Akamai Foundation Inc
Akamai Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Its stated mission is to advance digital inclusion and equitable access to STEM education, supporting early-stage and adult learners from underserved communities through global grantmaking, disaster relief, and employee volunteerism.
Akamai Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Akamai Foundation Inc gave $2.7M across 118 grants in 2024 (avg $23K), top state Massachusetts. 35% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,696,840
- -6.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 118
- +10.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $22,855
- -15.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $62,635,128
- -2.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 35% first-time grantees (34 of 97, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (33% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Akamai Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The filing directs applicants to the foundation’s website for forms, materials, deadlines, and award restrictions. It lists Foundation Source as the contact.
- Review Cycle
- The website describes an annual Early Learner STEM application window from early February until late March; the 2026 window has passed.
- Deadline
- The website describes an annual Early Learner STEM application window from early February until late March; the 2026…
- Contact
Application contact: Foundation Source
Mailing address: 55 Walls Drive 3Rd Fl, Fairfield, CT 06824
Phone: (800) 839-1754
Website: https://akamai.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Akamai Foundation Inc
Who Akamai Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Givinga Foundation Inc ($251K across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $1.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
522 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 448 grants of 522 (86%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation describes its grantmaking and employee volunteerism as global. In filing year 2024, grant dollars were distributed among recipients in Massachusetts (33%), California (13%), New York (13%), an unspecified state category (12%), and the District of Columbia (11%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 118 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Akamai Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
35%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 34 of 97 grantees (35%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $14K; repeat grants $35K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $15K repeat.
- 58% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 51% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 97% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.8M (2021) to $2.9M (2023). In 2024 it made 118 grants totaling $2.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Givinga Foundation Inc Wellesley, MA | Employee Matching Gifts program | $225,000 |
| Emergency Assistance Foundation Inc Dallas, TX | The grant payment is intended for the Akamai Compassion Fund | $129,640 |
| FFWD San Francisco, CA | Continued support for vertical of Fast Forward alumni tech nonprofits | $125,000 |
| Npower NY Inc Brooklyn, NY | Support for Advanced Training Programs | $125,000 |
| FAB Foundation Boston, MA | Fab In A Box program (FIAB) | $100,000 |
| Hidden Genius Project Oakland, CA | Support of the Immersion Program | $100,000 |
| Northeastern University Boston, MA | Support A2M4Tech Fund | $100,000 |
| Per Scholas Inc Bronx, NY | information technology training and professional development | $100,000 |
| Society for Science and the Public Washington, DC | Grand Award Category in Mathematics at the International Science and Engineering Fair | $100,000 |
| Digital Promise Global Washington, DC | Supporting cybersecurity pathways for the Opportunity Youth initiative | $75,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Akamai Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $62,635,128 | $2,173,703 | $3,600,312 | $2,696,840 | 118 | $3,434,713 | $2,030,404 | $3,542,082 |
| 2023 | $64,061,737 | $-293,182 | $3,828,951 | $2,875,968 | 107 | $3,668,332 | $1,321,878 | $3,249,293 |
| 2022 | $68,183,870 | $-375,681 | $3,669,060 | $2,690,408 | 107 | $3,387,611 | $1,033,664 | $3,360,346 |
| 2021 | $72,228,611 | $6,921,101 | $2,430,650 | $1,780,154 | 90 | $2,126,352 | $6,680,262 | $3,949,642 |
| 2020 | $67,738,160 | $21,165,073 | $2,892,304 | $2,225,366 | 100 | — | $737,961 | $2,526,030 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Akamai Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $3.5M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to help diversify the technology industry by supporting learners from underserved communities and expanding equitable access to STEM education. Its website identifies early learner STEM education, “Empower” support for college, technology career pathways and entrepreneurship, employee volunteerism, and global disaster relief as focus areas.
Its 2024 grants illustrate support for varied education and technology-related work. For example, the Hidden Genius Project describes its work as training and mentoring Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Per Scholas says it advances economic mobility through technology training, professional development, and employer connections. The Society for Science describes itself as a champion for scientific literacy, STEM education, and research. Digital Promise says it works to expand learning opportunities, especially for people historically and systematically excluded.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 118 grants totaling $2,696,840. Grants ranged from $500 to $225,000, with a median of $10,000.
Among the largest reported grants were $225,000 to Givinga Foundation for the Employee Matching Gifts program; $129,640 to Emergency Assistance Foundation for the Akamai Compassion Fund; $125,000 to FFWD for continued support of its Fast Forward alumni tech nonprofits vertical; and $125,000 to NPower NY for advanced training programs. Other notable grants included $100,000 each to Fab Foundation for Fab In A Box, the Hidden Genius Project for its Immersion Program, Northeastern University for the A2M4Tech Fund, Per Scholas for IT training and professional development, and the Society for Science for the Mathematics Grand Award category at the International Science and Engineering Fair.
