Elevate 215
Elevate 215 is a public charity based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that works to increase the number of quality schools and improve the learning experience for Philadelphia students. It supports schools and educators, family access to school information and enrollment resources, and efforts to create conditions for student success.
Elevate 215 at a glance
In short: Elevate 215 gave $2.9M across 18 grants in 2025 (avg $161K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 28% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,892,606
- +110.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 18
- +100.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $160,700
- +5.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $6,246,702
- -24.0% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 28% first-time grantees (5 of 18, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (93% 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 Elevate 215
- Invitation Only
-
Elevate 215 uses an invitation-to-apply process. Its investment team engages with schools and education organizations and invites potential grantees to apply based on organizational priorities and criteria. For grants, the organization describes reviewing applicants’ school models, academic outcomes, attendance, attrition, graduation and matriculation data, finances, growth plans, leadership capacity, interviews, and site visits. Selected applicants enter agreements with goals and performance benchmarks, and the organization says it works with grantees to support progress and address challenges.
- Contact
Mailing address: 123 South Broad - Suite 1170, Philadelphia, PA 19109
Phone: (484) 785-8111
Website: https://elevate215.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 Elevate 215
Beat the Odds Implementation Grants
Elevate 215
Amount
Up to $825,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Goals & Accountability - New School Support
Elevate 215
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Talent Pipeline Development
Elevate 215
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Elevate 215 funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Esperanza Academy Charter School ($622K). Together the top 10 received $2.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
92 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 30 grants of 92 (33%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Elevate 215’s stated school and education focus is Philadelphia. In filing year 2025, 93% of grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania, 5% to Michigan, and 2% to Massachusetts.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 18 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Elevate 215 open to new grantees?
28%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 5 of 18 grantees (28%) were first-time recipients. With only 18 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $69K; repeat grants $196K. How we count
Medians: $40K first-time, $135K 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 $1.4M (2024) to $7.7M (2020). In 2025 it made 18 grants totaling $2.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Esperanza Academy Charter School Philadelphia, PA | School Growth | $622,204 |
| The Fund for the School District of PA Philadelphia, PA | School Growth | $398,585 |
| Philadelphia Charters for Excellence Glenside, PA | Policy Advocacy | $383,800 |
| Center for Black Educator Development Elkins Park, PA | School Growth | $268,396 |
| KIPP Octavius Catto Academy Philadelphia, PA | — | $175,000 |
| Pan American Academy Charter School - V Philadelphia, PA | School Growth | $153,500 |
| Young Scholars Charter School Philadelphia, PA | School Growth | $137,500 |
| National Center for Grow Your Own Plymouth, MI | School Growth | $135,000 |
| Big Picture Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA | School Growth | $100,000 |
| Children First PA CTE Philadelphia, PA | School Growth | $100,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Elevate 215?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2025 filing reports 18 itemized grants; the 2024 filing reports 9 grants, and the 2023 filing reports 22.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $6,246,702 | $4,527,958 | $6,392,565 | $2,892,606 | 18 | $196,914 |
| 2024 | $8,223,310 | $926,596 | $2,843,273 | $1,374,424 | 9 | $175,061 |
| 2023 | $9,936,653 | $4,476,161 | $6,886,326 | $3,644,314 | 22 | $193,714 |
| 2022 | $13,796,068 | $9,811,422 | $7,134,707 | $4,096,272 | 20 | $32,164 |
| 2021 | $9,991,857 | $10,518,985 | $8,959,663 | $5,488,791 | 23 | $13,537 |
| 2020 | $8,965,776 | $15,459,691 | $10,883,409 | $7,701,975 | 118 | $690 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Elevate 215’s mission is to prepare students for the world of tomorrow by modernizing the learning experience in Philadelphia schools. It says it pursues this by supporting schools and talent, collaborating with partners, expanding family access and resources, and advocating to create conditions for success.
Its stated funding approaches include supporting schools that perform above what their demographics and enrollment predict, starting new schools or expanding existing ones, and developing pipelines for teachers, school leaders, and other school staff. Its 2024 filing describes grants to school operators for startup, expansion, or capacity building at public district, public charter, and Catholic schools in Philadelphia, as well as investments in talent development. The filing also describes support for education-related advocacy and resources to help families learn about and select schools.
Grantees’ missions illustrate the range of organizations supported. Esperanza Academy Charter School’s parent organization describes its work as creating opportunities for Hispanic children and families in Philadelphia’s Hunting Park community. The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia says its mission is to support the School District. Philadelphia Charters for Excellence says it represents, supports, and expands charter schools meeting standards for academic performance, fiscal management, and public governance. The National Center for Grow Your Own says it seeks to make it possible to become an educator without tuition costs while earning pay, primarily through Grow Your Own and Registered Apprenticeship programs.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, Elevate 215 reported 18 itemized grants totaling $2,892,606. The grants ranged from $40,000 to $622,204, with a median of $100,000.
