Form990-PF

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Return of Private Foundation
or Section 4947(a)(1) Trust Treated as Private Foundation
bulletDo not enter Social Security numbers on this form as it may be made public. By law, the IRS cannot redact the information on the form.
bulletInformation about Form 990-PF and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990pf.
OMB No. 1545-0052
2013
Open to Public Inspection
For calendar year 2013, or tax year beginning 01-01-2013 , and ending 12-31-2013
Name of foundation
THE SPARKS FOUNDATION
 

Number and street (or P.O. box number if mail is not delivered to street address)743 EVENTIDE DRIVE   Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code
MEMPHIS, TN38120
A Employer identification number

23-7029788
B Telephone number (see instructions)

(901) 766-4412
C bullet
G Check all that apply:

D 1. bullet
2. bullet
E bullet
H Check type of organization:
I Fair market value of all assets at end
of year (from Part II, col. (c),
line 16)bullet$4,033,527J Accounting method:
 
(Part I, column (d) must be on cash basis.)
F bullet
Part I Analysis of Revenue and Expenses (The total of amounts in columns (b), (c), and (d) may not necessarily equal the amounts in column (a) (see instructions).) (a) Revenue and
expenses per
books 		(b) Net investment
income 		(c) Adjusted net
income 		(d) Disbursements
for charitable
purposes
(cash basis only)
Revenue 1 Contributions, gifts, grants, etc., received (attach schedule)  
2 Check bullet
3 Interest on savings and temporary cash investments 3,037 3,037  
4 Dividends and interest from securities...... 100,227 100,227  
5a Gross rents..............      
b Net rental income or (loss)  
6a Net gain or (loss) from sale of assets not on line 10 530,916
b Gross sales price for all assets on line 6a 5,653,840
7 Capital gain net income (from Part IV, line 2)... 530,916
8 Net short-term capital gain.........  
9 Income modifications...........  
10a Gross sales less returns and allowances  
b Less: Cost of goods sold....  
c Gross profit or (loss) (attach schedule).....    
11 Other income (attach schedule)....... Click to see attachment 54 54 0
12 Total. Add lines 1 through 11........ 634,234 634,234 0
Operating and Administrative Expenses 13 Compensation of officers, directors, trustees, etc. 0 0 0 0
14 Other employee salaries and wages......        
15 Pension plans, employee benefits.......        
16a Legal fees (attach schedule).........        
b Accounting fees (attach schedule)....... Click to see attachment 3,750 0 0 0
c Other professional fees (attach schedule)....        
17 Interest...............        
18 Taxes (attach schedule) (see instructions) Click to see attachment 2,014 2,014 0 0
19 Depreciation (attach schedule) and depletion...      
20 Occupancy..............        
21 Travel, conferences, and meetings.......        
22 Printing and publications..........        
23 Other expenses (attach schedule)....... Click to see attachment 54,596 54,596 0 0
24 Total operating and administrative expenses.
Add lines 13 through 23.......... 60,360 56,610 0 0
25 Contributions, gifts, grants paid........ 9,154,754 9,154,754
26 Total expenses and disbursements. Add lines 24 and 25 9,215,114 56,610 0 9,154,754
27 Subtract line 26 from line 12:
a Excess of revenue over expenses and disbursements -8,580,880
b Net investment income (if negative, enter -0-) 577,624
c Adjusted net income (if negative, enter -0-)... 0
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see instructions.
Cat. No. 11289X Form 990-PF (2013)
Form 990-PF (2013)
Page 2
Part II Balance Sheets Attached schedules and amounts in the description column
should be for end-of-year amounts only. (See instructions.)		 Beginning of year End of year
(a) Book Value (b) Book Value (c) Fair Market Value
Assets 1 Cash—non-interest-bearing...............      
2 Savings and temporary cash investments.......... 8,548,929 1,746,615 1,746,615
3 Accounts receivable bullet  
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts bullet        
4 Pledges receivable bullet  
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts bullet        
5 Grants receivable.................      
6 Receivables due from officers, directors, trustees, and other
disqualified persons (attach schedule) (see instructions).....      
7 Other notes and loans receivable (attach schedule) bullet  
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts bullet        
8 Inventories for sale or use...............      
9 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges...........      
10a Investments—U.S. and state government obligations (attach schedule)      
b Investments—corporate stock (attach schedule)........ 3,497,131 Click to see attachment1,984,855 1,984,855
c Investments—corporate bonds (attach schedule)........      
11 Investments—land, buildings, and equipment: basis bullet  
Less: accumulated depreciation (attach schedule) bullet        
12 Investments—mortgage loans..............      
13 Investments—other (attach schedule)........... 0 Click to see attachment30,022 30,022
14 Land, buildings, and equipment: basis bullet  
Less: accumulated depreciation (attach schedule) bullet        
15 Other assets (describe bullet) Click to see attachment395,761 Click to see attachment272,035 Click to see attachment272,035
