Achieving the Dream Inc
Achieving the Dream Inc is a public charity based in Silver Spring, Maryland. It supports community colleges through coaching, technical assistance, peer learning, and grants intended to advance institutional transformation and student success.
Achieving the Dream Inc at a glance
In short: Achieving the Dream Inc gave $363K across 12 grants in 2025 (avg $30K), mostly in Texas. 45% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $362,500
- -71.7% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 12
- -52.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $30,208
- -41.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $46,294,483
- +6.0% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 45% first-time grantees (5 of 11, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Texas (57% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Achieving the Dream Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 8484 Georgia Avenue 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (240) 450-0075
Website: https://achievingthedream.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Achieving the Dream Inc
Harvey Lincoln Scholarship Fund
Achieving the Dream Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Leah Meyer Austin Award
Achieving the Dream Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Prioritizing Adult Community College Enrollment (PACCE) Initiative
Achieving the Dream Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Achieving the Dream Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Austin Community College District ($120K). Together the top 10 received $313K.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($50,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
107 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 81 grants of 107 (76%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization describes its network as national. Its 2025 grants went to recipients in multiple states and Washington, DC. Texas accounted for 57% of grant dollars, while North Carolina, Washington, Ohio, and Florida each accounted for 7%. These figures describe the 2025 grants and do not establish broader geographic restrictions.
The historical Prioritizing Adult Community College Enrollment initiative was limited to public two-year institutions in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Achieving the Dream Inc open to new grantees?
45%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 5 of 11 grantees (45%) were first-time recipients. With only 11 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 9 points. First grants averaged $24K; repeat grants $40K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $25K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $363K (2025) to $2.0M (2023). In 2025 it made 12 grants totaling $363K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Community College District Austin, TX | Implementation Grants | $120,000 |
| Dallas College Eastfield Campus Mesquite, TX | Implementation Grants | $30,000 |
| Forsyth Technical Community College Winston-Salem, NC | Implementation Grants | $25,000 |
| Everett Community College Everett, WA | Implementation Grants | $25,000 |
| North Central State College Mansfield, OH | Implementation Grants | $25,000 |
| Tallahassee State College Tallahassee, FL | Implementation Grants | $25,000 |
| Grayson College Denison, TX | Implementation Grants | $25,000 |
| 2 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $50,000 |
| El Paso Community College Elpaso, TX | Implementation Grants | $15,000 |
| Alamo Community College District San Antonio, TX | Implementation Grants | $15,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $46,294,483 | $22,688,397 | $20,785,219 | $362,500 | 12 | $1,651,343 |
| 2024 | $43,676,784 | $16,888,254 | $20,909,504 | $1,280,000 | 25 | $487,003 |
| 2023 | $46,914,728 | $16,894,508 | $24,556,770 | $1,989,154 | 43 | $515,086 |
| 2022 | $48,979,373 | $23,156,070 | $17,336,280 | $470,394 | 13 | $524,880 |
| 2021 | $49,802,525 | $35,888,475 | $13,373,363 | $434,690 | 14 | $174,440 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The mission stated on the organization’s 2024 filing is to lead and support a national network of community colleges in achieving sustainable institutional transformation through shared knowledge, innovative solutions, and effective practices and policies that improve outcomes for all students.
Its filing describes support for colleges through a structured, three-year Foundations of Transformation experience, coaching, institutional assessments, and tailored services. Further areas of work include holistic student supports, teaching and learning, K–12 partnerships, adult learner enrollment and success, data capacity, and institutional continuous improvement. The organization also reports providing scholarships to individuals participating in funded learning initiatives; these are not grants to outside organizations.
The 2025 grants included community colleges and college-related organizations. For example, an individual recipient Community College Foundation says its purpose is to support the college in improving people’s lives socially, culturally, economically, and educationally. Forsyth Technical Community College Foundation says it works to foster public understanding and support for the college and to promote donations for its benefit. The Aspen Institute describes its work as driving change through dialogue, leadership, and action to address societal challenges.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, Achieving the Dream reported 12 grants totaling $362,500. Grant amounts ranged from $7,500 to $120,000, with a median of $25,000. Most listed grants were for “implementation grants”; two were designated “award.”
The largest grant was $120,000 to Austin Community College District in Texas for implementation grants. Other grants included $30,000 to Dallas College Eastfield Campus; $25,000 each to Forsyth Technical Community College, Everett Community College, North Central State College, Tallahassee State College, and Grayson College; and $25,000 each to an individual recipient Community College Foundation and an individual recipient Community College. The Aspen Institute received $7,500 for implementation grants.
The Prioritizing Adult Community College Enrollment initiative, undertaken with Lumina Foundation, supported 20 community colleges seeking to increase enrollment among adult learners age 25 and older. The program ended May 31, 2023, and is no longer accepting applications. It was limited to public two-year institutions in specified states and included coaching, technical assistance, curriculum, feedback, and office hours.
The organization’s website says ATD Network colleges may be eligible to compete for national initiatives and innovation grants. Its filing states that grant recipients provide financial and narrative reports on the use of funds at least annually during the grant period.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Dr. Gregory D. Williams as board chair and director; Suzanne Walsh as vice chair and director; Larry Kubal as treasurer; and Dr. Mike Flores as secretary. It also lists Dr. Marcia Ballinger, Nickolas Certo, Gregory Haile, Dr. Shanna Jackson, and Dr. Alex Johnson as directors. Dr. Pam Eddinger is listed as a director until December 2024.
