Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Go to
www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
| (i) Name of supported organization | (ii) EIN | (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 10 above (see instructions)) | (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? | (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) | (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | |||||
|
Total |
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Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
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(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | 30,349 | 1,267,722 | 103,592 | 107,243 | 57,166 | 1,566,072 |
| 2 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf .... | 0 | |||||
| 3 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | 0 | |||||
| 4 | Total. Add lines 1 through 3 | 30,349 | 1,267,722 | 103,592 | 107,243 | 57,166 | 1,566,072 |
| 5 | The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f) .. | 1,101,883 | |||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | 464,189 | |||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | 30,349 | 1,267,722 | 103,592 | 107,243 | 57,166 | 1,566,072 |
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | 143,074 | 102,680 | 75,824 | 59,881 | 36,369 | 417,828 |
| 9 | Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. | ||||||
| 10 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 11 | Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 | 1,983,900 | |||||
Calendar year (or fiscal
year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . | ||||||
| 2 | Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose | ||||||
| 3 | Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 ..... | ||||||
| 4 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf... | ||||||
| 5 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge | ||||||
| 6 | Total. Add lines 1 through 5 | ||||||
| 7a | Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons | ||||||
| b | Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 7a and 7b.. | ||||||
| 8 | Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) | ||||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
![]() |
(a) 2020 | (b) 2021 | (c) 2022 | (d) 2023 | (e) 2024 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Amounts from line 6... | ||||||
| 10a | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | ||||||
| b | Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 10a and 10b. | ||||||
| 11 | Net income from unrelated business activities not included on line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. | ||||||
| 12 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) .. | ||||||
| 13 | Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.).. | ||||||
| Section A - Adjusted Net Income | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Net short-term capital gain | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Other gross income (see instructions) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Add lines 1 through 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Depreciation and depletion | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Other expenses (see instructions) | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) | 8 | ||||
| Section B - Minimum Asset Amount | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): | 1 | ||||
| a | Average monthly value of securities | 1a | ||||
| b | Average monthly cash balances | 1b | ||||
| c | Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets | 1c | ||||
| d | Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) | 1d | ||||
| e |
Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI): |
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| 2 | Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Subtract line 2 from line 1d | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 0.015 of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Multiply line 5 by 0.035 | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) | 8 | ||||
| Section C - Distributable Amount | Current Year | |||||
| 1 | Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Enter 85% of line 1 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Income tax imposed in prior year | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| Section D - Distributions | Current Year | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes | 1 | |
|
2
Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity |
2 | |
| 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations | 3 | |
| 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets | 4 | |
| 5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required - provide details in Part VI) | 5 | |
| 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions | 6 | |
| 7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. | 7 | |
|
8
Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions |
8 | |
| 9 Distributable amount for 2024 from Section C, line 6 | 9 | |
| 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount | 10 | |
| Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) |
(i) Excess Distributions |
(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2024 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2024 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2024 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI).
See instructions. |
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| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2024: | ||||
| a From 2019....... | ||||
| b From 2020....... | ||||
| c From 2021....... | ||||
| d From 2022....... | ||||
| e From 2023....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2024 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2019 not applied (see instructions) |
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| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2024 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2024 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2024, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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|