16 Total assets (to be completed by all filers—see the
instructions. Also, see page 1, item I) 12,441,821 4,033,527 4,033,527
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses..........    
18 Grants payable...................    
19 Deferred revenue..................    
20 Loans from officers, directors, trustees, and other disqualified persons    
21 Mortgages and other notes payable (attach schedule)......    
22 Other liabilities (describe bullet)    
23 Total liabilities (add lines 17 through 22).......... 0 0
Net Assets or Fund Balances bullet
and complete lines 24 through 26 and lines 30 and 31.
24 Unrestricted....................    
25 Temporarily restricted................    
26 Permanently restricted................    
bullet
and complete lines 27 through 31.
27 Capital stock, trust principal, or current funds......... 6,269,939 6,269,939
28 Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, bldg., and equipment fund 0 0
29 Retained earnings, accumulated income, endowment, or other funds 6,171,882 -2,236,412
30 Total net assets or fund balances (see page 17 of the
instructions).................... 12,441,821 4,033,527
31 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances (see page 17 of
the instructions).................. 12,441,821 4,033,527
Part III Analysis of Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances
1 Total net assets or fund balances at beginning of year—Part II, column (a), line 30 (must agree
with end-of-year figure reported on prior year’s return)............... 1 12,441,821
2 Enter amount from Part I, line 27a..................... 2 -8,580,880
3 Other increases not included in line 2 (itemize) bulletClick to see attachment 3 186,059
4 Add lines 1, 2, and 3.......................... 4 4,047,000
5 Decreases not included in line 2 (itemize) bulletClick to see attachment 5 13,473
6 Total net assets or fund balances at end of year (line 4 minus line 5)—Part II, column (b), line 30. 6 4,033,527
Form 990-PF (2013)
Form 990-PF (2013)
Page 3
Part IV
Capital Gains and Losses for Tax on Investment Income
(a) List and describe the kind(s) of property sold (e.g., real estate,
2-story brick warehouse; or common stock, 200 shs. MLC Co.) 		(b) How acquired
P—Purchase
D—Donation 		(c) Date acquired
(mo., day, yr.) 		(d) Date sold
(mo., day, yr.)
1 a 2800 SHRS PROSHARES ULTRASHORT P   2013-09-03
b RAYMOND JAMES #805 P   2013-12-31
c PERSHING LLC #417 P   2013-12-31
d PERSHING LLC #417 P   2013-12-31
e PERSHING LLC #391 P   2013-12-31
PERSHING LLC #391 P   2013-04-18
PERSHING LLC #391 P   2013-09-23
PERSHING LLC #383 P   2013-09-23
PERSHING LLC #383 P   2013-12-31
PERSHING LLC #383 P   2013-12-31
TD AMERITRADE #784 P 2013-01-10 2013-04-01
HBI EQUITY FUND II LLLP P   2013-12-31
VP ARROWHEAD LLC P   2013-12-31
VP ARROWHEAD LLC P   2013-12-31
FIDUS INVESTMENT CORP FORM 2439 P   2013-12-31
POWERSHARES DB COMMODITY INDEX P   2013-12-31
POWERSHARES DB COMMODITY INDEX P   2013-12-31
POWERSHARES DB CUMULATIVE AJE P   2013-09-23
POWERSHARES DB CUMULATIVE AJE P   2013-09-23
GATEHOUSE P   2013-12-31
MORGAN STANLEY #081 P   2013-12-31
MORGAN STANLEY #081 P   2013-12-31
MORGAN STANLEY #081 P   2013-12-31
MORGAN STANLEY #081 P   2013-12-31
HBI EQUITY FUND II LLLP P   2013-12-31
TRANSOCEAN LTD-REMAINING BASIS FROM MERGER P 2007-10-09 2013-09-23
CAPITAL GAINS DIVIDENDS P    
(e) Gross sales price (f) Depreciation allowed
(or allowable) 		(g) Cost or other basis
plus expense of sale 		(h) Gain or (loss)
(e) plus (f) minus (g)
a 221,842   413,792 -191,950
b 448,826   413,935 34,891
c 389,738   380,984 8,754
d 424,393   331,471 92,922
e 33,751   30,085 3,666
170   169 1
482,004   508,964 -26,960
637,870   565,029 72,841
721,777   532,986 188,791
753,706   425,026 328,680
14,056   13,345 711
    49,389 -49,389
33,377     33,377
    235 -235
1,649     1,649
    14 -14
    191 -191
1,917     1,917
776     776
    50,000 -50,000
534,951   505,094 29,857
21,510   22,386 -876
110,205   99,285 10,920
818,256   738,072 80,184
    10,546 -10,546
    31,926 -31,926
3,066     3,066
Complete only for assets showing gain in column (h) and owned by the foundation on 12/31/69 (l) Gains (Col. (h) gain minus
col. (k), but not less than -0-) or
Losses (from col.(h))
(i) F.M.V. as of 12/31/69 (j) Adjusted basis
as of 12/31/69 		(k) Excess of col. (i)
over col. (j), if any
a       -191,950
b       34,891
c       8,754
d       92,922
e       3,666
      1
      -26,960
      72,841
      188,791
      328,680
      711
      -49,389
      33,377
      -235
      1,649
      -14
      -191
      1,917
      776
      -50,000
      29,857
      -876
      10,920
      80,184
      -10,546
      -31,926
      3,066
2 Capital gain net income or (net capital loss) Bracket If gain, also enter in Part I, line 7
If (loss), enter -0- in Part I, line 7		 Bracket 2 530,916
3 Net short-term capital gain or (loss) as defined in sections 1222(5) and (6):
If gain, also enter in Part I, line 8, column (c) (see instructions). If (loss), enter -0-
in Part I, line 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 		Bracket 3  
Part V
Qualification Under Section 4940(e) for Reduced Tax on Net Investment Income
(For optional use by domestic private foundations subject to the section 4940(a) tax on net investment income.)

