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A defining thread in The Aspen Institute Inc’s recent giving is its support for national exchange and education infrastructure at meaningful scale. One of the largest awards in the file went to Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance for support operating activities, and another substantial stream backed Ithaka Harbors Inc through the College Excellence Program and the American Talent Initiative. Those grants point to a funder that works through convening, systems building, and program support rather than individual awards. The Aspen Institute Inc also funds youth and cross-cultural exchange work in a sustained way. The Stevens Initiative appears repeatedly through grants to International Research & Exchanges Board Inc, Soliya Inc, Afs Intercultural Programs Inc, Iearn Inc, World Learning Inc, and Special Olympics Inc. In parallel, the foundation supports opportunity-youth and youth-outcomes efforts through Global Development Incubator Inc, Colorado Youth for a Change, Alliance for Children’s Rights, Boston Private Industry Council Inc, and Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries Inc. Its portfolio reaches into job quality improvement for U.S. small businesses, gender lens investing, community development finance, Guatemala entrepreneurship, and recognition grants tied to Aspen Prize winners.
Higher education and student access are a major theme. The Aspen Institute Inc gave $1,444,394 to Ithaka Harbors Inc for the College Excellence Program, and $1,245,996 to the same grantee for participation in the American Talent Initiative to expand access to education for low/moderate income students. It also awarded $1,134,374 to Ithaka Harbors Inc for the American Talent Initiative. Youth exchange is another clear area. Grants include $1,020,705 to International Research & Exchanges Board Inc for the Stevens Initiative Virtual Exchange Program, $951,334 to Soliya Inc for the same program, and $763,623 to Afs Intercultural Programs Inc for the Stevens Initiative Virtual Exchange Program. The foundation also backs systems change in workforce and entrepreneurship. It gave $675,000 to New York University for job quality improvement among U.S. small businesses, $679,004 to Pomona Impact Foundation for Guatemala entrepreneurship development initiative grant, and $785,664 to Pacific Community Ventures Inc for support community development financial institutions.
$25.6M
$756.6M
$443.8M
$234.3M
Most grants fall between $25K and $168K, with a median of $75K.
25th Percentile
$25K
Median
$75K
75th Percentile
$168K
About 10% of grants go to recipients in NY.
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Typical grant size sits at $25,000 at the 25th percentile, $75,000 at the median, and $168,031 at the 75th percentile. The recent file also includes many six- and seven-figure awards, showing a mix of operating support, program support, and cohort or network grants. Several recipients recur across multiple years, including Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance, Ithaka Harbors Inc, Soliya Inc, Criterion Institute, Equal Measure, and Boston Private Industry Council Inc. The foundation is classified as a regular funder, funds organizations rather than individuals, and does not make program-related investments.
Grantmaking is national, and every recent grant in the file goes to a U.S. recipient. New York is the top state by grant count, with many awards landing in New York City and other New York recipients such as Ithaka Harbors Inc, Soliya Inc, Afs Intercultural Programs Inc, Iearn Inc, and the Institute of International Education. Other frequent recipient hubs include Washington, DC; Boston; Philadelphia; and Los Angeles. The HQ state, DC, receives 10% of grants.
The foundation’s stated focus areas include Economic Opportunity, Energy and Climate, Leadership, Rising Generations, Societal Trust, Arts, health, and wellbeing, and Higher education and workforce. Recent grants show activity in higher education access, youth exchange, job quality improvement, gender-lens investing, community development finance, and Guatemala entrepreneurship.
The grant-size distribution centers around $25,000 at the 25th percentile, a $75,000 median, and $168,031 at the 75th percentile. The recent grants file also includes several awards above $500,000, indicating support for larger programs and operating budgets alongside smaller awards.
Yes. Several organizations appear in multiple years, including Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance, Ithaka Harbors Inc, Soliya Inc, Criterion Institute, Equal Measure, and Boston Private Industry Council Inc. That pattern suggests ongoing relationships rather than one-time awards only.
The recent file shows support for operating activities, program support, cohort and forum work, stipends, and initiative funding. Examples include support operating activities, support for virtual cultural exchange with students, support community development financial institutions, and grants tied to the Stevens Initiative and the American Talent Initiative.
Giving is national, but New York is the top state by grant count. The file also shows a notable share of grants to recipients in Washington, DC, and every recent grant listed goes to a U.S. recipient.
