Since 1997, the foundation has made hundreds of grants to children for activities such as field trips and summer enrichment programs as well as supplying musical instruments to young students to allow their participation in school band/orchestra.

Students of a Lafayette Parish pre-K-8 public school are eligible if in need of financial assistance.

The foundation derives funds from personal donations, fund raisers and grants from corporations and other organizations. The Shining Light Foundation is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization governed by a board of directors.