If section 4940(d)(2) applies, leave this part blank.
Was the foundation liable for the section 4942 tax on the distributable amount of any year in the base period?
If "Yes," the foundation does not qualify under section 4940(e). Do not complete this part.
1 Enter the appropriate amount in each column for each year; see page 18 of the instructions before making any entries.
(a)
Base period years Calendar
year (or tax year beginning in) 		(b)
Adjusted qualifying distributions 		(c)
Net value of noncharitable-use assets 		(d)
Distribution ratio
(col. (b) divided by col. (c))
2012 538,745 12,419,192 0.043380
2011 358,700 12,768,218 0.028093
2010 383,750 12,390,620 0.030971
2009 909,200 11,861,171 0.076653
2008 755,375 15,107,223 0.050001
2 Total of line 1, column (d) ...................... 2 0.229098
3 Average distribution ratio for the 5-year base period—divide the total on line 2 by 5, or by
the number of years the foundation has been in existence if less than 5 years. . . 		3 0.045820
4 Enter the net value of noncharitable-use assets for 2013 from Part X, line 5..... 4 11,998,552
5 Multiply line 4 by line 3....................... 5 549,774
6 Enter 1% of net investment income (1% of Part I, line 27b)........... 6 5,776
7 Add lines 5 and 6......................... 7 555,550
8 Enter qualifying distributions from Part XII, line 4.............. 8 9,154,754
If line 8 is equal to or greater than line 7, check the box in Part VI, line 1b, and complete that part using a 1% tax rate. See
the Part VI instructions.
Form 990-PF (2013)
Form 990-PF (2013)
Page 4
Part VI
Excise Tax Based on Investment Income (Section 4940(a), 4940(b), 4940(e), or 4948—see page 18 of the instructions)
1a Bulletand enter “N/A" on line 1. Bracket
Date of ruling or determination letter:   (attach copy of letter if necessary–see instructions)
b 1 5,776
hereBulletand enter 1% of Part I, line 27b...................
c All other domestic foundations enter 2% of line 27b. Exempt foreign organizations enter 4% of Part I, line 12, col. (b)
2 Tax under section 511 (domestic section 4947(a)(1) trusts and taxable foundations only. Others enter -0-) 2 0
3 Add lines 1 and 2............................ 3 5,776
4 Subtitle A (income) tax (domestic section 4947(a)(1) trusts and taxable foundations only. Others enter -0-). 4 0
5 Tax based on investment income. Subtract line 4 from line 3. If zero or less, enter -0- ..... 5 5,776
6 Credits/Payments:
a 2013 estimated tax payments and 2012 overpayment credited to 2013 6a 6,006
b Exempt foreign organizations—tax withheld at source....... 6b
c Tax paid with application for extension of time to file (Form 8868) 6c 1,000
d Backup withholding erroneously withheld ........... 6d 1
7 Total credits and payments. Add lines 6a through 6d.............. 7 7,007
8 Enter any penalty for underpayment of estimated tax. if Form 2220 is attached. 8  
9 Tax due. If the total of lines 5 and 8 is more than line 7, enter amount owed.......Bullet 9  
10 Overpayment. If line 7 is more than the total of lines 5 and 8, enter the amount overpaid...Bullet 10 1,231
11 Enter the amount of line 10 to be: Credited to 2014 estimated taxBullet1,231 RefundedBullet 11 0
Part VII-A
Statements Regarding Activities
1a
During the tax year, did the foundation attempt to influence any national, state, or local legislation or did
Yes
No
it participate or intervene in any political campaign? ....................
1a
 
No
b
Did it spend more than $100 during the year (either directly or indirectly) for political purposes (see page 19 of
the instructions for definition)?............................
1b
 
No
If the answer is "Yes" to 1a or 1b, attach a detailed description of the activities and copies of any materials
published or distributed by the foundation in connection with the activities.
c
Did the foundation file Form 1120-POL for this year?.....................
1c
 
No
d
Enter the amount (if any) of tax on political expenditures (section 4955) imposed during the year:
(1) On the foundation. bullet$ 0(2) On foundation managers.bullet$ 0
e
Enter the reimbursement (if any) paid by the foundation during the year for political expenditure tax imposed
on foundation managers.bullet$ 0
2
Has the foundation engaged in any activities that have not previously been reported to the IRS?.......
2
 
No
If "Yes," attach a detailed description of the activities.
3
Has the foundation made any changes, not previously reported to the IRS, in its governing instrument, articles
of incorporation, or bylaws, or other similar instruments? If "Yes," attach a conformed copy of the changes....
3
 
No
4a
Did the foundation have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year?........
4a
 
No
b
If "Yes," has it filed a tax return on Form 990-T for this year?...................
4b
 
 
5
Was there a liquidation, termination, dissolution, or substantial contraction during the year?.........
5
 
No
If "Yes," attach the statement required by General Instruction T.
6
Are the requirements of section 508(e) (relating to sections 4941 through 4945) satisfied either:
  • By language in the governing instrument, or
  • By state legislation that effectively amends the governing instrument so that no mandatory directions
    • that conflict with the state law remain in the governing instrument?................
    6
    Yes
     
    7
    Did the foundation have at least $5,000 in assets at any time during the year? If "Yes," complete Part II, col. (c), and Part XV.
    7
    Yes
     
    8a
    Enter the states to which the foundation reports or with which it is registered (see instructions)
    bulletTN
    b
    If the answer is "Yes" to line 7, has the foundation furnished a copy of Form 990-PF to the Attorney
    General (or designate) of each state as required by General Instruction G? If "No," attach explanation .
    8b
    Yes
     