The foundation’s website says its Early Learner STEM grant portal opens annually from early February through late March. The stated application criteria include tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) or 170(c), or equivalent status for organizations outside the United States, and public-charity classification under section 509(a), or equivalent status. Organizations and agencies may request funds only once per calendar year. The filing states that the foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Khalil Smith as president; Kara DiGiacomo as assistant secretary and executive director; David Neshat as treasurer; and Saskia Schwartz as secretary. Directors listed are Natalie Billingham, George Conrades, James Kretchmar, F Thomson Leighton, Prasad Mandava, and Kim Salem-Jackson.
Akamai Foundation Inc is led by Kara DiGiacomo, Assistant Secretary & Executive Director since 2024 (on filings since 2022); 1 of 12 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kara DiGiacomo
Assistant Secretary & Executive Director
Assistant Secretary → Assistant Secretary & Executive Director, 2024
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$260K (2024)
Khalil Smith
President
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anthony Williams
Director
President → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
F Thomson Leighton
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
George Conrades
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kim Salem-Jackson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Van Wazer
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Natalie Billingham
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Prasad Mandava
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Kretchmar
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Neshat
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Saskia Schwartz
Secretary
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Rachel Lipton (2022–2023) — Secretary
- Former: James Hammons (2020–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Jim Gemmell (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Liz Borowsky (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Graeme Beardsell (2020) — Director
- Former: Monique Bonner (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $260K, to Kara DiGiacomo (Assistant Sec, Exec dir).
Frequently asked questions about Akamai Foundation Inc
How much does Akamai Foundation Inc give each year?
Akamai Foundation Inc gave $2.7M across 118 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.9M across 107 grants.
What is Akamai Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Akamai Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $22,855, across 118 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Akamai Foundation Inc that year got $14K on average.
Where does Akamai Foundation Inc give grants?
Akamai Foundation Inc's top state is Massachusetts, with 33% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were California (13%) and New York (13%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (14 grants), Alexandria, VA (10 grants), Cambridge, MA (6 grants) and Boston, MA (5 grants).
Does Akamai Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 21% of Akamai Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (25 of 118) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Expenditure Responsibility Grant" (7 grants).
Who are Akamai Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Akamai Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Givinga Foundation Inc ($251,000 across 3 grants), Emergency Assistance Foundation Inc ($129,640) and FFWD ($125,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 19% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Akamai Foundation Inc?
Akamai Foundation Inc reported $62.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $3.4M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3.5M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Akamai Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to help diversify the technology industry by supporting learners from underserved communities and expanding equitable access to STEM education. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Akamai Foundation Inc?
The filing directs applicants to the foundation’s website for forms, materials, deadlines, and award restrictions. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Akamai Foundation Inc's EIN?
Akamai Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 04-3530777. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Akamai Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Akamai Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Massachusetts
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Boston Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
The Boston Foundation funds nonprofits and community initiatives focused on equity and opportunity, including child well-being, economic opportunity, community wealth, and community leadership, primarily in Greater Boston. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, while specific programs offer amounts such as $50,000; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$2.1B
Grants
2,375
Total Given
$228.4M
Eastern Bank Foundation
Wakefield, MA
Eastern Bank Foundation supports economic inclusion and mobility, including small businesses, early childhood development, affordable housing, and workforce development. Its 2025 grants ranged from $50 to $2,002,500, with a median of $2,500, primarily in Massachusetts and also in New Hampshire and Rhode Island. It accepts online applications and does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$266.7M
Grants
1,786
Total Given
$19.0M
Barr Foundation
Boston, MA
The Barr Foundation funds arts and creativity, climate, education, and New England’s social sector, primarily through long-term support for organizations in New England. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $3.275 million, with a median of $80,000. Its filing says it accepts only requests from preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests, though its website describes program-page inquiries and occasional open calls.
Assets
$1.9B
Grants
903
Total Given
$123.2M
Liberty Mutual Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
Liberty Mutual Foundation funds basic needs such as food and shelter, education and workforce development, and climate and community infrastructure, including homelessness and community preparedness programs. Its 2024 grants had a median of $35,000, and most funding supports organizations or programs serving the Boston area, though it also gives elsewhere. It accepts unsolicited online requests on a rolling basis, with no submission deadlines.
Assets
$46.1M
Grants
706
Total Given
$50.6M
Cummings Foundation Grants Inc (FKA Oneworld Boston Inc)
Woburn, MA
Cummings Foundation Grants Inc. funds nonprofits working in human services, education, healthcare, fairness and justice, and the environment, primarily in greater Boston and eastern Massachusetts. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $3.5 million, with a median of $35,000; it accepts letters of inquiry through an online portal during its application cycle, which was not open at the time described.
Assets
$258.2M
Grants
658
Total Given
$38.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Massachusetts
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Akamai Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/akamai-foundation-inc-morg_db64cbd503bf4c6cb032518de6d1b636
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_043530777_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Akamai Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/akamai-foundation-inc-morg_db64cbd503bf4c6cb032518de6d1b636},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. 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 Akamai Foundation 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.
Akamai Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?