Achieving the Dream Inc is led by Karen A. Stout, President & CEO on every filing since 2021; 11 of 25 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Karen A. Stout
President & CEO
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$418K (2021) → $602K (2025)
Paula Talley
Executive Director & Program Development
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$167K (2023) → $175K (2025)
Stephanie Marshall
Executive Director, Meetings & Learning Events
Executive Director of Meetings & Learning Events → Executive Director, Meetings & Learning Events, 2025
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$157K (2023) → $169K (2025)
Derrick Semeneh
Executive Director, It & Digital Transformation
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$169K (2025)
Wendi Dew
Executive Director & Coaching Practice
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$170K (2025)
Gregory D. Williams
Board Chair & Director
Vice Chair & Director → Board Chair & Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alex Johnson
Director
Board Chair & Director → Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary Alice McCarthy
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nicole Melander
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Pam Eddinger
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ricardo Torres
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Walsh
Vice Chair & Director
Director → Vice Chair & Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gregory Haile
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nickolas Certo
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Monte Randall
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marcia Ballinger
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shanna Jackson
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Emily Froimson
Chief Operating Officer
Executive Vice President → Chief Operating Officer, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$199K (2021) → $239K (2025)
Monica Parrish Trent
Chief Program & Network Officer
Vice President Network Engagement → Vice President & Network Engagement, 2022
Vice President & Network Engagement → Chief Program & Network Officer, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$179K (2021) → $233K (2025)
Susan Mayer
Chief Learning Officer
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$203K (2021) → $235K (2025)
Khalisa Jacobs
Chief of Staff
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$144K (2022) → $180K (2025)
Jaqueline Cortez Wang
Chief Strat. Officer & Vice President Ext. Pships
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$210K (2023) → $226K (2025)
Melinda Anderson
Exec.dir. & Network Engagement
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$178K (2025)
Larry Kubal
Treasurer, Audit & Finance
Director → Treasurer, Audit & Finance Cmte Chair, 2023
Treasurer, Audit & Finance Cmte Chair → Treasurer, Audit & Finance, 2024
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mike Flores
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (15)
- Former: Christine Johnson (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Janice Stucke (2023–2024) — Chief Financial Officer
- Former: Derrick Semeneh Exec Director (2024) — It & Digital Transformation
- Former: Monica Parrish Trent Chief (2024) — Program & Network Officer
- Former: Terianne Sousa (2024) — Executive Director
- Former: Barbara Lombardo (2021–2023) — Governance Cmte Chair
- Former: Carol A. Lincoln (2021–2023) — Senior Vice President
- Former: Bryan Straathof (2021–2022) — Vice President, Finance & Administrator
- Former: Laurie Heacock Sr Advisor (2021–2022) — Data, Tech. & Analytics
- Former: Louis Testoni Treasurer (2021–2022) — Audit & Finance Cmte Chair
- Former: Michael Villarreal (2021–2022) — Program Cmte Chair
- Former: Tia Plunkett-McQueen (2021–2022) — Chief Human Resources Officer
- Former: Eduardo J. Padron (2021) — Director
- Former: Javier Miyares (2021) — Director
- Former: Joanne C. Anderson Exec Director (2021) — Marketing & Communications
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $602K, to Karen a Stout (President & CEO). 11 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Achieving the Dream Inc
How much does Achieving the Dream Inc give each year?
Achieving the Dream Inc gave $363K across 12 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.3M across 25 grants.
What is Achieving the Dream Inc's typical grant size?
Achieving the Dream Inc's median grant in 2025 was $25,000, and its average grant was $30,208, across 12 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Achieving the Dream Inc that year got $24K on average.
Where does Achieving the Dream Inc give grants?
Achieving the Dream Inc gives mostly in Texas: 57% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were North Carolina (7%) and Washington (7%).
Does Achieving the Dream Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 12 grants with a stated purpose on Achieving the Dream Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Implementation Grants" (10 grants).
Who are Achieving the Dream Inc's largest grantees?
Achieving the Dream Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Austin Community College District ($120,000), Dallas College Eastfield Campus ($30,000) and Forsyth Technical Community College ($25,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($50,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 48% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Achieving the Dream Inc?
Achieving the Dream Inc reported $46.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $22.7M.
What does Achieving the Dream Inc fund?
The mission stated on the organization’s 2024 filing is to lead and support a national network of community colleges in achieving sustainable institutional transformation through shared knowledge, innovative solutions, and effective practices and policies that improve outcomes for all students. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Achieving the Dream Inc?
Achieving the Dream Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check achievingthedream.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Achieving the Dream Inc's EIN?
Achieving the Dream Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-1635830. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 10, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Achieving the Dream Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Achieving the Dream Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/achieving-the-dream-inc-morg_17ac9b726e9e4c258e5dfb301d329617
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_271635830_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Achieving the Dream Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/achieving-the-dream-inc-morg_17ac9b726e9e4c258e5dfb301d329617},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Achieving the Dream Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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