Earthlight Foundation Inc
About Earthlight Foundation Inc
EarthLight Foundation starts from a big, unusual idea, that how we think about the universe shapes how we treat each other and the world we share. In practice, that means support for STEAM education in Ukraine, public conversations about climate and space, and gatherings that bring people into the same room around those questions. If you care about young learners, space, and the future of civilization, this is a place where those interests meet with real programs attached.
EarthLight Foundation stands out for its space-centered worldview, which shows up in both its philosophy and its programs. It supports young Ukrainians through Space4 Ukraine, and it also puts on public events like EarthSpace, the New Worlds Conference and Faire, and the Space Cowboy Ball. That gives it a perspective that feels unusual, but still grounded in education and public engagement.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Space4 Ukraine
Supports existing STEAM initiatives in Ukraine, including astronomy clubs, robotics clubs, model rocketry, equipment, supplies, digital access, teacher training, and student initiatives.
DreamScopes
A project to put a telescope in every middle school on Planet 3.
EarthSpace
A live global conversation connecting climate solutions, space infrastructure, policy, and culture.
New Worlds Conference and Faire
A space conference and fair in Austin with speakers, art, and entertainment.
Space Cowboy Ball
An awards ceremony, banquet, costume, and dance party that raises funds for EarthLight projects.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To provide a new belief system for humanity, our relationships with each other, and the family of life, based on an understanding of who we have been and our aspirations about who we can become, as we enter the Universe.
Who they serve
Young Ukrainians whose education has been disrupted by war, students, educators, and space-minded supporters.
How your donation helps
- Support Space4 Ukraine STEAM initiatives in Ukraine
- Fund astronomy and night-sky education
- Fund robotics and engineering programs
- Fund model rocketry and space science projects
- Cover equipment, supplies, and digital access
- Support teacher training and student initiatives
- Build DreamScopes telescopes for middle schools
Our story
EarthLight Foundation was founded in 2023 by Rick Tumlinson as a charitable education organization. It grew from an idea about spaceships, space communities, and the lessons they offer for life on Earth, then broadened into a movement focused on protecting life, honoring human civilization, and exploring the universe.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
To carry the light of life to places now dark, the seeds of life to places now dead, and the eyes, hands and minds of humanity to places yet unseen, untouched and unknown.
Permission to Dream is something we give ourselves, and no one else can take it away – ever.
We are not a club, we are a movement, built on a set of ideas.
Events
EarthSpace 2026
22 April, 2026A live global conversation on the future of Earth and the future of space.
New Worlds Conference and Faire
Oct. 28-29A space event in Austin with speakers, art, and entertainment.
Space Cowboy Ball
annualA charity fundraiser with awards, a banquet, a costume party, and a dance party.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Earthlight Foundation Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Funding for Space4 Ukraine STEAM initiatives
- Funding for DreamScopes telescopes in middle schools
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What does Space4 Ukraine support?
Space4 Ukraine supports existing STEAM initiatives in Ukraine, including astronomy clubs, robotics clubs, model rocketry, equipment, supplies, digital access, teacher training, and student initiatives.
What is DreamScopes?
DreamScopes is EarthLight Foundation’s project to put a telescope in every middle school on Planet 3.
What is EarthSpace?
EarthSpace is a live global conversation that brings together climate solutions, space infrastructure, policy, and culture.
What happens at the Space Cowboy Ball?
The Space Cowboy Ball is an awards ceremony, banquet, costume party, and dance party that raises funds for EarthLight projects.
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