Education Design Lab
Education Design Lab is a public charity based in Washington, DC, formed in 2013. It designs and tests education-to-work models with higher education institutions, innovators, employers, and communities, with a focus on skills-based learning and economic mobility.
Education Design Lab at a glance
In short: Education Design Lab gave $1.4M across 40 grants in 2025 (avg $35K), top state North Carolina. 50% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,384,000
- -0.8% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 40
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $34,600
- -0.8% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $30,000
- Total assets
- $23,807,912
- +45.5% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 50% first-time grantees (14 of 28, 2025)
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (27% 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 Education Design Lab
- How to Apply
-
The available grant opportunities are described through specific RFPs. The Advancing Workforce Mobility application window is closed, and the rural workforce collaborative deadline has passed.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1200 18Th Street Nw 710, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 417-7673
Website: https://eddesignlab.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Education Design Lab
Who Education Design Lab funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Lone Star College System ($50K). Together the top 10 received $409K.
Organizations only. It also paid 13 grants to individuals ($530,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
105 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 83 grants of 105 (79%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Lab describes itself as a national nonprofit and says it has worked with colleges and organizations across the country. Its 2025 grant dollars were concentrated in an individual recipient (27%), Arkansas (22%), and Texas (10%), followed by Wisconsin and Minnesota (4% each). The rural workforce collaborative RFP focused on the Southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, two individual recipients, Tennessee, Virginia, and an individual recipient
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 40 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Education Design Lab open to new grantees?
50%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 14 of 28 grantees (50%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $34K; repeat grants $65K. How we count
Medians: $33K first-time, $30K repeat.
- 46% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2023–2025). 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 2023 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.3M (2023) to $1.4M (2024). In 2025 it made 40 grants totaling $1.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 13 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $530,000 |
| Lone Star College System The Woodlands, TX | Designers in Residence Program | $50,000 |
| University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain Foundation Mena, AR | Community College Growth Engine | $50,000 |
| Tarrant County College Foundation Fort Worth, TX | Community College Growth Engine | $50,000 |
| Johnston Community College Foundation Smithfield, NC | Emerging Practices and College Transformation | $40,000 |
| Randolph Community College Foundation Asheboro, NC | Community College Growth Engine | $40,000 |
| Alamance Community College Foundation Graham, NC | Community College Growth Engine | $40,000 |
| Piedmont Community College Foundation Roxboro, NC | Community College Growth Engine | $40,000 |
| Victoria College Foundation Victoria, TX | Community College Growth Engine | $33,000 |
| Hudson County Community College Foundation Jersey City, NJ | Community College Growth Engine | $33,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $23,807,912 | $20,582,103 | $13,190,877 | $1,384,000 | 40 | $584,195 |
| 2024 | $16,366,066 | $17,580,511 | $14,375,301 | $1,395,000 | 40 | $728,757 |
| 2023 | $12,947,382 | $15,842,213 | $11,333,320 | $1,250,000 | 25 | $155,572 |
| 2022 | $8,409,410 | $10,446,492 | $7,777,839 | — | — | $12,102 |
| 2021 | $5,756,934 | $7,567,402 | $5,562,089 | — | — | $5,251 |
| 2020 | $3,653,592 | $5,042,304 | $2,949,896 | — | — | $11,806 |
| 2019 | $1,584,928 | $2,248,655 | $2,211,410 | — | — | $4,027 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization states its mission as designing and testing new models to help higher education adapt as quickly as the economy changes, in partnership with higher education institutions, innovators, and employers. Its website describes work in shorter and stackable pathways, skills-based hiring, human-centered design and change management, and scaling solutions with equity at the center.
The Lab says it identifies gaps in the education-to-work ecosystem and brings partners, funders, and institutions together to develop, adopt, and evaluate solutions. Its services include co-designing pilots with institutional cohorts, supporting micro-credentials and sub-degree offerings, and helping employers and colleges develop data-driven pathways.