DANIEL R PORTERFIELD
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from Aspen Institute that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Local leaders and community-based efforts aligned with rebuilding trust and social connection. No detailed funding eligibility was provided in the scraped content.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZERO EMISSION MARITIME BUYERS ALLIANCE | WASHINGTON, DC | $2,461,282 | 2025 | SUPPORT OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
| ITHAKA HARBORS INC | NEW YORK, NY | $1,444,394 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| SOLIYA INC | NEW YORK, NY | $945,362 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS |
| WORLD LEARNING INC | BRATTLEBORO, VT | $857,439 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS |
| NEW YORK UNIVERSITY | NEW YORK, NY | $675,000 | 2025 | JOB QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AMONG US SMALL BUSINESSES |
| COLORADO YOUTH FOR A CHANGE | DENVER, CO | $644,670 | 2025 | PURPOSEFUL ECOSYSTEMS |
| ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN'S RIGHTS | LOS ANGELES, CA | $637,110 | 2025 | SCALING YOUTH OUTCOMES COHORT |
| BOSTON PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL INC | BOSTON, MA | $501,000 | 2025 | SCALING YOUTH OUTCOMES COHORT |
| ALLIANCE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES INC | HOUSTON, TX | $500,000 | 2025 | SCALING YOUTH OUTCOMES COHORT |
| SPECIAL OLYMPICS INC | WASHINGTON, DC | $500,000 | 2025 | STEVENS INITIATIVE CULTURAL EXCHANGE |
| INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH & EXCHANGES BOARD INC | WASHINGTON, DC | $453,192 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS |
| EQUAL MEASURE | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $393,000 | 2025 | ASPEN FORUM FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS |
| GLOBAL NOMADS GROUP INC | NEW YORK, NY | $392,535 | 2025 | STEVENS INITIATIVE CULTURAL EXCHANGE |
| INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION | NEW YORK, NY | $391,958 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS |
| GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT INCUBATOR INC | WASHINGTON, DC | $372,000 | 2025 | ASPEN FORUM FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS |
| JOBS FOR THE FUTURE INC | BOSTON, MA | $353,000 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| NORTHERN GREAT LAKES INITIATIVES | MARQUETTE, MI | $345,767 | 2025 | JOB QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AMONG US SMALL BUSINESSES |
| POMONA IMPACT FOUNDATION | BOCA RATON, FL | $335,300 | 2025 | ASPEN NETWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT ENTREPRENEURS |
| TEACHERS COLLEGE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY | NEW YORK, NY | $315,250 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| THE BARUCH COLLEGE FUND | NEW YORK, NY | $304,500 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION | FORT COLLINS, CO | $300,000 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| STONY BROOK FOUNDATION INC | STONY BROOK, NY | $300,000 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| PEACEPLAYERS INTERNATIONAL | WASHINGTON, DC | $299,859 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS |
| MUHLENBERG COLLEGE | ALLENTOWN, PA | $250,000 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| JUNIATA COLLEGE | HUNTINGDON, PA | $250,000 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE | ANNVILLE, PA | $250,000 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| PRESIDENT AND TRUSTEES OF COLBY COLLEGE | WATERVILLE, ME | $250,000 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS | URBANA, IL | $250,000 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK | ALBANY, NY | $250,000 | 2025 | ASPEN FORUM FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS |
| TOWSON UNIVERSITY | TOWSON, MD | $250,000 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| THE TRUSTEES OF THE STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | HOBOKEN, NJ | $250,000 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON | DAYTON, OH | $250,000 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY | BLOOMINGTON, IN | $250,000 | 2025 | COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM |
| IEARN INC | NEW YORK, NY | $235,984 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS |
| AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT CENTER | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $235,912 | 2025 | JOB QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AMONG US SMALL BUSINESSES |
| THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA | OAKLAND, CA | $230,000 | 2025 | ASPEN FORUM FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS |
| LONE STAR JUSTICE ALLIANCE | AUSTIN, TX | $220,000 | 2025 | ASPEN FORUM FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS |
| EDUCATION NORTHWEST | PORTLAND, OR | $208,835 | 2025 | SCALING YOUTH OUTCOMES COHORT |
| COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION OF TEXAS INC | DALLAS, TX | $206,000 | 2025 | BACKBONE SUPPORT SERVICES IN DFW |
| SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY | WINCHESTER, VA | $203,302 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS |
| GLOBAL IMPACT INVESTING NETWORK INC | NEW YORK, NY | $200,000 | 2025 | ASPEN NETWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT ENTREPRENEURS |
| NEW ORLEANS YOUTH ALLIANCE | NEW ORLEANS, LA | $195,000 | 2025 | ASPEN FORUM FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS |
| TEXAS INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONSORTIUM | AUSTIN, TX | $188,687 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS |
| CALIFORNIA FARMLINK | APTOS, CA | $184,000 | 2025 | SCALE JOB QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AMONG US SMALL BUSINESSES |
| JUSTINE PETERSEN HOUSING AND REINVESTMENT CORPORATION | SAINT LOUIS, MO | $175,000 | 2025 | JOB QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AMONG US SMALL BUSINESSES |
| COASTAL ENTERPRISES INC | BRUNSWICK, ME | $172,477 | 2025 | SHARED SUCCESS JOB QUALITY DEMONSTRATION |
| EDUCATION FOR EMPLOYMENT | WASHINGTON, DC | $170,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS |
| ICAFUND | OAKLAND, CA | $166,394 | 2025 | JOB QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AMONG US SMALL BUSINESSES |
| PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION | HONOLULU, HI | $160,000 | 2025 | ASPEN FORUM FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS |
| FOUR BANDS COMMUNITY FUND INC | EAGLE BUTTE, SD | $157,000 | 2025 | COMMUNITY STRATEGY GROUP |
ZERO EMISSION MARITIME BUYERS ALLIANCE
$2,461,282SUPPORT OPERATING ACTIVITIES
SOLIYA INC
$945,362SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS
PURPOSEFUL ECOSYSTEMS
SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS
SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS
NORTHERN GREAT LAKES INITIATIVES
$345,767JOB QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AMONG US SMALL BUSINESSES
POMONA IMPACT FOUNDATION
$335,300ASPEN NETWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT ENTREPRENEURS
SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS
JUNIATA COLLEGE
$250,000COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM
LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE
$250,000COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
$250,000COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM
THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
$250,000ASPEN FORUM FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS
TOWSON UNIVERSITY
$250,000COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM
COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM
TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY
$250,000COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM
JOB QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AMONG US SMALL BUSINESSES
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
$230,000ASPEN FORUM FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS
ASPEN NETWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT ENTREPRENEURS
TEXAS INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONSORTIUM
$188,687SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS
JOB QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AMONG US SMALL BUSINESSES
SUPPORT FOR VIRTUAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WITH STUDENTS