The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation
The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in Dania Beach, Florida, established in October 2018. Designated as a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation is the philanthropic arm of Spirit Airlines and operates as an independent foundation committed to inspiring positive change in communities where the airline operates.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$648K
+7.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$716K
-53.5% YoY
Grant Count
45
-30.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$16K
-32.8% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission centers on the belief that "change starts by giving back." The organization is committed to inspiring positive change in the communities where it lives and works through team member volunteerism, monetary donations, and in-kind contributions.
The foundation directs its community support through three key pillars:
Children and Families — Supporting organizations focused on developing the next generation, improving children's lives, and creating future opportunities for learning, growth, and success in their communities.
Service Members — Committed to supporting first responders and those who have served the country, helping past and current service members reconnect with loved ones, receive education, and start new careers.
The Environment — Supporting organizations focused on sustainable solutions and minimizing carbon footprint. The foundation operates in alignment with Spirit Airlines' commitment to maintaining one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the U.S.
The foundation also provides scholarships to students pursuing higher education through partnerships with aviation organizations, universities, and colleges throughout the country.
Grantmaking
The foundation demonstrates consistent and substantial grantmaking activity. In 2022, the foundation committed $1 million to 44 nonprofit organizations across the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. Recent financial data shows:
Grant Range
$104
Average Grant
$104
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation supports a wide range of U.S. cities and states, including major urban centers such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as well as smaller communities. Geographic focus areas include Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and additional states.
South Florida receives particular emphasis as the foundation's home region, with numerous local organizations receiving support.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets & Revenue:
- Total Assets (2024): $647,915
- Total Assets (2023): $606,000
- Total Assets (2022): $605,736
- Total Revenues (2024): $874,416
- Total Revenues (2023): $1,583,699
- Total Expenses (2024): $832,238
- Total Expenses (2023): $1,636,487
- Total Liabilities (2023): $0
Staffing:
The foundation operates with zero employees, relying on volunteer leadership and team member involvement.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $647,915 | $605,736 | $658,525 |
| Revenue | $874,416 | $1,583,699 | $1,491,524 |
| Expenses | $832,238 | $1,636,487 | $1,105,551 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $716,172 | $1,539,121 | $917,750 |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| 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
173 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Current Leadership:
- Linde Grindle — President of the Spirit Charitable Foundation and Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer for Spirit Airlines
- Lania Rittenhouse — President (as of 2022) and Vice President of Guest Experience & Brand for Spirit Airlines
- Griselle Molina — Treasurer
- Thomas Canfield — Director
- Yasaman Moazami-Goudarzi — Secretary
All leadership team members work on a voluntary basis without compensation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Griselle Molina | TREASURER | 0.5 | — |
| Thomas Canfield | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| Yasaman Moazami-Goudarzi | SECRETARY | 0.5 | — |
| Lania Rittenhouse | PRESIDENT | 0.5 | — |
| Meisha Coulter | DIRECTOR | 0.25 | — |
| Bobby Schroeter | DIRECTOR | 0.25 | — |
| Camilo Martelo | DIRECTOR | 0.25 | — |
| Linde Grindle | DIRECTOR | 0.25 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**Service Members Initiatives (May 2025)**
The Spirit Charitable Foundation announced strengthened support for U.S. service members through new and ongoing nonprofit partnerships. Key initiatives include:
Spirit Charitable Foundation Strengthens Support of U.S. Service MembersFlying veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials commemorating their service
Underwriting complimentary museum access for service members
Spirit Charitable Foundation Strengthens Support of U.S. Service MembersReuniting military families with injured loved ones
Maintaining a dedicated space at Broward College for veteran students
Hosting special veteran recognition flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
**2024 Impact Report**
The foundation published a 2024 Impact Report documenting its community support and grantmaking activities.
Spirit Charitable Foundation Strengthens Support of U.S. Service Members**Scholarship Programs**
The foundation continues to offer annual and endowed scholarships through partnerships with aviation organizations, universities, and colleges throughout the country.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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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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