    9
    Is the foundation claiming status as a private operating foundation within the meaning of section 4942(j)(3)
    or 4942(j)(5) for calendar year 2013 or the taxable year beginning in 2013 (see instructions for Part XIV)?
    If "Yes," complete Part XIV.............................
    9
     
    No
    10
    Did any persons become substantial contributors during the tax year? If "Yes," attach a schedule listing their names and addresses.
    10
     
    No
    11
    At any time during the year, did the foundation, directly or indirectly, own a controlled entity within the
    meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," attach schedule. (see instructions) .............
    11
     
    No
    12
    Did the foundation make a distribution to a donor advised fund over which the foundation or a disqualified person had
    advisory privileges? If "Yes," attach statement (see instructions).................
    12
     
    No
    13
    Did the foundation comply with the public inspection requirements for its annual returns and exemption application?
    13
    Yes
     
    Website addressbulletN/A
    14
    The books are in care ofbulletROBERT SPARKS Telephone no.bullet (901) 766-4412
    Located atbullet743 EVENTIDE DRMEMPHISTN ZIP+4bullet38120
    15
    Section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts filing Form 990-PF in lieu of Form 1041.........bullet
    and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the year ......bullet
    15  
    16 At any time during calendar year 2013, did the foundation have an interest in or a signature or other authority over YesNo
    a bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country?
    16   No
    See instructions for exceptions and filing requirements for Form TD F 90-22.1. If "Yes", enter the name of the
    foreign country bullet  
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Page 5
    Part VII-B
    Statements Regarding Activities for Which Form 4720 May Be Required
    File Form 4720 if any item is checked in the "Yes" column, unless an exception applies.
    Yes
    No
    1a
    During the year did the foundation (either directly or indirectly):
    (1) Engage in the sale or exchange, or leasing of property with a disqualified person?
    (2) Borrow money from, lend money to, or otherwise extend credit to (or accept it from)
    a disqualified person?.........................
    (3) Furnish goods, services, or facilities to (or accept them from) a disqualified person?
    (4) Pay compensation to, or pay or reimburse the expenses of, a disqualified person?
    (5) Transfer any income or assets to a disqualified person (or make any of either available
    for the benefit or use of a disqualified person)?.................
    (6) Agree to pay money or property to a government official? (Exception. Check "No"
    if the foundation agreed to make a grant to or to employ the official for a period
    after termination of government service, if terminating within 90 days.).........
    b
    If any answer is "Yes" to 1a(1)–(6), did any of the acts fail to qualify under the exceptions described in Regulations
    section 53.4941(d)-3 or in a current notice regarding disaster assistance (see page 20 of the instructions)?...
    1b
     
    No
    .........bullet
    c
    Did the foundation engage in a prior year in any of the acts described in 1a, other than excepted acts,
    that were not corrected before the first day of the tax year beginning in 2013?.............
    1c
     
    No
    2
    Taxes on failure to distribute income (section 4942) (does not apply for years the foundation was a private
    operating foundation defined in section 4942(j)(3) or 4942(j)(5)):
    a
    At the end of tax year 2013, did the foundation have any undistributed income (lines 6d
    and 6e, Part XIII) for tax year(s) beginning before 2013?...............
    If "Yes," list the years bullet20, 20, 20, 20
    b
    Are there any years listed in 2a for which the foundation is not applying the provisions of section 4942(a)(2)
    (relating to incorrect valuation of assets) to the year’s undistributed income? (If applying section 4942(a)(2)
    to all years listed, answer "No" and attach statement—see instructions.) ..............
    2b
     
     
    c
    If the provisions of section 4942(a)(2) are being applied to any of the years listed in 2a, list the years here.
    bullet20, 20, 20, 20
    3a
    Did the foundation hold more than a 2% direct or indirect interest in any business enterprise at
    any time during the year?.........................
    b
    If "Yes," did it have excess business holdings in 2013 as a result of (1) any purchase by the foundation
    or disqualified persons after May 26, 1969; (2) the lapse of the 5-year period (or longer period approved
    by the Commissioner under section 4943(c)(7)) to dispose of holdings acquired by gift or bequest; or (3)
    the lapse of the 10-, 15-, or 20-year first phase holding period? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine
    if the foundation had excess business holdings in 2013.)....................
    3b
     
     
    4a
    Did the foundation invest during the year any amount in a manner that would jeopardize its charitable purposes?
    4a
     
    No
    b
    Did the foundation make any investment in a prior year (but after December 31, 1969) that could jeopardize its
    charitable purpose that had not been removed from jeopardy before the first day of the tax year beginning in 2013?
    4b
     
    No
    5a
    During the year did the foundation pay or incur any amount to:
    (1) Carry on propaganda, or otherwise attempt to influence legislation (section 4945(e))?
    (2) Influence the outcome of any specific public election (see section 4955); or to carry
    on, directly or indirectly, any voter registration drive?...............
    (3) Provide a grant to an individual for travel, study, or other similar purposes?
    (4) Provide a grant to an organization other than a charitable, etc., organization described
    in section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3), or section 4940(d)(2)? (see instructions)........
    (5) Provide for any purpose other than religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or
    educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals?........
    b
    If any answer is "Yes" to 5a(1)–(5), did any of the transactions fail to qualify under the exceptions described in
    Regulations section 53.4945 or in a current notice regarding disaster assistance (see instructions)? ......
    5b
     
     
    .........bullet
    c
    If the answer is "Yes" to question 5a(4), does the foundation claim exemption from the
    tax because it maintained expenditure responsibility for the grant?............
    If "Yes," attach the statement required by Regulations section 53.4945–5(d).
    6a
    Did the foundation, during the year, receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on
    a personal benefit contract?........................
    b
    Did the foundation, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract?....
    6b
     