6
Remaining underdistributions for 2024. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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7 Excess distributions carryover to 2025. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2020..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2021..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2022..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2023..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2024..... | ||||
| Facts And Circumstances Test |
|---|
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Schedule A, Part II, Line 17a FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES | Facts-and-Circumstances Test of Regulations section 1.170A-9(f)(3) The LIGHT Foundation maintains a continuous program for the solicitation of funds from the general public, philanthropic partners, and other public charities. The organization conducts year-round fundraising campaigns, charitable events, and donor engagement activities to support its mission of creating life-impacting opportunities for youth through collaboration, education, and community service. The Foundation operates as a youth-forward opportunity nonprofit that strategically partners with like-minded organizations to amplify charitable outcomes and reduce duplicative costs. During 2024, The LIGHT Foundation provided philanthropic event management and professional support for a range of charitable activities benefiting the Haven of Grace, The Song Society, and the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic at Maryville University. These activities included the 2024 Haven of Grace MOMentous Luncheon, the "Rockin' at the Rite" Benefit Concert, and the annual "Puttin' for the Kids" Golf Outing. The Foundation also continued its national collaboration with Scottish Rite Philanthropies, producing educational content, video programming, and virtual philanthropic events that promote academic scholarships, free speech-language therapy for children, and youth leadership development. Through LIGHT Box Productions, the Foundation extended its educational and cinematic outreach, creating web-based programming viewed internationally and supporting the launch of the Missouri Scottish Rite Academy and the House of the Temple Philanthropy Room Exhibit in Washington, D.C. Overview and Mission Alignment The LIGHT Foundation continued in 2024 to advance its mission as a youth-forward, collaborative nonprofit committed to creating life-changing opportunities for children and families through strategic partnerships, philanthropic creativity, and direct service. The Foundation's integrated approach combines professional event management, multimedia production, donor engagement, and nonprofit consulting to maximize fundraising results and expand public benefit. Sustained Public Support and Fundraising The Foundation maintains a continuous and active program for the solicitation of funds from the general public and other public charities. This includes coordinated campaigns, charitable events, benefit concerts, online fundraising, and national partnerships that collectively broaden the organization's donor base. In 2024, the Foundation's programming demonstrated both depth and diversity of public support-engaging hundreds of individual donors, sponsors, and volunteers through multiple initiatives. Collaborative Charitable Programs and Outcomes 1. Haven of Grace / Youth Development Programs: The LIGHT Foundation co-organized and philanthropically managed the Haven of Grace's 2024 MOMentous Luncheon and 24-Hour Charity Campaign. These events raised more than $312,000 combined to support at-risk mothers and children in St. Louis. The Foundation contributed staff, creative design, A/V production, and full event logistics at no cost. The Haven's leadership cited the Foundation's professional involvement as the reason for a 400% growth in event revenue since 2022. 2. The Song Society and "Rockin' at the Rite" / Youth Development Programs: In partnership with The Song Society-a therapeutic music nonprofit-the Foundation hosted the inaugural "Rockin' at the Rite" Benefit Concert in January 2024, drawing nearly 200 new donors and supporters. The Foundation created event branding, marketing, and production support, helping expand public awareness of music therapy for children with chronic illnesses. 3. Walker Scottish Rite Clinic / RiteCare Program: The Foundation hosted and produced the 2024 "Puttin' for the Kids" Golf Outing, raising $34,000 for free speech-language therapy programs for preschoolers. It also produced educational and promotional video content for the Clinic's anniversary celebration, helping generate $55,000 in additional gifts for youth programs. 4. LIGHT Box Productions and Educational Outreach: Through its in-house creative arm, the Foundation developed and distributed original educational film content viewed in over 30 countries, supporting youth scholarships, literacy, and family relief. In 2024, LIGHT Box launched national-level philanthropic media initiatives including the Missouri Scottish Rite Academy, the "Pay-It-Forward" education campaign, and website development for the Scottish Rite Foundation of Missouri. National Impact and Partnerships The Foundation's charitable work extended beyond Missouri through its continued collaboration with Scottish Rite Philanthropies nationwide. The LIGHT Foundation developed the "House of the Temple Philanthropy Room" exhibit in Washington, D.C., designed to educate over 10,000 annual visitors about philanthropic programs serving children with communication challenges and families impacted by disaster. The Foundation also managed national virtual events and educational programming through the ScottishRite.Live platform, reaching a broad and diverse audience. Public Benefit and Donor Interface The LIGHT Foundation's activities in 2024 directly benefited the public through free services, educational programming, and collaborative fundraising for organizations that provide