American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences
American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences (AIR) is a public charity based in Arlington, Virginia, formed in 1946. It conducts behavioral and social science research and provides technical assistance in the United States and internationally, while also making grants through the AIR Opportunity Fund.
American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences at a glance
In short: American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences gave $4.2M across 34 grants in 2024 (avg $124K), mostly in District of Columbia. 68% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $4,203,677
- -11.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 34
- +21.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $123,638
- -27.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $69,571
- Total assets
- $1,058,621,770
- +4.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 68% first-time grantees (23 of 34, 2024)
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (50% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Contact
Mailing address: 1400 Crystal Drive 10Th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202
Phone: (202) 403-5000
Website: https://air.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Aspen Institute Inc ($750K). Together the top 10 received $3.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
122 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 78 grants of 122 (64%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
AIR describes work in the United States and abroad. In 2024, the largest shares of its grant dollars went to recipients in the District of Columbia (50%), California (15%), Pennsylvania (6%), Georgia (5%), and Massachusetts (5%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 34 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences open to new grantees?
68%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 23 of 34 grantees (68%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $105K; repeat grants $163K. How we count
Medians: $50K first-time, $100K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $409K (2020) to $4.8M (2023). In 2024 it made 34 grants totaling $4.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Aspen Institute Inc Washington, DC | Support Grantee's Fellowship Program | $750,000 |
| Center for Policing Equity Los Angeles, CA | See schedule I, supplemental informationenhance the organizations data infrastructure and research capacity, and to support initiatives in harm reduction, strategic partnerships, and public safety redesign, aligned with its mission to advance equity and justice | $604,405 |
| Georgetown University Washington, DC | See schedule I, supplemental informationprovide research grant to the center for innovations in community safety of the georgetown law center | $342,500 |
| The Campbell Collaboration Philadelphia, PA | See schedule I, supplemental informationgeneral support for furtherence of grantee's mission of promoting a postive social and econcomic change thru the production and use of systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis or evidence based policy and practice. | $250,000 |
| The Urban Institute Washington, DC | See schedule I, supplemental informationsupport new or reinvigorated tools and strategies to foster school integration and educational equity in pre-k public schools | $187,712 |
| Poverty and Race Research Action Council Washington, DC | See schedule I, supplemental informationsupport for the development of a research-based framework for school integration and improved k-12 student experiences in hosusing mobility programs | $176,426 |
| Thinklive Inc Atlanta, GA | See schedule I, supplemental informationsupport for the implementation and operation support of "tlive edtech platform efficacy for youth's coping and flowing with stem " | $172,360 |
| North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC | Strengthening Desegregation and Integaration in Two-Way Immersion Programs | $161,172 |
| Children's Defense Fund Washington, DC | Support children defense fund's staff and 8 youth policy consultants | $158,600 |
| American University Washington, DC | Fellowship Grant for Environmental Justice | $149,342 |
Ready to take the next step with American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
AIR’s 2024 filing says it generated revenue through contracted services and grants received from government agencies and other organizations, and that net earnings are reinvested to strengthen institutional vitality. It also says the Opportunity Fund is financed through an annual appropriation from the quasi-endowment, generally up to 5% of the trailing 36-month fair market value of the underlying investment portfolio.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,058,621,770 | $437,187,471 | $403,775,054 | $4,203,677 | 34 | $65,956,279 |
| 2023 | $1,012,152,879 | $355,310,121 | $369,579,128 | $4,767,410 | 28 | $10,097,815 |
| 2022 | $972,933,017 | $363,064,876 | $345,354,204 | $3,276,196 | 16 | $31,689,696 |
| 2021 | $1,036,780,961 | $373,123,697 | $302,864,879 | $442,879 | 20 | $81,191,401 |
| 2020 | $943,035,344 | $290,854,826 | $271,768,769 | $408,987 | 24 | $22,557,054 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
AIR’s mission is to generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all. Its stated areas of work include education, workforce development, healthcare, community safety and well-being, and related fields. The Opportunity Fund focuses on education, workforce development, public safety and policing, and community health and well-being. It supports community-driven projects, research and evidence building, capacity building, and leadership development.
AIR’s 2024 grants included support for school integration and educational equity, community safety research, youth policy work, environmental justice fellowships, and a STEM education platform. Among the grantees described in their own terms, the Campbell Collaboration says its mission is to prepare, maintain, and disseminate reviews of research on social and behavioral programs, policies, and practices. The Poverty and Race Research Action Council says it links social science research to advocacy addressing race and poverty. The Urban Institute describes itself as a nonprofit research organization that equips changemakers with evidence and solutions.