    No
    If "Yes" to 6b, file Form 8870.
    7a
    At any time during the tax year, was the foundation a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction?
    b
    If yes, did the foundation receive any proceeds or have any net income attributable to the transaction? ....
    7b
     
     
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Page 6
    Part VIII
    Information About Officers, Directors, Trustees, Foundation Managers, Highly Paid Employees,
    and Contractors
    1 List all officers, directors, trustees, foundation managers and their compensation (see instructions).
    (a) Name and address (b) Title, and average
    hours per week
    devoted to position     		(c) Compensation
     (If not paid, enter
    -0-)     		(d) Contributions to
    employee benefit plans
    and deferred compensation     		(e) Expense account,
    other allowances
    ROBERT D SPARKS TRUSTEE
    2.00     		0 0 0
    743 EVENTIDE DRIVE
    MEMPHIS,TN38120
    2 Compensation of five highest-paid employees (other than those included on line 1—see instructions). If none, enter “NONE."
    (a) Name and address of each employee paid more than $50,000 (b) Title, and average
    hours per week
    devoted to position     		(c) Compensation (d) Contributions to
    employee benefit
    plans and deferred
    compensation     		(e) Expense account,
    other allowances
    NONE
    Total number of other employees paid over $50,000...................bullet 0
    3 Five highest-paid independent contractors for professional services (see instructions). If none, enter "NONE".
    (a) Name and address of each person paid more than $50,000 (b) Type of service (c) Compensation
    NONE
    Total number of others receiving over $50,000 for professional services.............bullet0
    Part IX-A
    Summary of Direct Charitable Activities
    List the foundation’s four largest direct charitable activities during the tax year. Include relevant statistical information such as the number of organizations and other beneficiaries served, conferences convened, research papers produced, etc. Expenses
    1
     
    2  
    3  
    4  
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Page 7
    Part IX-B
    Summary of Program-Related Investments (see instructions)
    Describe the two largest program-related investments made by the foundation during the tax year on lines 1 and 2. Amount
    1  
    2  
    All other program-related investments. See page 24 of the instructions.
    3  
    Total. Add lines 1 through 3.........................bullet0
    Part X
    Minimum Investment Return (All domestic foundations must complete this part. Foreign foundations,
    see instructions.)
    1
    Fair market value of assets not used (or held for use) directly in carrying out charitable, etc.,
    purposes:
    a
    Average monthly fair market value of securities...................
    1a
     
    b
    Average of monthly cash balances.......................
    1b
     
    c
    Fair market value of all other assets (see instructions)................
    1c
     
    d
    Total (add lines 1a, b, and c).........................
    1d
     
    e
    Reduction claimed for blockage or other factors reported on lines 1a and
    1c (attach detailed explanation) .............
    1e
     
    2
    Acquisition indebtedness applicable to line 1 assets..................
    2
     
    3
    Subtract line 2 from line 1d.........................
    3
     
    4
    Cash deemed held for charitable activities. Enter 1 1/2% of line 3 (for greater amount, see
    instructions) .............................
    4
     
    5
    Net value of noncharitable-use assets. Subtract line 4 from line 3. Enter here and on Part V, line 4
    5
     
    6
    Minimum investment return. Enter 5% of line 5..................
    6
     
    Part XI
    Distributable Amount bullet and do not complete this part.)
    1
    Minimum investment return from Part X, line 6....................
    1
    599,928
    2a
    Tax on investment income for 2013 from Part VI, line 5......
    2a
    5,776
    b
    Income tax for 2013. (This does not include the tax from Part VI.)...
    2b
     
    c
    Add lines 2a and 2b............................
    2c
    5,776
    3
    Distributable amount before adjustments. Subtract line 2c from line 1............
    3
    594,152
    4
    Recoveries of amounts treated as qualifying distributions................
    4
    0
    5
    Add lines 3 and 4............................
    5
    594,152
    6
    Deduction from distributable amount (see instructions).................
    6
    0
    7
    Distributable amount as adjusted. Subtract line 6 from line 5. Enter here and on Part XIII,
    line 1................................
    7
    594,152
    Part XII
    Qualifying Distributions (see instructions)
    1
    Amounts paid (including administrative expenses) to accomplish charitable, etc., purposes:
    a
    Expenses, contributions, gifts, etc.—total from Part I, column (d), line 26 ..........
    1a
     
    b
    Program-related investments—total from Part IX-B..................
    1b
     
    2
    Amounts paid to acquire assets used (or held for use) directly in carrying out charitable, etc.,
    purposes...............................
    2
     
    3
    Amounts set aside for specific charitable projects that satisfy the:
    a
    Suitability test (prior IRS approval required)....................
    3a
     
    b
    Cash distribution test (attach the required schedule) .................
    3b
     
    4
    Qualifying distributions. Add lines 1a through 3b. Enter here and on Part V, line 8, and Part XIII, line 4
    4
     
    5
    Foundations that qualify under section 4940(e) for the reduced rate of tax on net investment
    income. Enter 1% of Part I, line 27b (see instructions).................
    5
     