In 2025, the Lab’s grants included support for college foundations and university-system foundations. For example, the Arkansas State University System Foundation describes its role as receiving and administering property for education, research, and service activities. South Arkansas College Foundation says it supports the college and broader educational opportunities for students, staff, faculty, and county residents. Tarrant County College Foundation says its community and corporate relationships support college programming and student aid, workforce development, and the region.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Lab reported 40 grants totaling $1,384,000. Grant amounts ranged from $10,000 to $75,000, with a median of $30,000. The largest reported grant was $75,000 to Arkansas State University System Foundation for the Community College Growth Engine. Other notable grants included $50,000 each to Lone Star College System for the Designers in Residence Program and to North Arkansas College Foundation, South Arkansas College Foundation, University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain Foundation, an individual recipient Community College Foundation, and Tarrant County College Foundation for the Community College Growth Engine.
The Lab’s website announced an Advancing Workforce Mobility RFP with a $3.5 million portfolio, offering grants of up to $600,000 to U.S.-based nonprofits and governmental organizations for an 18-month initiative focused on credential transparency and skills validation. The application window has closed; the announcement said grantees were expected in early April 2026. The Lab also issued a rural workforce collaborative design challenge supported by Truist Foundation, with three planned $50,000 implementation grants. Its application deadline was February 13, 2026, so that cycle has passed.
The organization says it has a detailed selection process for re-grants. It does not require specific monitoring after disbursement, but works with institutions throughout grants to assist and monitor progress.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Lisa Larson as interim CEO until June and CEO/president thereafter, and William Hughes as CEO until January. It lists Kathleen Delaski as board chair and Kris Clerkin as vice chair. Other listed board members are Rufus Glasper, Suzanne Gibbs Howard, Sandra Sofia Lopez Nunes, Lou Pugliese, Peter Janzow, and Yvette Vargas.
Education Design Lab is led by William Hughes, CEO since 2025 (on filings since 2021); 8 of 17 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
William Hughes
CEO
Chief Executive Officer → President & CEO, 2023
President & CEO → CEO, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$54K (2021) → $366K (2025)
Kathleen Delaski
Board Chair
President & Board Chair → CEO & Board Chair, 2021
CEO & Board Chair → Board Chair, 2022
On filings since 2019
8 hrs/week
$14K (2020) → $7K (2025)
Rachel Kahn
Senior Strategic Impact Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$164K (2025)
Donald E. Fraser
Senior Vice President, Design & Innovation
Chief Program Officer → Former Chief Program Officer, 2022
Former Chief Program Officer → Senior Vice President, Design & Innovation, 2023
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$118K (2019) → $209K (2025)
Laurence Roth
Chief Growth Officer
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$210K (2019) → $272K (2025)
Kevin Stump
Vice President of Impact
Director of Impact, Evaluation & Thought Leadershi → Vice President of Impact, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$159K (2021) → $204K (2025)
Naomi Boyer
Senior Vice President & Digital Transformation
Senior Vice President of Digital Transformation → Senior Vice President & Digital Transformat, 2023
Senior Vice President & Digital Transformat → Senior Vice President & Digital Transformation, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$130K (2021) → $216K (2025)
Julienne Vinson
Vice President People Ops & Culture
Vice President, People & Culture → Vice President People Ops & Culture, 2025
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$146K (2023) → $179K (2025)
Kris Clerkin
Vice Chair
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lou Pugliese
Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rufus Glasper
Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Gibbs Howard
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sandra Sofia Lopez Nunes
Member
Member & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2024
Treasurer → Member, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Peter Janzow
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Yvette Vargas
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mordecai Brownlee
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Wallace Boston
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (17)
- Former: Lisa Larson Interim Ceo (2025) — June Then CEO & President · Filing note: Until
- Former: Lisa Larson (2022–2024) — Senior Vice President & College Transformation
- Former: Karen Parker (2024) — Vice President of Product
- Former: Miriam S. Kalk (2020–2023) — Head of Design Practice
- Former: Kelly Palmer (2023) — Member May to Sept.
- Former: Rufus Glasper Treasurer (2023)
- Former: Erik Heyer (2019–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Marta B. Urquilla (2019–2022) — Member
- Former: Laura Faulkner Director Of (2022) — Strategic Partnerships & Philanthropy
- Former: Rufus Glaspar Member (2022) — September & Then Treasurer · Filing note: Until
- Former: Sandra Sofia Lopez (2022) — Member
- Former: Binh Do (2019–2021) — Senior Education Designer
- Former: Marco Davis (2019–2021) — Member
- Former: Penny Mickey (2021) — Senior Education Designer
- Former: Donald E. Fraser Education (2020) — Designer & Then Chief Program Officer
- Former: Marta B. Urquilla Chief Program (2020) — Officer
- Former: Isaac E. Agbeshie-Noye (2019) — Education Designer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "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 $366K, to William Hughes (CEO Until January). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Education Design Lab
How much does Education Design Lab give each year?
