation. | $20,000 |
| Flag Foundation Tarpon Springs, FL | To assist and support the services and programs of the foundation. | $1,000 |
| Midland Fair Haven Midland, TX | To assist and support the services and programs of the foundation. | $10,000 |
| Celebration Family Church Fritch, TX | To assist and support the services and programs of the foundation. | $5,000 |
| Texas Scorecard Leander, TX | To assist and support the services and programs of the foundation. | $1,000 |
| America First Works Arlington, VA | To assist and support the services and programs of the foundation. | $100,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C Todd Sparks | Secretary | 2 | — |
| W Jeffrey Sparks | Vice President | 2 | — |
| Don L Sparks | President | 2 | — |
| Kevin D Sparks | Treasurer | 2 | — |
Contact Information
Address: 2600 Mockingbird Lane, Midland, TX 79705-1664
Telephone: 432-683-5203
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Sparks Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation's primary purpose is giving to organizations that improve the quality of life for residents of Midland, Texas. Grant-making focuses on Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services, with funding activity extending into Texas, Virginia, and Florida.
How do I apply for a grant from The Sparks Foundation Inc?
The foundation made eight grants in 2024, with typical award amounts ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Recent grants include: • Midland Memorial Foundation: $300,000 • Texas Public Policy Foundation: $300,000 • America First Works: $100,000 Total giving in 2024 was $1,072,000. The foundation does not currently have live grant opportunities listed.
Where does The Sparks Foundation Inc make grants?
While the foundation is based in Midland, Texas, its grant-making extends to organizations in Texas, Virginia, and Florida.
What size grants does The Sparks Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, The Sparks Foundation Inc awarded 11 grants totaling $1.1M — an average of about $97K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The Sparks Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The Sparks Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $351K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Sparks Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Sparks Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-0396160. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Sparks 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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