    6
    Adjusted qualifying distributions. Subtract line 5 from line 4..............
    6
     
    Note: The amount on line 6 will be used in Part V, column (b), in subsequent years when calculating whether the foundation qualifies for
    the section 4940(e) reduction of tax in those years.
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Page 8
    Part XIII
    Undistributed Income (see instructions)
    (a)
    Corpus     		(b)
    Years prior to 2012     		(c)
    2012     		(d)
    2013
    1 Distributable amount for 2013 from Part XI, line 7 594,152
    2 Undistributed income, if any, as of the end of 2013:
    a Enter amount for 2012 only....... 10,288
    b Total for prior years:20, 20, 20 0
    3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2013:
    a From 2008.......  
    b From 2009.......  
    c From 2010.......  
    d From 2011.......  
    e From 2012.......  
    fTotal of lines 3a through e......... 0
    4Qualifying distributions for 2013 from Part
    XII, line 4: bullet$ 9,154,754
    a Applied to 2012, but not more than line 2a 10,288
    b Applied to undistributed income of prior years
    (Election required—see instructions)......     		0
    c Treated as distributions out of corpus (Election
    required—see instructions).........     		0
    d Applied to 2013 distributable amount..... 594,152
    e Remaining amount distributed out of corpus 8,550,314
    5 Excess distributions carryover applied to 2013. 0 0
    (If an amount appears in column (d), the
    same amount must be shown in column (a).)
    6Enter the net total of each column as
    indicated below:
    a Corpus. Add lines 3f, 4c, and 4e. Subtract line 5 8,550,314
    b Prior years’ undistributed income. Subtract
    line 4b from line 2b ...........     		0
    c Enter the amount of prior years’ undistributed
    income for which a notice of deficiency has
    been issued, or on which the section 4942(a)
    tax has been previously assessed......     		0
    d Subtract line 6c from line 6b. Taxable amount
    —see instructions ...........     		0
    e Undistributed income for 2012. Subtract line
    4a from line 2a. Taxable amount—see
    instructions .............     		0
    f Undistributed income for 2013. Subtract
    lines 4d and 5 from line 1. This amount must
    be distributed in 2014 ..........     		0
    7 Amounts treated as distributions out of
    corpus to satisfy requirements imposed by
    section 170(b)(1)(F) or 4942(g)(3) (see
    instructions) .............     		0
    8Excess distributions carryover from 2008 not
    applied on line 5 or line 7 (see instructions) ...     		0
    9Excess distributions carryover to 2014.
    Subtract lines 7 and 8 from line 6a ......     		8,550,314
    10 Analysis of line 9:
    a Excess from 2009....  
    b Excess from 2010....  
    c Excess from 2011....  
    d Excess from 2012....  
    e Excess from 2013.... 8,550,314
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Page 9
    Part XIV
    Private Operating Foundations (see instructions and Part VII-A, question 9)
    1a If the foundation has received a ruling or determination letter that it is a private operating
    foundation, and the ruling is effective for 2013, enter the date of the ruling.......bullet
     
    b Check box to indicate whether the organization is a private operating foundation described in section or
    2a Enter the lesser of the adjusted net
    income from Part I or the minimum
    investment return from Part X for each
    year listed ..........     		Tax year Prior 3 years (e) Total
    (a) 2013 (b) 2012 (c) 2011 (d) 2010
             