Education Design Lab gave $1.4M across 40 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.4M across 40 grants.
What is Education Design Lab's typical grant size?
Education Design Lab's median grant in 2025 was $30,000, and its average grant was $34,600, across 40 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Education Design Lab that year got $34K on average.
Where does Education Design Lab give grants?
Education Design Lab's top state is North Carolina, with 27% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Arkansas (22%) and Texas (10%).
Does Education Design Lab give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 40 grants with a stated purpose on Education Design Lab's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Community College Growth Engine" (28 grants) and "Rural Practitioner Design Program" (6 grants).
Who are Education Design Lab's largest grantees?
Education Design Lab's largest 2025 grantees include Lone Star College System ($50,000), University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain Foundation ($50,000) and Tarrant County College Foundation ($50,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 13 grants to individuals ($530,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 11% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Education Design Lab?
Education Design Lab reported $23.8M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $20.6M.
What does Education Design Lab fund?
The organization states its mission as designing and testing new models to help higher education adapt as quickly as the economy changes, in partnership with higher education institutions, innovators, and employers. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Education Design Lab?
The available grant opportunities are described through specific RFPs. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Education Design Lab's EIN?
Education Design Lab's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-4248042. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(5)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 10, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS August 4, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 24, 2026)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS October 25, 2021)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Education Design Lab's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
American Association of Community Colleges
Washington, DC
AACC’s grants support community colleges and college foundations, with 2025 awards largely focused on “Skills to Succeed”; its separate EmployED initiative offered selected colleges $60,000 for a one-year cohort. In 2025, grants ranged from $6,000 to $196,125, with a median of $30,000, and went to recipients across multiple states. The profile does not state whether AACC accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$27.3M
Grants
118
Total Given
$4.4M
Achieving the Dream Inc
Silver Spring, MD
Achieving the Dream funds community colleges and college-related organizations for institutional transformation and student-success work, including implementation grants. Its 2025 grants ranged from $7,500 to $120,000, with a median of $25,000, and went to recipients across multiple states and Washington, DC; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
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Total Given
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Foundation for California Community Colleges
Sacramento, CA
The Foundation for California Community Colleges supports the California community college system through student success, basic needs, scholarships, workforce development, and related education and community programs. Its 2025 grants had a median award of $35,500, with most funding going to California; it offers applications for specific programs, and the available information does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$319.1M
Grants
431
Total Given
$46.7M
Educational Credit Management Corporation
Minneapolis, MN
Educational Credit supports postsecondary access and student success, including FAFSA assistance, financial education, and student-support programs. Its 2024 grants had a median of $55,383, though amounts varied widely; funding was concentrated in Minnesota, with grants also reaching other states. The profile states that ECMC Foundation accepts unsolicited requests through a rolling online Letter of Inquiry process.
Assets
$209.1M
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293
Total Given
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Ellucian Foundation
Reston, VA
The Ellucian Foundation funds higher education institutions that provide direct aid to students facing financial hardship, including help with tuition, housing, food, and transportation. Its typical PATH grants are $10,000–$25,000 (the 2025 median was $15,000), supporting eligible institutions in the U.S. and specified other countries; applications are submitted online, but the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$99K
Grants
40
Total Given
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Roberti Helen Charitable Trust
Chicago, IL
The trust funds scholarship or comparable programs that help Native American students pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional degrees, with recent grants ranging from $10,000 to $90,000 and a median of $20,000. It is based in Chicago and has recently supported organizations in several states, with the largest share of 2025 funding going to Arizona. The filing describes a written application process for eligible schools, colleges, and universities; it does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$4.5M
Grants
10
Total Given
$308K
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Education Design Lab funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/education-design-lab-morg_ad20ccd024164da4805186548939b419
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_464248042_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Education Design Lab funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/education-design-lab-morg_ad20ccd024164da4805186548939b419},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 Design Lab'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.
Education Design Lab down — hundreds of funders to go?