Connected Nation Inc
Connected Nation Inc is a public charity based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The national nonprofit works to expand broadband access, adoption, and use, and its 2024 filing reports grants supporting digital literacy and learning.
Connected Nation Inc at a glance
In short: Connected Nation Inc gave $111K across 10 grants in 2024 (avg $11K), top state Kentucky. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $110,580
- Grants made (2024)
- 10
- Average grant
- $11,058
- Median grant
- $6,750
- Total assets
- $5,589,713
- -36.5% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Kentucky (36% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Connected Nation Inc
- How to Apply
-
The filing says grants are awarded based on review of applications from prospective recipients and that management evaluates needs in relation to Connected Nation’s mission.
- Contact
Mailing address: 191 W Professional Park Ct Suite, Bowling Green, KY 42104
Phone: (270) 781-4320
Website: https://connectednation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Connected Nation Inc
Digital Skills Training
Connected Nation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling (quarterly review)
Digital Works
Connected Nation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T
Listed byConnected Nation Inc
Amount
Up to $4,000 per team
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Connected Nation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Various Other Less Than 5000 ($46K). Together the top 10 received $111K.
Grant Size Distribution
10 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 10 grants of 10 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Connected Nation describes its work as national and says it works with communities and partners at local, state, and federal levels. The 2024 grants listed recipients in Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Michigan; the filing also reports that 36% of grant dollars went to Kentucky recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
In 2024 it made 10 grants totaling $111K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Various Other Less Than 5000 | Digital Literacy and Learning | $45,730 |
| Somali Community of Louisville Inc Louisville, KY | Digital Literacy and Learning | $14,670 |
| Black Male Working Academy Lexington, KY | Digital Literacy and Learning | $9,680 |
| Bastrop County Cares Bastrop, TX | Digital Literacy and Learning | $7,000 |
| Friends of the Lawton Public Library Lawton, OK | Digital Literacy and Learning | $7,000 |
| Mineral Point Unified School District Mineral Point, WI | Digital Literacy and Learning | $6,500 |
| Adelante Hispanic Achievers Inc Louisville, KY | Digital Literacy and Learning | $5,000 |
| Gateway Area Development District Inc Morehead, KY | Digital Literacy and Learning | $5,000 |
| Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency Alpena, MI | Digital Literacy and Learning | $5,000 |
| Regional Senior Citizens Center Madisonville, KY | Digital Literacy and Learning | $5,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Connected Nation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5,589,713 | $7,932,625 | $10,495,007 | $110,580 | 10 | $306,080 |
| 2023 | $8,797,222 | $13,356,006 | $13,264,839 | — | — | $237,107 |
| 2022 | $8,118,185 | $13,314,360 | $10,302,434 | — | — | $71,517 |
| 2021 | $5,021,239 | $16,572,653 | $15,265,697 | — | — | $42,440 |
| 2020 | $3,775,236 | $5,579,915 | $4,180,613 | — | — | $39,270 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Connected Nation’s stated mission is to improve digital inclusion for people and places that have been underserved or overlooked, by accelerating broadband availability and increasing broadband use in rural and urban areas. Its stated work includes digital skills training, career readiness, community broadband planning, and support for digital inclusion strategies.
In its 2024 filing, Connected Nation describes its Digital Literacy and Learning work as training disadvantaged families, new technology adopters, job seekers, veterans, and military spouses to use technology effectively. Its filing says that grants are awarded after reviewing applications from prospective recipients, with management evaluating needs within the organization’s tax-exempt mission.
The 2024 grantees included organizations whose own stated missions address community participation, education, and opportunity. For example, Somali Community of Louisville says it fosters Somali individuals’ and families’ ability to advocate for themselves and participate in the broader community. Black Male Working Academy says it supports African American males in advanced and AP classes and helps them prepare for college and careers. Adelante Hispanic Achievers says it provides Hispanic/Latinx youth and families with opportunities to gain skills and knowledge to contribute as informed, proactive citizens. Bastrop County Cares describes itself as a county-wide partnership working to strengthen social, health, educational, and economic opportunities.