    b 85% of line 2a .........          
    c Qualifying distributions from Part XII,
    line 4 for each year listed .....     		         
    d Amounts included in line 2c not used
    directly for active conduct of exempt activities ...........     		         
    e Qualifying distributions made directly
    for active conduct of exempt activities.
    Subtract line 2d from line 2c ....     		         
    3 Complete 3a, b, or c for the
    alternative test relied upon:
    a “Assets" alternative test—enter:
    (1) Value of all assets ......          
    (2) Value of assets qualifying
    under section 4942(j)(3)(B)(i)    		          
    b “Endowment" alternative test— enter 2/3
    of minimum investment return shown in
    Part X, line 6 for each year listed...     		         
    c “Support" alternative test—enter:
    (1) Total support other than gross
    investment income (interest,
    dividends, rents, payments
    on securities loans (section
    512(a)(5)), or royalties) ....     		         
    (2) Support from general public
    and 5 or more exempt
    organizations as provided in
    section 4942(j)(3)(B)(iii)....     		         
    (3) Largest amount of support
    from an exempt organization    		          
    (4) Gross investment income          
    Part XV
    Supplementary Information (Complete this part only if the organization had $5,000 or more in
    assets at any time during the year—see instructions.)
    1Information Regarding Foundation Managers:
    aList any managers of the foundation who have contributed more than 2% of the total contributions received by the foundation
    before the close of any tax year (but only if they have contributed more than $5,000). (See section 507(d)(2).)
    bList any managers of the foundation who own 10% or more of the stock of a corporation (or an equally large portion of the
    ownership of a partnership or other entity) of which the foundation has a 10% or greater interest.
    2Information Regarding Contribution, Grant, Gift, Loan, Scholarship, etc., Programs:
    Check here bullet
    aThe name, address, and telephone number or e-mail address of the person to whom applications should be addressed:
    ROBERT D SPARKS
    743 EVENTIDE DRIVE
    MEMPHIS,TN38120
    (901) 766-4412
    bThe form in which applications should be submitted and information and materials they should include:
    ORGANIZATION INFORMATION, CONTACT, DIRECTORS, TAX STATUS, PROJECT INFORMATION, AMOUNT REQUESTED, TAX-EXEMPT CERTIFICATION, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PROJECT BUDGET, LIST OF DONORS
    cAny submission deadlines:
    MARCH 31 AND OCTOBER 31
    dAny restrictions or limitations on awards, such as by geographical areas, charitable fields, kinds of institutions, or other
    factors:
    AREAS OF INTEREST INCLUDE EDUCATION, ARTS, HANDICAPPED, AND RELIGION; GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS INCLUDE TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, TEXAS, ARIZONA, MONTANA, OKLAHOMA, AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS; TAX-EXEMPT, CURRENT ON ALL REPORTS FOR PRIOR GRANTS, WILL NOT CONSIDER REQUESTS FOR FEDERATED CAMPAIGNS, SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS, OR ORGANIZATIONS WHO DISCRIMINATE BASED ON RACE, ETHNIC ORIGIN, SEX, CREED, OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Page 10
    Part XV
    Supplementary Information (continued)
    3 Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment
    Recipient If recipient is an individual,
    show any relationship to
    any foundation manager
    or substantial contributor
    		 Foundation
    status of
    recipient     		Purpose of grant or
    contribution     		Amount
    Name and address (home or business)
    aPaid during the year
    MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST CONVENTION BOARD
    515 MISSISSIPPI STREET
    JACKSON,MS39201     		  501(C)(3) WORLD HUNGER 1,350
    AMBUCS
    PO BOX 5127
    HIGH POINT,NC27262     		  501(C)(3) GENERAL FUNDS;LISTTOTAL 3500 1,500
    BRIARCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
    6000 BRIARCREST AVE
    MEMPHIS,TN38120     		  501(C)(3) AUDITORIUM 800,000
    FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
    8701 LEEDS ROAD
    KANSAS CITY,MO64129     		  501(C)(3) GENERAL FUNDS 5,000
    GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
    5120 WOODWAY DRIVE SUITE 6000
    HOUSTON,TX77056     		  501(C)(3) GENERAL FUNDS 4,046,790
    OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
    400 S MONROE
    STILLWATER,OK74076     		  501(C)(3) AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS SCHOLARSHIPS 165,000
    THE ORCHARD FELLOWSHIP
    140 S MAIN ST
    COLLIERVILLE,TN38017     		  501(C)(3) GENERAL FUNDS 75,000
    JOE FOSS INSTITUTE
    8925 E PIMA CENTER PARKWAY
    SCOTTSDALE,AZ85258     		  501(C)(3) GENERAL FUNDS 8,824
    MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOG CLUB
    PO BOX BT
    MISSISSIPPI STATE,MS39762     		  501(C)(3) GENERAL FUNDS 4,000
    BAPTIST MEMORIAL HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION
    350 NORTH HUMPHREYS BLVD
    MEMPHIS,TN38120     		  501(C)(3) PEDIATRIC PROGRAM 25,000
    THE CHICKASAW COUNCIL
    171 S HOLLYWOOD
    MEMPHIS,TN38112     		  501(C)(3) GENERAL FUNDS 25,000
    CONGRESSIONAL SPORTSMEN'S FOUNDATION
    110 NORTH CAROLINA BLVD SE
    WASHINGTON,DC20003     		  501(C)(3) GENERAL FUNDS 1,000
    GARY SINISE FOUNDATION
    PO BOX 50008
    STUDIO CITY,CA91614     		  501(C)(3) GENERAL FUNDS 16,000
    VICTORY CHURCH
    3220 11TH AVE S
    GREAT FALLS,MT59405     		  501(C)(3) BLDG PLEDGE FUND 5,000
    COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER MEMPHIS
    1900 UNION AVE
    MEMPHIS,TN38104     		  501(C)(3) WILLARD R SPARKS FOUNDATION FUNDLINDA SPARKS FAMILY FUND 3,971,790
    MONTANA COWBOY HALL OF FAME
    PO BOX 1569
    BIG TIMBER,MT59011     		  501(C)(3) GENERAL FUNDS 3,500
    Total .................................bullet 3a 9,154,754
    bApproved for future payment
    Total .................................bullet 3b 0
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Page 11
    Part XVI-A
    Analysis of Income-Producing Activities
    Enter gross amounts unless otherwise indicated. Unrelated business income Excluded by section 512, 513, or 514 (e)
    Related or exempt
    function income
    (See instructions.)
    1Program service revenue: (a)
    Business code     		(b)
    Amount     		(c)
    Exclusion code     		(d)
    Amount
    a
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    gFees and contracts from government agencies          
    2 Membership dues and assessments....          
    3
    Interest on savings and temporary cash investments ............     		    14 3,037  
    4 Dividends and interest from securities....     14 100,227  
    5 Net rental income or (loss) from real estate:
    aDebt-financed property......          
    bNot debt-financed property.....          
    6
    Net rental income or (loss) from personal property .............     		         
    7 Other investment income.....     14 54  
    8
    Gain or (loss) from sales of assets other than inventory .............     		    18 530,916  
    9 Net income or (loss) from special events:          
    10 Gross profit or (loss) from sales of inventory..          
    11 Other revenue: a
    b
    c
    d
    e
    12 Subtotal. Add columns (b), (d), and (e).. 0 634,234 0
    13Total. Add line 12, columns (b), (d), and (e)..................
    13634,234
    (See worksheet in line 13 instructions to verify calculations.)
    Part XVI-B
    Relationship of Activities to the Accomplishment of Exempt Purposes
    Line No.
    DownArrow     		Explain below how each activity for which income is reported in column (e) of Part XVI-A contributed importantly to
    the accomplishment of the foundation’s exempt purposes (other than by providing funds for such purposes). (See
    instructions.)
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Page 12
    Part XVII
    Information Regarding Transfers To and Transactions and Relationships With Noncharitable Exempt Organizations
    1
    Did the organization directly or indirectly engage in any of the following with any other organization described in section 501(c) of the Code (other than section 501(c)(3) organizations) or in section 527, relating to political
    Yes
    No
    organizations?
    a
    Transfers from the reporting foundation to a noncharitable exempt organization of:
    (1) Cash...................................
    1a(1)
     