The largest reported awards included $622,204 to Esperanza Academy Charter School for school growth; $398,585 to The Fund for the School District of PA for school growth; $383,800 to Philadelphia Charters for Excellence for policy advocacy; and $268,396 to the Center for Black Educator Development for school growth. Other awards included $175,000 to KIPP Octavius Catto Academy, $153,500 to Pan American Academy Charter School for school growth, $137,500 to Young Scholars Charter School for school growth, and $135,000 to the National Center for Grow Your Own for school growth.
Elevate 215’s website describes Beat-the-odds, Goals & Accountability, and Talent Pipeline as its three primary funding approaches. Its Beat the Odds Planning Grants program offers $50,000 per school for a six-month planning process; planning grants may lead to implementation grants of up to $825,000 over three to four years. The website also describes talent-pipeline support for educator preparation, professional development, recruitment, retention, career pathways, and diversity initiatives. Its Goals & Accountability approach supports starting or expanding schools that provide a modern learning experience.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Stacy E. Holland as Executive Director. It also lists Scott Gaiber as Deputy Chief – Talent Initiati; Letisha Laws as Deputy Chief – School Initiati; Eileen Walsh as Co-Director – Development; Tanya Ruley-Mayo as Chief of Staff; and David Saenz Jr. as Director – Communications. Benjamin Persofsky is listed as Board Chair, Zakiyyah Boone as Secretary, and H Art Taylor as a Board Member. William Marx Jr. is listed as Past Treasurer through September 15, 2024.
Elevate 215 is led by Stacy E. Holland, Executive Director on every filing since 2021; 6 of 21 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Stacy E. Holland
Executive Director
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$123K (2021) → $308K (2025)
Benjamin Persofsky
Board Chair
Director → Board Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eileen Walsh
Co-Director - Development
Co- Director → Co-Director - Development, 2023
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$119K (2022) → $131K (2025)
David A Saenz Jr.
Director - Communications
Manager - Communications → Director - Communications, 2025
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$103K (2023) → $113K (2025)
Scott Gaiber
Deputy Chief - Talent Initiati
Deputy Chief - Investments → Deputy Chief - Talent Initiati, 2025
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$178K (2023) → $188K (2025)
Letisha Laws
Deputy Chief - School Initiati
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$166K (2025)
Tanya Ruley - Mayo
Chief of Staff
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$110K (2025)
William Marx Jr.
Past Treasurer
Treasurer → Past Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Colin Kelton
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Evelyn W McNiff
Board Member
Secretary → Director, 2023
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
H Art Taylor
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sean E Vereen
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Zakiyyah Boone
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amelia Coleman Brown
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Rice
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jessica Cunningham Akoto
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Carrera Morales
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard B Worley
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andy Newcomb
Board Member
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kate Houstoun
Board Member
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chip Linehan
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (16)
- Former: F. William McNabb III (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Kevin Shafer (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Samuel Davidson (2021–2023) — Director - Development
- Former: Rachel Ellison (2023) — Chief Development Officer
- Former: Allison Resnick (2020–2022) — Co-Director - Development
- Former: Michael G O'Neill (2020–2022) — Board Chair
- Former: Salma K Khan (2021–2022) — Senior Director - Committee Eng.
- Former: Janine Yass (2020–2021) — Director -
- Former: Mark J Gleason (2020–2021) — Executive Director · Filing note: Ended 82021
- Former: Matthew Kelley (2020–2021) — Co-Director - Development
- Former: Miriam S Zahavy (2020–2021) — Managing Dir.-Comm. Resources
- Former: Evie E McNiff (2020) — Secretary
- Former: Lydia S Glassie (2020) — Director - School Investment
- Former: Marlah McDuffie (2020) — Senior Director & External Affairs
- Former: Megan Maguire Nicoletti (2020) — Director
- Former: Nicole Pullen Ross (2020) — Vice Chair
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 $308K, to Stacy E Holland (Executive Director). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Elevate 215
How much does Elevate 215 give each year?
Elevate 215 gave $2.9M across 18 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.4M across 9 grants.
What is Elevate 215's typical grant size?
Elevate 215's median grant in 2025 was $100,000, and its average grant was $160,700, across 18 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Elevate 215 that year got $69K on average.
Where does Elevate 215 give grants?
Elevate 215 gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Philadelphia, PA (14 grants).
Does Elevate 215 give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 17 grants with a stated purpose on Elevate 215's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "School Growth" (13 grants).
Who are Elevate 215's largest grantees?
Elevate 215's largest 2025 grantees include Esperanza Academy Charter School ($622,204), The Fund for the School District of PA ($398,585) and Philadelphia Charters for Excellence ($383,800), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 49% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Elevate 215?
Elevate 215 reported $6.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $4.5M.
What does Elevate 215 fund?
Elevate 215’s mission is to prepare students for the world of tomorrow by modernizing the learning experience in Philadelphia schools. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Elevate 215?
Elevate 215 uses an invitation-to-apply process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Elevate 215's EIN?
Elevate 215's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-3097212. 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 September 23, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS July 1, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS December 10, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 4, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Elevate 215's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Elevate 215 funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/elevate-215-morg_a153f8f724754124bfd7f3a2e741df6d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_273097212_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Elevate 215 funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/elevate-215-morg_a153f8f724754124bfd7f3a2e741df6d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. 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 Elevate 215'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.
Elevate 215 down — hundreds of funders to go?