Aspyr
Aspyr is a public charity based in Columbus, Ohio, that leads workforce development in Central Ohio and supports access to employment and prosperity through workforce services and grantmaking. The organization was formed in 2016.
Aspyr at a glance
In short: Aspyr gave $13.4M across 20 grants in 2025 (avg $670K), top state Kentucky. 25% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $13,395,335
- +32.7% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 20
- -4.8% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $669,767
- +39.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $327,203
- Total assets
- $6,611,179
- +59.0% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 25% first-time grantees (5 of 20, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Kentucky (46% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Aspyr
- Contact
Mailing address: 1650 Lake Shore Drive, Columbus, OH 43204
Phone: (614) 559-6051
Website: https://aspyrworkforce.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Aspyr funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Equus Workforce Solutions ($6.2M). Together the top 10 received $12.4M.
Grant Size Distribution
116 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 47 grants of 116 (41%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Aspyr describes its workforce-development work as focused on Central Ohio. In 2025, 46% of grant dollars went to recipients in Kentucky, 44% to Ohio, 7% to Florida, and 4% to Texas.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 20 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Aspyr open to new grantees?
25%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 5 of 20 grantees (25%) were first-time recipients. With only 20 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $66K; repeat grants $871K. How we count
Medians: $70K first-time, $473K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). 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 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $5.7M (2020) to $13.4M (2025). In 2025 it made 20 grants totaling $13.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Equus Workforce Solutions Louisville, KY | Program Support | $6,150,028 |
| Impact Community Action Columbus, OH | Program Support | $1,446,822 |
| Eckerd Youth Alternatives Inc Clearwater, FL | Program Support | $895,627 |
| Goodwill Columbus Columbus, OH | Program Support | $816,044 |
| The Academy for Urban Scholars Columbus, OH | Program Support | $685,786 |
| I Know I Can Columbus, OH | Program Support | $545,570 |
| Schoolinks Inc Dallas, TX | Program Support | $522,500 |
| Alvis Inc Columbus, OH | Program Support | $473,195 |
| Youthbuild Columbus Community School Columbus, OH | Program Support | $456,047 |
| Columbus State Community College Columbus, OH | Program Support | $362,823 |
Ready to take the next step with Aspyr?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $6,611,179 | $18,314,373 | $18,321,296 | $13,395,335 | 20 |
| 2024 | $4,158,592 | $13,812,424 | $13,819,738 | $10,092,023 | 21 |
| 2023 | $5,385,731 | $11,757,357 | $11,633,162 | $8,738,971 | 21 |
| 2022 | $5,573,124 | $10,258,211 | $10,275,750 | $7,611,215 | 23 |
| 2021 | $1,226,414 | $9,387,231 | $9,353,553 | $6,494,908 | 31 |
| 2020 | $1,422,563 | $7,394,272 | $7,427,035 | $5,667,782 | 14 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Aspyr states its mission is “to create access and opportunities for prosperity through collaboration and a shared vision of a better future.” Its 2024 filing describes a mission of partnering with area businesses and organizations on workforce needs so people can be fully employed at their ability and potential in the Central Ohio economy.
The organization’s stated activities include job search assistance, assessment and occupational testing, career planning, and support services. Its website also describes employer services such as workforce intelligence, talent-pipeline solutions, hiring events, labor-market analysis, and guidance on training resources. Its training-provider policies address eligibility for Area 11 training programs and workforce training tied to high-demand occupations.
The 2025 grantees include organizations whose own missions describe work in poverty reduction, workforce development, education, career readiness, and pathways to independence through work. For example, Impact Community Action describes its mission as reducing poverty through help and opportunities for self-sufficiency; Goodwill Industries of Central Ohio describes its work as supporting people with disabilities and other barriers through pathways to independence and the power of work; and I Know I Can describes its focus as equipping Central Ohio students for postsecondary education and career readiness.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, Aspyr reported 20 grants totaling $13,395,335. Grant amounts ranged from $27,020 to $6,150,028, with a median of $327,202. The listed grant purposes were program support.
Largest reported grants included $6,150,028 to Equus Workforce Solutions, $1,446,822 to Impact Community Action, $895,627 to Eckerd Youth Alternatives, $816,044 to Goodwill Columbus, and $685,786 to the Academy for Urban Scholars. Other notable awards included $545,570 to I Know I Can, $522,500 to Schoolinks, $473,195 to Alvis, $456,047 to YouthBuild Columbus Community School, and $362,823 to Columbus State Community College.