direct care to children and families. The Foundation's creative, operational, and administrative support allowed partnering charities to reallocate more resources toward mission delivery rather than overhead costs. The LIGHT Foundation's team of professionals-including event specialists, communications directors, and technical staff-collectively generated expanded philanthropic outcomes across multiple nonprofit sectors, demonstrating a continuous and substantial program of public engagement and charitable solicitation. Conclusion In 2024, The LIGHT Foundation demonstrated broad public support and a diversified base of contributors by continuously engaging donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries through live events, digital campaigns, and creative media outreach. The Foundation's programs, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives provide direct benefit to the general public on a continuing basis, fulfilling the public support and operational requirements of Treasury Regulation §1.170A-9(f)(3). The organization operates continuously for the public good, maintains broad public support through active fundraising and program delivery, and provides tangible charitable benefit to youth, families, and educational causes on both regional and national levels. |
| Software ID: | 24020961 |
| Software Version: | 2024v5.1 |
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 2 Family/business relationships amongst interested persons | ROBERT COCKERHAM, STACIA COCKERHAM, AND BRANDON COCKERHAM - Family relationship |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b Review of form 990 by governing body | THE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY, TREASURER AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WILL ASSEMBLE THE DATA REQUIRED, WORK IN COOPERATION WITH THE ACCOUNTING TEAM IN PREPARATION AND AUTHORIZE FINAL REVIEW PRIOR TO THE ANNUAL FILING. UPON COMPLETION, ALL MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE PROVIDED A COPY OF THE IRS FORM 990 AND A COPY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 12c Conflict of interest policy | PROMPTLY UPON DISCOVERY OF EITHER THE EXISTENCE OF HIS OR HER CONFLICT OF INTEREST, EITHER ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL, OR THE PERCEIVED RISK OF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH RESPECT TO ANY PROPOSED TRANSACTION OF THE FOUNDATION AND PRIOR TO ANY DECISION BY VOTE OR OTHERWISE BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR BY A COMMITTEE THEREOF WITH RESPECT TO ANY PROPOSED TRANSACTION A DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE FOUNDATION SHALL BE OBLIGATED TO NOTIFY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR COMMITTEE THEREOF, AS THE CASE MAY BE, EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING, OF THE EXISTENCE OR POTENTIAL EXISTENCE OF SUCH CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND TO FURNISH TO THE BOARD OR COMMITTEE THERE OF A DESCRIPTION OF THE MATERIAL FACTS CONCERNING SUCH CONFLICT OF INTEREST. UPON DISCLOSURE OF ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE AUTHORIZED TO GATHER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST. FOLLOWING DISCLOSURE, THE INFORMANT SHALL BE EXCUSED FROM THE MEETING AND ANY FURTHER DEBATE, COMMENTS, DISCUSSION, REPORTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS LEADING UP TO A DECISION BY THE BOARD OR COMMITTEE. UPON DISCLOSURE OF ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST BY A DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE, AN APPROPRIATE ENTRY SHALL BE MADE IN THE RECORDS OF THE BOARD AND/OR COMMITTEE, INCLUDING A DESCRIPTION OF ACTION TAKEN. THEREAFTER A DECISION MAY BE AUTHORIZED, APPROVED OR RATIFIED BY THE BOARD OR COMMITTEE, AS THE CASE MAY BE, PROVIDED THAT THE TRANSACTION RECEIVES THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS PRESENT AT A MEETING OF THE BOARD OR A COMMITTEE THEREOF WHO HAVE NO DIRECT OR INDIRECT INTEREST IN THE TRANSACTION, AND PROVIDED FURTHER THAT A QUORUM CONSISTING OF A MAJORITY OF THE DISINTERESTED BOARD OR COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO HAVE NO DIRECT OR INDIRECT PERSONAL INTEREST IN THE TRANSACTION IS PRESENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF TAKING SUCH ACTION. IN RECOGNITION OF THE MUTUAL DESIRE OF THE FOUNDATION, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES TO CONFIRM THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF AND WILLINGNESS AND OBLIGATION TO COMPLY WITH AND ABIDE BY THE TERMS OF THIS CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ALL OF THE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE FOUNDATION SHALL AS A CONDITION OF THEIR CONTINUING SERVICE AND/OR EMPLOYMENT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE ROLES SIGN A STATEMENT CONFIRMING THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THIS CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND THEIR WILLINGNESS AND OBLIGATION TO COMPLY WITH AND ABIDE BY ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. THE RECORDS OF SUCH WRITTEN UNDERSTANDING AND APPROVAL OF THIS CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY SHALL BE MAINTAINED BY THE SECRETARY AS A PART OF THE RECORDS OF THE FOUNDATION. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 15a Process to establish compensation of top management official | AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WAS HIRED 2/1/17 UNDER THE REVIEW AND SUPERVISION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. PRIOR TO HIRE, THE BOARD CONDUCTED RESEARCH ON COMPARABLE SALARIES AND JOB PROFILES WITHIN THE REGIONAL INDUSTRY FOR THE JOB DESCRIPTION. IN 2023, THE BOARD PRESIDENT CONDUCTED A REVIEW OF THE COMPENSATION PACKAGE. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 19 Required documents available to the public | GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AND THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ARE AVAILABLE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST. |
| Software ID: | 24020961 |
| Software Version: | 2024v5.1 |