Inspiring people to rise above their challenges to achieve their goals and dreams

Background

The Light the Future Foundation was officially created in 2007, but it was shining in our hearts and minds long before it became a reality. It was created as a means and ever-growing inspiration for our yearly planned giving and the desire to help others.

We believe that we are in a time when it is vitally important for businesses and individuals to reach out and support those in need. We decided to take action to be the change that we wish to see in this world and hopefully inspire other businesses and individuals do the same.

The name was inspired by the light that is found within each soul. We can all choose to shine our light on others whose light may be growing dim through life’s challenges and struggles. We can help individuals see that there is hope and there is a light at the end of the tunnel by providing love, service, and support so that their future is brighter. By taking action today, we can light the future of our brothers’ and sisters’ tomorrows so that they can achieve their goals and dreams.

Future Vision

The Light the Future Foundation plans to grow its endowment with proceeds from our affiliated businesses.

The endowment is invested and grows at a high rate of return each year. At least 5% of the value of the foundation will be given in grants each year. As the endowment grows, the annual grants by the foundation will also increase in value and scope.

Grant Making Priorities

The Light the Future Foundation’s fundamental giving interests include non-profits and charitable programs that focus on improving the body, mind, and soul of its beneficiaries in life-enriching areas such as:

· Educational, self-empowerment, and leadership opportunities for children and young adults

· Career development and life coaching for underprivileged citizens

· Healthcare and wholesome, fit-living initiatives for all ages

At this time, no applications will be accepted for grants. Instead the Board of Directors will strategically choose several non-profits each year whose goals align with the priorities of the Foundation. For a history of giving, please click here.

Giving Back

If you are inspired by the work of The Light the Future Foundation, please consider giving back to your community by donating your time, talents and funds though community service or donations. Please contact us if you are interested in more information on how to start your own foundation (you don’t need millions) or feel free to donate to another foundation or non-profit that will distribute the funds to good causes.

Founders’ Concept

The concept is based on seven beliefs…

I. Build on Your Blessings

Improvising a line from the Pearl Jam song w.m.a., we feel we “won the lottery by being born,” and it is only right to build on any blessing we may have been given to make the world a better place.

II. Be the change you wish to see in the world

Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” We believe that there are changes that would make the world a better place and that each person truly can make a difference in this world. Rather than just talking about doing things in the future, each person can take action and be the change they wish to see.

III. There are Three Stages in Life: 1) Learn, 2) Earn, 3) Return

It has been said that there are three stages in life: Learn, Earn and Return
1) Go to school to Learn
2) Move into the workforce to Earn
3) Return what you have made to the world through knowledge, service or charitable giving.

IV. Don’t Work for Money, but instead Make Your Money Work for You

This concept made popular by many financially successful individuals, including Robert Kiyosaki in his Rich Dad, Poor Dad books, stresses the importance of owning assets that create income, rather than relying on earnings from employment alone. While keeping a job to pay the bills is often needed (and we love our current jobs and do not want to leave them), there is opportunity to start part-time businesses that bring in additional income. Building on this concept, our idea is to use our part-time businesses to create assets to fund social service initiatives.

V. Live the Life You Have Always Imagined

Henry David Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” We firmly support in this notion. We have a limited time on this earth, so we should certainly live the greatest vision of ourselves that we can imagine.

VI. Work with Purpose, Passion, Profit

Worthwhile Magazine has probably summed up this concept perfectly in their tagline. Jim Collins also describes this idea in his book, Good to Great. He concludes that for a business to be truly great, the company must find the point where three circles intertwine. The three circles being:
1) The area where you are gifted where you can be the best in the world (Purpose),
2) Where you have the burning desire to make it happen (Passion),
3) and it makes economic sense (Profit).
We could not agree with this concept more, especially when it all leads to the real passion of giving back to others.

VII. Put Yourself in God’s Hands and Make it Happen!

We believe that everyone has what is needed to be successful in life – it already lies inside of each person. A letter that one of the founders received from his grandfather seems to sum this up best, “I will tell you that God should be a major part in your life, and you should ask His help in handling your life with a good and happy heart to help you know the direction you wish to go and to help you achieve your goals… Use your many excellent qualities to help make your country and the world become a better place for all… You have everything you need to be successful. Just put yourself in God’s hands and make it happen.”

The Light the Future Foundation

www.LightTheFuture.org

info@LightTheFuture.org