Education Collaborative of WNY Inc logo

Education Collaborative of WNY Inc

Public charity · Grantmaker Buffalo, NY EIN: 16-1555928 Website

Education Collaborative of WNY Inc. (EdCo) is a Buffalo, New York-based public charity that brings educators, students, schools, and community partners together to support educational collaboration and opportunities. Its 2025 filing reports 13 grants totaling $1,239,985, all to recipients in New York.

Education Collaborative of WNY Inc at a glance

In short: Education Collaborative of WNY Inc gave $1.2M across 13 grants in 2025 (avg $95K), mostly in New York. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.

Annual giving (2025)
$1,239,985
+0.9% vs 2024
Grants made (2025)
13
+0.0% vs 2024
Average grant
$95,383
+0.9% vs 2024
Median grant
$103,265
Total assets
$632,681
+45.2% vs 2024
Primary geography
New York (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Latest 990 filing
Form 990, 2025 View filing

Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026.

How to apply to Education Collaborative of WNY Inc

Contact

Mailing address: PO Box 745, Buffalo, NY 14215
Phone: (716) 829-2103
Website: https://edcowny.org

Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.

Who Education Collaborative of WNY Inc funds

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 8 recipients in 2025

Buffalo Seminary: $143KBuffalo Seminary$143KNichols School: $137KNichols School$137KCanisius High School: $131KCanisius High School$131KBuffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart: $121KBuffalo Academy of the SacredHeart$121KPark School: $103KPark School$103KNardin Academy: $77KNardin Academy$77KMt Mercy Academy: $71KMt Mercy Academy$71KBuffalo Prep: $19KBuffalo Prep$19K

The largest 2025 recipient was Buffalo Seminary ($143K). Together the top 8 received $801K.

Organizations only. It also paid 5 individual scholarships ($438,595), which are not listed by name.

Grant Size Distribution

69 grants across all recorded years

8<$50K33$50–100K28$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was in the $50–100K range: 33 grants of 69 (48%).

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

All grant dollars reported for 2025 went to New York recipients. The listed grantees are in Buffalo, Snyder, Tonawanda, and Athol Springs, New York.

Grant Distribution by State

1state

Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 13 itemized grants.

States

Cities

BuffaloSnyderSouth WalesAthol SpringsLancasterTonawanda

How Education Collaborative of WNY Inc gives

  • Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−3%). Method

From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.

Giving History

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$500K$1M$1.5M15 grants2020 15 grants2021 14 grants2022 14 grants2023 13 grants2024 13 grants2025

From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.2M (2024) to $1.3M (2021). In 2025 it made 13 grants totaling $1.2M.

Grants by year

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
5 individual scholarships Recipients not named —$438,595
Buffalo Seminary Buffalo, NYScholarships/Other$142,509
Nichols School Buffalo, NYScholarships/Other$136,544
Canisius High School Buffalo, NYScholarships/Other$131,078
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart Buffalo, NYScholarships/Other$121,350
Park School Snyder, NYScholarships/Other$103,265
Nardin Academy Buffalo, NYScholarships/Other$77,400
Mt Mercy Academy Buffalo, NYScholarships/Other$70,744
Buffalo Prep Buffalo, NYCeleberation Event$18,500
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Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

The 2024 filing states that EdCo did not meet the 33% public-support threshold for the June 30, 2025 and 2024 year ends, but met the 10% facts-and-circumstances test. It also describes a transition from classification as a 509(a)(3) supporting organization toward recognition as a publicly supported charity under 509(a)(1).

Figures from IRS filings, by filing year
Filing yearTotal AssetsRevenueExpensesGrants paidGrantsNet Investment Income
2025$632,681$1,873,346$1,686,421$1,239,98513$30,638
2024$435,875$1,758,862$1,785,914$1,228,59813$2,554
2023$456,685$1,780,686$1,837,115$1,322,46514$3,411
2022$515,828$1,750,235$1,753,867$1,274,99214$8,155
2021$542,567$2,055,008$1,762,384$1,336,84615$7,331
2020$269,622$1,531,151$1,684,850$1,290,85615$3,273

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

EdCo’s mission is to facilitate collaboration among educators, students, and community partners to learn, share, and connect in order to build a just and thriving future. Its website describes work that includes educator professional development and coaching, student leadership and immersive learning experiences, shared resources for schools, and financial aid intended to reduce barriers to participation.

The organization’s 2024 filing describes its program as scholarships, technology grants, and software and training for students and teachers at educational institutions. In 2025, the listed grants were coded as “SCHOLARSHIPS/OTHER” and went to schools and other education-related organizations. For example, Buffalo Seminary says its mission is to prepare young women to be engaged scholars and citizens, while Nichols School of Buffalo describes its aim as training minds, bodies, and hearts for life and service. The Park School of Buffalo says it nurtures active learning and prepares students for college and service. Buffalo Prep says it promotes educational access and opportunity through rigorous and enriching programming for students throughout Western New York.

Grantmaking

In filing year 2025, EdCo reported 13 grants totaling $1,239,985. Grant amounts ranged from $18,500 to $149,650, with a median grant of $103,265. All reported grant dollars went to recipients in New York.