Aspyr’s website describes Career 500 as a Columbus workforce-development grant initiative funded through a grant from Columbus City Council. It was designed to support existing programs serving unemployed and underemployed Columbus residents by adding organizational capacity. The website described $1,800,000 in expected grants and listed a notice of funding availability, grant application, logic model template, and FAQ. The application deadline was January 17, 2025, and awards were expected to be announced around February 21, 2025; this was a past cycle.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Jim Negron as chair, Nichole Kneedler as co-chair, Sean Grant as treasurer, and Pegeen Cleary Potts as secretary. It also lists Anthony Caldwell, Archie Williamson, Ashon McKenzie, Brian Morris, Brian Ross, and Evelyn Sullen Smith as members.
Aspyr is led by Lisa Patt-McDaniel, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 4 of 29 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Lisa Patt-McDaniel
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$178K (2023) → $183K (2025)
Jim Negron
Chair
Member → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andrew B. Campbell
Sen Director Communications
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$101K (2025)
Chandler Shannan
COO & CFO
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$120K (2024) → $127K (2025)
Lauren Rummel
Chief Program & Initiatives Officer
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$130K (2025)
Archie Williamson
Member
Past Board Chair → Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brian Morris
Member
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Evelyn Sullen Smith
Member
Vice Chair → Past Board Chair, 2022
Past Board Chair → Member, 2025
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeremy Gildow
Member
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Courtice
Member
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matt Habash
Member
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Pegeen Cleary Potts
Secretary
Member → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Quinten Harris
Member
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sean Grant
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sumithra Jagannath
Member
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tom Poole
Member
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nichole Kneedler
Co-Chair
Member → Co Chair, 2024
Co Chair → Co-Chair, 2025
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rocky Parker
Member
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Carver
Member
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anthony Caldwell
Member
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ashon McKenzie
Member
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joy Bivens
Member
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Divine
Member
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ruchelle Pride
Member
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brian Ross
Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jamie Schumaker
Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert Bo Chilton
Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scot McLemore
Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wendy Acton
Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (17)
- Former: Bo Chilton (2020–2024) — Member
- Former: Brad Lamone (2020–2023) — Chair
- Former: Chuck Davis (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Dewitt Harrell (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Don Deperro (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Dorsey Hager (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Erik Janas (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Jim Schimmer (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Michael Hiler (2020–2023) — CFO
- Former: Rob Gartner (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Stephen Sayre (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Steve Dackin (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Pierre Bigby (2020–2022) — Member
- Former: Stephen Carson (2022) — Member
- Former: Alison Mincey (2020–2021) — Member
- Former: Daniele Lopes Johnson (2020–2021) — Member
- Former: Ronnie Marquez-Posey (2020–2021) — Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 $183K, to Lisa Patt-McDaniel (President/CEO). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Aspyr
How much does Aspyr give each year?
Aspyr gave $13.4M across 20 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $10.1M across 21 grants.
What is Aspyr's typical grant size?
Aspyr's median grant in 2025 was $327,203, and its average grant was $669,767, across 20 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Aspyr that year got $66K on average.
Where does Aspyr give grants?
Aspyr's top state is Kentucky, with 46% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Ohio (44%) and Florida (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Columbus, OH (15 grants).
Does Aspyr give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 20 grants with a stated purpose on Aspyr's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Program Support" (20 grants).
Who are Aspyr's largest grantees?
Aspyr's largest 2025 grantees include Equus Workforce Solutions ($6,150,028), Impact Community Action ($1,446,822) and Eckerd Youth Alternatives Inc ($895,627), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 63% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Aspyr?
Aspyr reported $6.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $18.3M.
What does Aspyr fund?
Aspyr states its mission is “to create access and opportunities for prosperity through collaboration and a shared vision of a better future.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Aspyr?
Aspyr has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check aspyrworkforce.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Aspyr's EIN?
Aspyr's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-1497840. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 4, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 14, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Aspyr's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Aspyr funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/aspyr-morg_951682f9364d40de93dfdba4a439a937
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_811497840_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Aspyr funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/aspyr-morg_951682f9364d40de93dfdba4a439a937},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. 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 Aspyr'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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