A Hybrid For-profit / Not-for-profit Structure

The First Light group of companies represents a modern, hybrid structure between for-profit and not-for-profit public benefit companies and corporations that currently includes First Light Studios, First Light Education, First Light Expeditions, and the First Light Foundation.

For legal reasons, there is a virtual firewall between the for-profit and not-for-profit structures, including separate boards, bank accounts, attorneys, advisors, and accountants. Arms-length agreements spell out respective areas of focus and responsibilities for each organization, including those domains where there can be no confusion or cross-over.

With the legalities adequately addressed, there are benefits to this hybrid structure, the greatest being alignment of purpose and clarity of shared vision.  For years, First Light Studios and First Light Education worked with outside fiscal sponsors to fund initiatives with donations and grants. With the formation of the First Light Foundation, and the creation of this hybrid structure, the group can operate with even greater efficiency, synergy, and alignment.