Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you might want to know
Who we are, how we work, and how you can be part of it. If your question isn’t here, a real person on our team is always glad to help.
About Spirit Bright
What is Spirit Bright's mission?+
Spirit Bright exists to open hearts and raise consciousness through acts of compassion, wisdom, and grassroots service. We support practical projects that improve lives, reduce suffering, care for animals, strengthen communities, and make wisdom and contemplative practices more accessible. Our approach is simple: find places where relatively small actions can create meaningful, human impact — and help.
What is your vision?+
A more compassionate, conscious world — one act at a time.
What does Spirit Bright actually do?+
We run our own on-the-ground projects — schools and learning centers, animal rescue, children’s health, playgrounds and more — and we share wisdom freely through the Spirit Bright podcast and our Sati + Sabai guided meditations. You can see everything we’ve done on our Our Work page.
Our values
Four ideas guide everything we do.
What are Spirit Bright's core values?+
- Compassion — We act from genuine care for people, animals, and the world around us.
- Wisdom — We believe lasting change comes not only from improving external circumstances, but from cultivating wiser, more peaceful minds.
- Direct Action — We favor tangible, grassroots projects where we can see the need, understand the solution, and make a real difference.
- Human Connection— Service isn’t simply about giving money. It’s about showing up, connecting with people, and reminding each other of our shared humanity.
Where we work
Why Southeast Asia?+
Southeast Asia is where Spirit Bright grew naturally. Our founder lives in Thailand, our relationships are here, and many of the monks, temples, schools, animal sanctuaries and local communities we work with are people we know personally. Being close to the work allows us to visit projects, understand what is actually needed, build long-term relationships and see the impact firsthand. We aren’t focused on Southeast Asia because we believe need exists only here — it’s simply where we’re rooted and where we currently believe we can be most useful.
Which countries do you work in?+
Our current projects are across Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), Cambodia, and along the Myanmar border. See them all on the Our Work page and the map and timeline.
Giving & donations
Who is Spirit Bright for?+
Our natural supporter is someone who has done reasonably well in life and wants to use some of that good fortune to make the world a little better — without needing a huge organization or a complicated philanthropic structure. People who fit well usually want to see and understand where their money goes, like tangible projects and direct impact, connect with compassion, meditation, animal welfare, education or grassroots service, and sometimes want to take part personally rather than only write a check. That said, there is room for everyone — from the person giving $20 to the person funding an entire project.
How do I donate?+
Donations can currently be made by bank transfer directly to Spirit Bright’s U.S. foundation account with Bank of America. For bank details — or to discuss sponsoring a specific project — please contact us and the team will help. For larger contributions, we’d love to talk about current projects and opportunities to fund something tangible that aligns with your interests.
Can I sponsor a specific project?+
Yes — in fact it’s one of our preferred ways to work with donors. Many supporters choose something concrete they’d like to make possible: one playground, one computer lab, the rescue and lifelong care of an animal, or a month of support for a school or community program. You’ll know exactly what you’re funding and get to see the impact your contribution creates. To sponsor a project, just reach out.
Where does my donation go?+
Whenever possible, we connect donors directly with specific, tangible projects. You can fund an entire project or a defined period of support — building a playground or computer lab, rescuing a cow or buffalo, or sponsoring a month of operations at a school we support in Bali.
When a donation is designated for a specific project, 100% of that donation goes toward completing and supporting that project.
General, unrestricted donations are used wherever they can best advance our mission — direct charitable projects as well as the impact-focused operating costs that make them possible, such as travel to project sites, communications and content documenting our work, technology and internet services, and other mission-related expenses.
Our goal is simple: use every donation thoughtfully and as close to the impact as possible.
Is Spirit Bright a registered nonprofit?+
Yes. Spirit Bright is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) private foundation (EIN 33-3649357). Donations are made directly to the foundation. Donors should consult their own tax adviser regarding the deductibility of their contribution based on their individual circumstances and jurisdiction. For questions about a specific gift, the team is happy to help — reach us through the contact page.
Get involved
Can I volunteer?+
Some Spirit Bright projects include opportunities to participate directly — from community service days and food distribution to animal, school and construction projects. Opportunities vary depending on the project, so if you’re interested in volunteering, please get in touch or follow our social channels for upcoming activities.
Can my organization partner with Spirit Bright?+
Yes. Spirit Bright works with local charities, NGOs, schools, temples, monasteries, animal sanctuaries, community leaders and other organizations doing meaningful work on the ground. We’re especially interested in partners who understand their communities deeply, can identify practical needs, and are able to work transparently with us from idea through implementation. Tell us about your work through the contact page and the team will follow up.
Who we are
Who founded Spirit Bright?+
Spirit Bright was founded by entrepreneur and investor Sam Marks after years of exploring meditation, Buddhism and the question of what makes a meaningful life. Spending time living and practicing alongside Buddhist monastics — including periods of ordination — deepened his belief that compassion and wisdom aren’t simply ideas to study, but qualities to put into action. Spirit Bright grew from that idea: bringing people together to do practical good while cultivating greater compassion in ourselves.
How do I contact Spirit Bright?+
The best way to reach us is through the contact form — a real person on the team will get back to you. You can also follow along on Instagram at @spirit_bright_org and on TikTok at @spiritbright.org.
Still have a question?
We’d genuinely love to hear from you — whether you want to give, get involved, or just learn more about the work.
Get in touchStay Connected
We send updates twice a year on our activities and projects.