Grantmaking
In 2024, AIR reported 34 grants totaling $4,203,677. Awards ranged from $6,000 to $750,000, with a median of $69,570. The largest grants included $750,000 to the Aspen Institute for its fellowship program; $604,405 to the Center for Policing Equity for data infrastructure, research capacity, and related initiatives; and $342,500 to Georgetown University for a research grant to its Center for Innovations in Community Safety. Other grants included $250,000 to the Campbell Collaboration for general support, $187,712 to the Urban Institute for work on school integration and educational equity, and $176,426 to the Poverty and Race Research Action Council for a research-based framework related to school integration and housing mobility programs.
AIR’s website says the Opportunity Fund awards funding through grant competitions, fellowships, and strategic partnerships, but does not accept unsolicited requests. It states that there are no open grant competitions or fellowships at this time. Applications for available opportunities are submitted through an online application form, with questions tailored to the specific opportunity.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
AIR’s 2024 filing lists Jessica Heppen as president throughout the year and CEO beginning in March 2024. David Myers is listed as CEO through February 2024 and as a board and committee member. Lawrence Bobo is listed as board chair. Other listed board and committee members include Nancy Cantor Brechin, Kimberly Pattillo Brownson, Alicia Karam Harkness, Kathy McKinless, Sol Pelavin, Andrew Liakopoulos, and Manuel Pastor.
American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences is led by David Myers, CEO, Board & Cmte Member since 2024 (on filings since 2020); all 30 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
David Myers
CEO, Board & Cmte Member
Board Member, President & CEO → CEO, 2023
CEO → CEO, Board & Cmte Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$1.8M (2020) → $1.6M (2024)
Jessica Heppen President
CEO
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$953K (2024)
Sol Pelavin Bd Cmte Mbr
Board, Cmte Chair & Fmr President
New on the 2024 filing
5 hrs/week
$92K (2024)
Alicia Karam Harkness
Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Chair
Board & Cmte Member → Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Chair, 2022
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$34K (2020) → $92K (2024)
Andrew Liakopoulos
Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Chair
Board & Cmte Member → Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Dep Chair, 2021
Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Dep Chair → Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$54K (2020) → $90K (2024)
Edward Hamburg
Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Chair
Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Chair → Board, Cmte Member, Board Cmte & Dep Chair, 2023
Board, Cmte Member, Board Cmte & Dep Chair → Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$63K (2020) → $70K (2024)
Kathy McKinless
Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Chair
Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Chair → Board, Cmte Member, Board Cmte & Dep Chair, 2023
Board, Cmte Member, Board Cmte & Dep Chair → Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$69K (2020) → $92K (2024)
Kimberly Pattillo Brownson
Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Chair
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$30K (2020) → $92K (2024)
Lawrence Bobo
Board, Cmte Member & Board Chair
Board Member, Board V Chair & Board Cmte Chair → Board Cmte Member, Board Dep Chair & Cmte Chair, 2021
Board Cmte Member, Board Dep Chair & Cmte Chair → Board, Cmte Member & Board Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
6.5 hrs/week
$64K (2020) → $125K (2024)
Nancy Cantor Brechin
Board, Cmte Member & Cmte Chair
Board & Cmte Member → Board, Cmte Member & Cmte Chair of Ei, 2022
Board, Cmte Member & Cmte Chair of Ei → Board, Cmte Member & Cmte Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$43K (2020) → $92K (2024)
Dona Kilpatrick
Secretary & General Counsel
Secretary → Secretary & General Counsel, 2022
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$312K (2020) → $385K (2024)
Joseph Wagner
Vice President, Contracts, Grants & Procurement
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$311K (2020) → $338K (2024)
Lawrence B. Trapuzzano
Vice President & Program Finance
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$308K (2020) → $522K (2024)
Manuel Pastor
Board & Cmte Member
Board & Cmte Member → Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Dep Chair, 2021
Board, Cmte Member & Board Cmte Dep Chair → Board & Cmte Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$44K (2020) → $83K (2024)
Michael Garet
Vice President & Institute Fellow
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$360K (2020) → $441K (2024)
Robert F. Boruch
Board & Cmte Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$42K (2020) → $67K (2024)
David S. Seidenfeld
Senior Vice President & International Division
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$328K (2021) → $432K (2024)
Lawrence B. Friedman
Vice President & Human Services Division
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$522K (2022) → $438K (2024)
Julie R. Kochanek
Senior Vice President & Human Services
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$347K (2023) → $423K (2024)
Lesley A. Sepanloo
Senior Vice President, Human Res & Workplace Management
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$337K (2023) → $403K (2024)
Makini Nyanteh
CCO & Senior Vice President - Communications
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$409K (2023) → $431K (2024)
Mayra E. Alvarez
Board & Cmte Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
$16K (2023) → $74K (2024)
Michael Stoll
Board & Cmte Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
$66K (2023) → $76K (2024)
Timothy B. Hill
