Our Little Light Foundation
Historical FunderRoseville, California · EIN 46-1544429 · Private foundation · Website
Grants paid (2024)$631K
Organizations funded12
Typical grant$15,000
Total assets$13.2M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $10,000 and $25,000.
From the return
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2024):
| Contact | Kathryn W Carlsen |
|---|---|
| Address | 1400 Rocky Ridge Drive 280, Roseville CA 95661 |
| Phone | 9162951633 |
| Form and materials | GRANT APPLICATION FORM (PROVIDED BY OUR LITTLE LIGHT FOUNDATION) INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING REQUESTED INFORMATION: 1. GRANT AMOUNT REQUESTED, INCLUDING THE PERCENTAGE OF FUNDS USED FOR DIRECT SERVICES AND/OR PROGRAM SUPPORT, 2. NAME, ADDRESS, TAX ID#, CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE ORGANIZATION REQUESTING THE GRANT, 2. HOW THE FUNDS WILL HELP THE HEALTH, WELL-BEING OR EDUCATION OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, OR FAMILIES, AND HOW MANY CHILDREN/YOUTH AND FAMILIES WILL BE SERVED BY THE GRANT.THE GRANT APPLICATION FORM SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY A FULL GRANT PROPOSAL INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: 1. A COVER LETTER DESCRIBING THE ORGANIZATION, THE PROPOSED PROGRAM OR PROJECT AND THE AMOUNT REQUESTED, 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR THE ORGANIZATION, INCLUDING ITS HISTORY AND PURPOSE AND THE PRIMARY POPULATION SERVED, 3. A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT OR PROGRAM, ITS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES, AN EXPLANATION OF HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE USED AND AN EVALUATION |
| Deadlines | December 31 |
| Restrictions | SUPPORT IS PROVIDED STRICTLY FOR REGISTERED IRS QUALIFIED EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS. FUNDS ARE INTENDED TO BENEFIT PROGRAMS THAT HELP PROMOTE THE HEALTH, WELL-BEING, EDUCATION OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, FAMILIES. A MINIMUM OF 90% OF THE FUNDS MUST BE ALLOCATED TOWARDS DIRECT SERVICES WITH AT MOST 10% USED TOWARD ADMINISTRATION COSTS. THE BENEFICIARY MISSION MUST MEET THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE FOUNDATIONS FOCUS TO PROMOTE THE HEALTH, WELL-BEING, EDUCATION OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, FAMILIES. SUPPORT IS PRIMARILY FOR EXISTING AND SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS. NEW PROGRAMS AND PROGRAMS THAT ARE NOT YET ABLE TO REPORT MEASURABLE RESULTS MAY BE CONSIDERED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. BENEFICIARIES MUST HAVE A PROCEDURE IN PLACE TO ENSURE THAT THE CLIENTS THEY SERVE MEET CERTAIN CRITERIA. BENEFICIARIES ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT AN OPERATING BUDGET ALONG WITH A PROPOSAL INDICATING HOW/WHEN FUNDING WILL BE SPENT IN ORDER FOR FUNDS TO BE DISTRIBUTED AND MUST AGREE TO SUBMIT PERIODIC RECAPS. VARIANCE FROM PROPOSED USE OF FUNDS MUS |
Copied as filed. Deadlines on a tax return describe the foundation's usual process; they are not confirmation of a current open cycle.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
16% of grants went outside California.
Grants paid in tax year 2024
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Center Immigrant Children's R | Chicago, IL | Guardian Scholars Program to support students who have experienced foster care | $100,000 |
| Yolo Crisis Nursery Inc | Davis, CA | Funding to support crisis overnight and respite care, wraparound services and specialized infant day care and preschool. | $100,000 |
| The University Foundation at CSUS | Sacramento, CA | Guardian Scholars ($50K Scholarships, $50K Programs) | $100,000 |
| Inner-City Arts | Los Angeles, CA | Support for school-day arts education program for K-8th grade students from underserved neighborhoods in LA | $25,000 |
| Academy STAY | Sacramento, CA | Share the Warmth program | $20,000 |
| Union Station Homeless Services | Pasadena, CA | To help cover Dr Hannah Snitzer as a new medical director in administrative duties to launch community outreach and growth as new leader in… | $20,000 |
| Powerhouse Ministry | Folsom, CA | Enhance health, well-being and education of individuals as well as the Leadership College and Sunday night family services | $15,000 |
| Me-One Foundation | Roseville, CA | Camp for families dealing with cancer in a loved one | $15,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sac | Sacramento, CA | Series of workshops for foster youth attending UC Davis and CSUS | $15,000 |
| Child Advocates of Nevada County | Nevada City, CA | Support the purchase of high-quality, durable furniture to serve residents | $10,000 |
| Hopecam Inc | Reston, VA | "Champions of Hope" Initiative reaching 200 children with cancer connecting them to the classroom with technology | $10,000 |
| Alliance for Children's Rights | Los Angeles, CA | Support teen self-improvement workshop series. | $5,000 |
The return also lists 6 grants to individuals ($196,000). We do not publish the names of individual recipients.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $631,000 | 18 |
| 2023 | $591,146 | 23 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2024, filed Nov 17, 2025 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202503219349103900
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 46-1544429
- Profile updated Nov 6, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.