    No
    (2) Other assets.................................
    1a(2)
     
    No
    b
    Other transactions:
    (1) Sales of assets to a noncharitable exempt organization....................
    1b(1)
     
    No
    (2) Purchases of assets from a noncharitable exempt organization..................
    1b(2)
     
    No
    (3) Rental of facilities, equipment, or other assets.......................
    1b(3)
     
    No
    (4) Reimbursement arrangements...........................
    1b(4)
     
    No
    (5) Loans or loan guarantees.............................
    1b(5)
     
    No
    (6) Performance of services or membership or fundraising solicitations................
    1b(6)
     
    No
    c
    Sharing of facilities, equipment, mailing lists, other assets, or paid employees..............
    1c
     
    No
    d
    If the answer to any of the above is "Yes," complete the following schedule. Column (b) should always show the fair market value
    of the goods, other assets, or services given by the reporting foundation. If the foundation received less than fair market value
    in any transaction or sharing arrangement, show in column (d) the value of the goods, other assets, or services received.
    (a) Line No. (b) Amount involved (c) Name of noncharitable exempt organization (d) Description of transfers, transactions, and sharing arrangements
    2a
    Is the foundation directly or indirectly affiliated with, or related to, one or more tax-exempt organizations
    described in section 501(c) of the Code (other than section 501(c)(3)) or in section 527?...........
    b
    If "Yes," complete the following schedule.
    (a) Name of organization (b) Type of organization (c) Description of relationship
    Sign Here
    Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than taxpayer or fiduciary) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
    Bullet Bullet
    May the IRS discuss this return
    with the preparer shown below
    (see instr.)?
    Signature of officer or trustee Date Title
    Paid Preparer Use Only Print/Type preparer's name Preparer's Signature Date PTIN
    Firm's namebullet



    Firm's addressbullet







         		Firm's EINbullet
    Phone no.
    Form 990-PF (2013)
    Additional Data


    Software ID:  
    Software Version:  


    Form 990PF - Special Condition Description:
    Special Condition Description

    TY 2013 AccountingFeesSchedule
    Name:
    THE SPARKS FOUNDATION
    EIN: 23-7029788
    Category Amount Net Investment Income Adjusted Net Income Disbursements for Charitable Purposes
    ACCOUNTING FEES 3,750 0 0 0

    TY 2013 InvestmentsCorpStockSchedule
    Name:
    THE SPARKS FOUNDATION
    EIN: 23-7029788
    Name of Stock End of Year Book Value End of Year Fair Market Value
    CORPORATE STOCK ACCOUNTS 1,984,855 1,984,855
    GATE HOUSE 0 0

    TY 2013 InvestmentsOtherSchedule2
    Name:
    THE SPARKS FOUNDATION
    EIN: 23-7029788
    Category/ Item Listed at Cost or FMV Book Value End of Year Fair Market Value
    A/R-HBI FMV 30,022 30,022

    TY 2013 OtherAssetsSchedule
    Name:
    THE SPARKS FOUNDATION
    EIN: 23-7029788
    Description Beginning of Year - Book Value End of Year - Book Value End of Year - Fair Market Value
    HBI PRIVATE EQUITY FUND II LLLP 26,678 0 0
    VP ARROWHEAD LLC 96,939 0 0
    EL DORADO ELLIOT 128 272,144 272,035 272,035


    TY 2013 OtherDecreasesSchedule
    Name:
    THE SPARKS FOUNDATION
    EIN: 23-7029788
    Description Amount
    NON DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION BENEFIT 2,176
    CUMULATIVE ADJUSTMENTS 2,693
    FEDERAL TAXES PAID 6,950
    ADDITIONAL INCOME 1,654


    TY 2013 OtherExpensesSchedule
    Name:
    THE SPARKS FOUNDATION
    EIN: 23-7029788
    Description Revenue and Expenses per Books Net Investment Income Adjusted Net Income Disbursements for Charitable Purposes
    INVESTMENT FEES 51,768 51,768 0 0
    MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES 724 724 0 0
    PASSTHROUGH-VP ARROWHEAD LLC 696 696 0 0
    PASSTHROUGH-POWERSHARES DB INDEX 1,353 1,353 0 0
    SUPPLIES 15 15 0 0
    BANK FEES 40 40 0 0


    TY 2013 OtherIncomeSchedule2
    Name:
    THE SPARKS FOUNDATION
    EIN: 23-7029788
    Description Revenue And Expenses Per Books Net Investment Income Adjusted Net Income
    PERSHING 417 5 5  
    PASSTHROUGH-EL DORADO ELLIOT 128 49 49  


    TY 2013 OtherIncreasesSchedule
    Name:
    THE SPARKS FOUNDATION
    EIN: 23-7029788
    Description Amount
    UNREALIZED GAIN IN INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS 87,442
    TAX LOSS FROM K1S IN EXCESS OF BOOK 54,571
    NON DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED 1,574
    ADDITIONAL LOSS ON INVESTMENTS 42,472


    TY 2013 TaxesSchedule
    Name:
    THE SPARKS FOUNDATION
    EIN: 23-7029788
    Category Amount Net Investment Income Adjusted Net Income Disbursements for Charitable Purposes
    FOREIGN TAXES 2,014 2,014 0 0