Senior Vice President & Health Divison
Vice President & Health → Senior Vice President & Health Divison, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$412K (2023) → $449K (2024)
Catherine E. Livingston
Secretary & Chief Legal Offc
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$416K (2024)
Donald Lindsey
Chief Investment Officer
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$371K (2024)
Mai Hubbard
Vice President & Health
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$400K (2024)
Marijo Ahlgrimm Treas Exec Vp
CFO & See Sch J
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$914K (2024)
Pamela Keefe
Treasurer, Senior Vice President & CFO
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$451K (2024)
Robert Ross
Board & Cmte Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
$45K (2024)
Former officers (22)
- Former: David Baker (2020–2024) — Senior Vice President & Health Division · Filing note: Ended 91223
- Former: David Osher (2020–2023) — Vice President & Institute Fellow
- Former: Delano Lewis (2020–2023) — Board & Cmte Member
- Former: Dwayne Norris (2020–2023) — Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer · Filing note: Ended 2123
- Former: Jessica Heppen (2020–2023) — President
- Former: Marijo Ahlgrimm (2020–2023) — Treasurer, Executive Vice President & CFO
- Former: Patricia Gurin (2020–2023) — Board, Cmte Member & Board Chair
- Former: Sol Pelavin (2020–2023) — Board Cmte Member, Board Cmte Chair & Fmr President
- Former: Susan Baseman (2023) — Vice President & Health
- Former: Dan D. Goldhaber (2020–2022) — Vice President, Director & Alder
- Former: Blanchie Kelley (2022) — Chief of Staff
- Former: Christina H. Kreutziger (2022) — Senior Director, Comptroller, Benefits & Policy - Hr
- Former: Adaeze B. Enekwechi (2020–2021) — Former President & Impaq Llc
- Former: Jessica Johnson (2020–2021) — Former Senior Vice President
- Former: Michael Kirsch (2020–2021) — Former Executive Vice President & COO
- Former: Sara B. Kiesler (2020–2021) — Board & Cmte Member
- Former: David Daigle (2021) — CFO & Impaq Llc
- Former: Jonathan A. Simonetta (2021) — Vice President & International
- Former: Lauren Focarazzo (2021) — Vice President & Business Development
- Former: Tina Barretto (2021) — Executive Vice President, Wrkfc, Social Prgms & Impaq Llc
- Former: William H. Shupert (2021) — Vice President & Human Capital
- Former: Stephen Coy (2020) — Executive Director, Chief Strategy Officer & Ascend
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 $1.6M, to David Myers (CEO (End 02/24)/ BD & CMTE Member). 31 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences
How much does American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences give each year?
American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences gave $4.2M across 34 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $4.8M across 28 grants.
What is American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences's typical grant size?
American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences's median grant in 2024 was $69,571, and its average grant was $123,638, across 34 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences that year got $105K on average.
Where does American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences give grants?
American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences gives mostly in District of Columbia: 50% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were California (15%) and Pennsylvania (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (11 grants), Atlanta, GA (3 grants), Chicago, IL (3 grants) and Boston, MA (2 grants).
Does American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences give general operating support?
Yes: 12% of American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (4 of 34) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Who are American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences's largest grantees?
American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences's largest 2024 grantees include The Aspen Institute Inc ($750,000), Center for Policing Equity ($604,405) and Georgetown University ($342,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 40% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences?
American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences reported $1.1B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $437.2M.
What does American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences fund?
AIR’s mission is to generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all. Its stated areas of work include education, workforce development, healthcare, community safety and well-being, and related fields. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences?
American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences does not accept unsolicited proposals, according to Grantable's research on its published guidelines. Check air.org for any change to that policy.
What is American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences's EIN?
American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 25-0965219. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences 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 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/american-institutes-for-research-in-the-behavioral-sciences-morg_4887da1b43d44574babfa0f53b2d2ed1
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_250965219_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/american-institutes-for-research-in-the-behavioral-sciences-morg_4887da1b43d44574babfa0f53b2d2ed1},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-20. 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 American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences'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.
American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences down — hundreds of funders to go?