Light a Single Candle Grants

Light a Single Candle Foundation (LASC) operates from a philanthropic mission rooted in faith and a commitment to improving lives. The foundation directs its resources to projects that reflect its core values of compassion, gratitude, and service. LASC is particularly focused on initiatives that align with its vision of making a meaningful difference in targeted communities and regions. The foundation invites both new and existing partners to submit proposals that embody these ideals. LASC funds projects in three specific geographic areas: internationally, within the Greater Metropolitan St. Louis area in Missouri, and in West Central Illinois. Any grant proposal that falls outside these defined regions is not eligible for consideration. This geographic focus reflects LASC’s strategic desire to invest deeply in areas where it can foster long-term, measurable impact. The foundation is open to a variety of program types and sectors, although no specific funding categories or restrictions were identified in the provided information. Potential applicants must begin the process by submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which serves to introduce the organization and its proposed project to the foundation. LASC’s team uses this step to assess the initial alignment with their goals before moving forward with a full proposal. The LOI requirement applies especially to new partners. Submission of the LOI is the initial gate for consideration in either the monthly or quarterly review process, depending on the proposal’s size and complexity. Applications can technically be submitted at any time. However, larger and more complex proposals must adhere to LASC’s quarterly deadlines. The foundation has clearly defined five submission deadlines across the calendar year. Proposals submitted after these deadlines will be deferred to the next scheduled review cycle. The quarterly deadlines are as follows: January 17, March 28, June 27, September 12, and October 4 (for the prior year). Each deadline correlates with a future review period, providing applicants a general sense of when they might expect to receive feedback or decisions. LASC reviews proposals internally and communicates review timelines openly with prospective grantees. While specific application components and evaluation criteria are not detailed on the public-facing material, the presence of distinct submission windows suggests an organized, phased review process that likely involves qualitative assessment of mission alignment, project feasibility, and community impact. Interested applicants are encouraged to engage with the foundation in advance to ensure that their proposal timing and content align with the foundation’s expectations. For inquiries or support during the application process, applicants may contact Andrea Mattingly, the foundation’s Administrative Manager, via email at [email protected]. LASC does not publicly provide further technical assistance guidance or downloadable application materials via the site.