Acahand Foundation

The Acahand Foundation operates with a distinctive hybrid model that combines direct community programming with traditional grantmaking. Established in 2019 by Scott and Carmen Moscrip—founders of Truckstop.com, a leading freight technology company—the foundation relocated to Orlando with the explicit purpose of pursuing philanthropic endeavors. Its primary public-facing initiative, Light Orlando, operates as both a direct-service program and a community-building platform. The foundation''s approach was born during the COVID-19 pandemic: in 2021, as communities felt isolated, the founders organized a Christmas concert to bring people together through music and service. This event grew into an annual tradition and broader year-round volunteer engagement platform. The foundation''s strategy combines faith-based community mobilization (concerts, service projects) with financial grants to local organizations serving vulnerable populations. By operating its own volunteer events while also funding established nonprofits, the foundation creates a pipeline where community members engage through Light Orlando events and then connect with partner organizations for ongoing impact. Despite being registered in Wilmington, Delaware, the foundation''s operational heart is in Orlando, Florida.

With $79 million in assets and $4.1 million in annual giving, the Acahand Foundation maintains a relatively modest payout ratio for its asset base. In 2024, the foundation made 141 grants ranging from $44 to $400,000, with a median of $3,000. This grant distribution reveals a highly dispersed portfolio: many small grants to community organizations alongside a few larger institutional commitments. The low median suggests the foundation spreads its support broadly across Central Florida''s nonprofit ecosystem rather than concentrating on a few large recipients. Major expense categories from its 990 filing show direct program spending on community events: the Christmas Service Project ($105K), Clothing Drive ($63K), Hunger Project ($20K), and L.O.V.E. volunteer week ($11K). These direct program costs are relatively modest, indicating the foundation''s event programming leverages significant volunteer labor and in-kind donations. The foundation''s geographic reach extends beyond Orlando to national and even international locations (Port Moresby), though the core focus remains Central Florida. The foundation''s grant categories span education, health and welfare, and economic opportunity development.

Among Central Florida philanthropies, the Acahand Foundation is a newer entrant with significant assets but relatively conservative annual giving compared to established peers like Edyth Bush and Dr. Phillips Charities. Its faith-based community engagement model through Light Orlando is distinctive in the region. The foundation''s tech-entrepreneur origin story (Truckstop.com) places it in a growing category of founder-led philanthropies where business success funds community-focused giving. Its 141 grants in 2024 represent a high volume for its giving level, reflecting a democratized approach uncommon among foundations this size.

The Acahand Foundation has been growing its Light Orlando initiative since its founding concert in 2021. The Light the World with Love Christmas Concert series has become an annual tradition at ICON Park Orlando, running December 6-11 with evening performances from 5-8 PM featuring local high school, church, and community choirs. In recent years, 100% of concert proceeds have benefited organizations including Matthew''s Hope, One Heart for Women and Children, Orlando Day Child and Nursery, Poverty Solutions Group, and the Salvation Army. The foundation''s direct service programs continue year-round: the Christmas Service Project assembles holiday stockings and hygiene kits; the Hunger Project packs meals for local charities; the Clothing Drive collects donations for distribution; and the L.O.V.E. (Light Orlando Volunteer Experience) provides a week of diverse service opportunities. The foundation''s grant count increased to 141 in 2024, suggesting expanding relationships with community organizations. The foundation maintains a Facebook presence (@thelightorlando) and a separate Light Orlando website (lightorlando.org) for volunteer engagement.

The Acahand Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals, making formal applications impossible. Organizations seeking engagement should consider: (1) Participate in Light Orlando events—the Christmas Concert series, Hunger Project, Clothing Drive, and L.O.V.E. volunteer week are opportunities to build visibility with foundation leadership. (2) Central Florida nonprofits serving vulnerable populations (hunger relief, homelessness, women and children, poverty) are the primary beneficiary profile, based on past grantees. (3) The foundation''s faith-based orientation means organizations with faith-community connections may have natural alignment. (4) Past grantees provide the strongest model for what the foundation funds: direct-service organizations addressing basic needs in the Greater Orlando area. (5) With a median grant of $3,000, most grants are modest—appropriate for small community organizations and grassroots nonprofits. (6) The foundation''s volunteer-engagement model means organizations that can provide meaningful volunteer opportunities during Light Orlando events may attract attention. (7) Connect through the Light Orlando Facebook page (@thelightorlando) or website (lightorlando.org) to stay informed about events and partnership opportunities. (8) Organizations in education and economic opportunity development—the foundation''s other stated focus areas—should also explore connections through the Central Florida nonprofit network.