Grantmaking
In 2024, Connected Nation reported 10 grants totaling $110,580. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $45,730, with a median of $6,750. The filing lists Digital Literacy and Learning as the purpose of the grants.
Notable 2024 awards included $14,670 to Somali Community of Louisville Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky; $9,680 to Black Male Working Academy in Lexington, Kentucky; and $7,000 to Bastrop County Cares in Bastrop, Texas. Other listed recipients included Friends of the Lawton Public Library in Oklahoma, Mineral Point Unified School District in Wisconsin, and organizations in Kentucky and Michigan. The largest listed entry was $45,730 to “Various Other Less Than 5000.”
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists:
- Thomas W. Ferree — President and Director
- John Davies — Secretary and Director
- Grant E. Seiffert — Director
- Wendy Lazarus — Director
- Jay Elliot — Director
- Mark McElroy — Director
- Zippy Duvall — Director
- Gen Peggy Combs — Director
- Bernice Bogle — Vice President, Treasurer
- Christopher Pedersen — EVP, Planning and Development
Connected Nation Inc is led by Thomas W. Ferree, President & Director on every filing since 2020; 7 of 14 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Thomas W. Ferree
President & Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$214K (2020) → $351K (2024)
Grant E. Seiffert
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
$15K (2020) → $0 (2024)
Jay Elliot
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John Davies
Secretary & Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark McElroy
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wendy Lazarus
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Zippy Duvall
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gen Peggy Combs
Director
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bernice Bogle
Vice President & Treasurer
Vice President & Treasurer → Vice President, Treasurer & CFO, 2022
Vice President, Treasurer & CFO → Vice President & Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$131K (2020) → $220K (2024)
Christopher Pedersen
Executive Vice President, Planning & Development
Vice President, Planning & Development → Executive Vice President, Planning & Development, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$130K (2020) → $222K (2024)
Jason Legg
Executive Vice President & Government Affairs
Vice President & Education Programs → Executive Vice President & Education Programs, 2023
Executive Vice President & Education Programs → Executive Vice President & Government Affairs, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$159K (2020) → $200K (2024)
Emily Jordan
Vice President Foundation & Education Initiatives
Vice President & Education Initiatives → Vice President Foundation & Education Initiatives, 2024
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$146K (2022) → $162K (2024)
Heather Gate
Executive Vice President & Digital Inclusion
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$172K (2022) → $208K (2024)
Colin Reilly
Vice President & Data Strategy
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$187K (2024)
Former officers (2)
- Former: Claudia Rico Hernandez (2023) — Project Management Director
- Former: Ashley Hitt (2022) — Vice President & Education Programs
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 $351K, to Thomas W Ferree (President and Director). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Connected Nation Inc
How much does Connected Nation Inc give each year?
Connected Nation Inc gave $111K across 10 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990.
What is Connected Nation Inc's typical grant size?
Connected Nation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $6,750, and its average grant was $11,058, across 10 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Connected Nation Inc give grants?
Connected Nation Inc's top state is Kentucky, with 36% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Texas (6%) and Oklahoma (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Louisville, KY (2 grants).
Does Connected Nation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 10 grants with a stated purpose on Connected Nation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Digital Literacy and Learning" (10 grants).
Who are Connected Nation Inc's largest grantees?
Connected Nation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Various Other Less Than 5000 ($45,730), Somali Community of Louisville Inc ($14,670) and Black Male Working Academy ($9,680), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 63% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Connected Nation Inc?
Connected Nation Inc reported $5.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $7.9M.
What does Connected Nation Inc fund?
Connected Nation’s stated mission is to improve digital inclusion for people and places that have been underserved or overlooked, by accelerating broadband availability and increasing broadband use in rural and urban areas. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Connected Nation Inc?
The filing says grants are awarded based on review of applications from prospective recipients and that management evaluates needs in relation to Connected Nation’s mission. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Connected Nation Inc's EIN?
Connected Nation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 61-1394934. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Connected Nation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Connected Nation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 9, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/connected-nation-inc-morg_a823a9ef82c04595bfb7ccdd09fe1612
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_611394934_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Connected Nation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/connected-nation-inc-morg_a823a9ef82c04595bfb7ccdd09fe1612},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-09. 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 Connected Nation 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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