Among the largest reported awards were $149,650 to an individual recipient Collegiate Institute, $142,509 to Buffalo Seminary, $136,544 to Nichols School, $131,078 to Canisius High School, and $121,350 to Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart. Other listed recipients included an individual recipient Mary Academy ($106,500), Park School ($103,265), Nardin Academy ($77,400), an individual recipient High School ($73,600), Mt Mercy Academy ($70,744), an individual recipient High School ($65,629), and an individual recipient–St Jude High School ($43,216).

The filing also reports an $18,500 contribution to Buffalo Prep. The filing states that Eric Yarwood, identified as the executive director in its narrative, is a board member of Buffalo Prep.

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2025 filing lists Eric Yarwood as executive director; Dr. Christopher Fulco as president; Joleen Dimitroff as vice president; Katherine Spillman as secretary; and Patti Stephen as treasurer. It also lists Douglas Bean, Jeremy Besch, Dr. Matthew Giordano, Susan Kirkpatrick, and Amanda Melsby as board members.

Education Collaborative of WNY Inc is led by Christopher Fulco, President since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 12 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.

Officers on the 2025 filing

  • Christopher Fulco

    President

    Vice President → Board Vice P, 2022

    Board Vice P → President, 2025

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Eric Yarwood

    Executive Di

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $82K (2020) → $95K (2025)

  • Jeremy Besch

    Board Member

    Secretary → Board Member, 2025

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Katherine Spillman

    Secretary

    Board Member → Secretary, 2025

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Patti Stephen

    Treasurer

    Board Member → Treasurer, 2021

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Rolanda Ward

    Board Member

    On filings since 2021

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Joleen Dimitroff

    Vice President

    Board Member → Secretary, 2024

    Secretary → Vice President, 2025

    On filings since 2023

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Amanda Melsby

    Board Member

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Douglas Bean

    Board Member

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Jeanne Whittington

    Board Member

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Matthew Giordano

    Board Member

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Susan Kirpatrick

    Board Member

    New on the 2025 filing

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

Former officers (24)
  • Former: Christopher Burner (2020–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Helen Marlette (2020–2024) — President
  • Former: James Newton (2020–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Jennifer Demert (2020–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Kathryn D'angelo (2021–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Lisa Conrad (2021–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Michele Melligan (2021–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Myles Hervey (2021–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Matthew Foley (2023–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Tom Coppola (2023–2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Rebecca Reeder (2024) — Board Member
  • Former: Kevin Kelleher (2020–2023) — Board Secretary
  • Former: Sandra Betters (2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Tim Kenney (2023) — Board Member
  • Former: Andrea Tyrpak-Endres (2020–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Carol Kostyniak (2020–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Mary Holzerland (2020–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Br Michael Duffy (2021–2022) — Board Member
  • Former: Anne Kohl (2020) — Treasurer
  • Former: Brad Rogers (2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Margaret Staszak (2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Marsha Sullivan (2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Robert Scott (2020) — Board Member
  • Former: Thomas Braunscheidel (2020) — President

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

Eric Yarwood — Executive Di: $95KEric YarwoodExecutive Di$95K

The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $95K, to Eric Yarwood (Executive Di).

Frequently asked questions about Education Collaborative of WNY Inc

How much does Education Collaborative of WNY Inc give each year?

Education Collaborative of WNY Inc gave $1.2M across 13 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.2M across 13 grants.

What is Education Collaborative of WNY Inc's typical grant size?

Education Collaborative of WNY Inc's median grant in 2025 was $103,265, and its average grant was $95,383, across 13 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.

Where does Education Collaborative of WNY Inc give grants?

Education Collaborative of WNY Inc gives mostly in New York: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Buffalo, NY (7 grants).

Does Education Collaborative of WNY Inc give general operating support?

Not in 2025: none of the 13 grants with a stated purpose on Education Collaborative of WNY Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Scholarships/Other" (12 grants).

Who are Education Collaborative of WNY Inc's largest grantees?

Education Collaborative of WNY Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Buffalo Seminary ($142,509), Nichols School ($136,544) and Canisius High School ($131,078), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 5 individual scholarships ($438,595), which are not listed by name. Together they received 33% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.

How large is Education Collaborative of WNY Inc?

Education Collaborative of WNY Inc reported $633K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.9M.

What does Education Collaborative of WNY Inc fund?

EdCo’s mission is to facilitate collaboration among educators, students, and community partners to learn, share, and connect in order to build a just and thriving future. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from Education Collaborative of WNY Inc?

Education Collaborative of WNY Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check edcowny.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.

What is Education Collaborative of WNY Inc's EIN?

Education Collaborative of WNY Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 16-1555928. 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

(6)

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS January 27, 2023)
  2. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 22, 2024)
  3. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS January 16, 2025)
  4. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 20, 2026)
  5. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 24, 2021)
  6. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS January 26, 2022)

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Cite this profile

Grantable. (2026). Education Collaborative of WNY Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/education-collaborative-of-wny-inc-morg_990af661bf3b44ab9e1b358218d50129

BibTeX
@misc{grantable_161555928_2026,
  author       = {{Grantable}},
  title        = {{Education Collaborative of WNY Inc funder profile}},
  howpublished = {GrantGraph},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://grantable.co/funders/education-collaborative-of-wny-inc-morg_990af661bf3b44ab9e1b358218d50129},
  note         = {Accessed 2026-10-06. 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 Education Collaborative of WNY 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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