Elevate 215 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that serves as a catalyst for modernizing the learning experience in Philadelphia schools. Founded in 2010, the organization operates with 14-16 employees and focuses on advancing learning outcomes for Philadelphia students through direct investment in schools and talent development.
Key facts about Elevate 215
- EIN
- 27-3097212
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,892,606
- Grants made (2025)
- 18
- Average grant
- $160,700
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $6,246,702
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (93% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated June 2026.
Who Elevate 215 funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for Elevate 215's 18 itemized 2025 grants were Pennsylvania (93%). The most frequent recipient cities were Philadelphia, PA (14 grants). None of its 17 grants with a stated purpose were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "School Growth" (13 grants).
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$6.2M
-24.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.9M
+110.5% YoY
Grant Count
18
+100.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$161K
+5.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Elevate 215 is a catalyst for preparing students for the world of tomorrow by modernizing the learning experience in Philadelphia schools today. The organization accomplishes this by investing in schools and talent, collaborating with partners, expanding access and resources for families, and advocating to create the conditions for success.
Primary Focus Areas:
- School and Talent Grants: Supporting the start-up, expansion, or capacity building of public, public charter, and Catholic schools located in Philadelphia
- Education Administration and Services
- Fund Raising and Fund Distribution
- K-12 Education
- Charter School Support
- Parent-Teacher Organization Grants
Grantmaking
Elevate 215 makes grants to school operators to support startup, expansion, or capacity building activities. The organization conducts extensive due diligence on applicants before approving grants, including examination of school models, quantitative data on academic outcomes, analysis of student attendance, attrition, and graduation rates.
Grant Range
** Typical awards range from $21,000 to $622,204.
Ready to take the next step with Elevate 215?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Elevate 215 focuses its grantmaking and programming primarily in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with some activity noted in Michigan and Massachusetts.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Financial Data (2024):
- Total Assets: $6,246,702
- Total Revenues: $4,527,958
- Total Expenses: $6,392,565
- Number of Employees: 16
Previous Year Data (2023):
- Total Assets: $9,936,653
- Total Revenues: $4,476,161
- Total Expenses: $6,886,326
- Number of Employees: 14
Financial Health: Elevate 215 maintains a strong program expense ratio of approximately 78%, demonstrating commitment to directing resources toward programmatic work. The organization holds a 97% rating from independent charity evaluators, reflecting strong accountability and finance practices with no material diversions of assets.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $6,246,702 | $8,223,310 | $9,936,653 |
| Revenue | $4,527,958 | $926,596 | $4,476,161 |
| Expenses | $6,392,565 | $2,843,273 | $6,886,326 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $196,914 | $175,061 | $193,714 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
92 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Elevate 215
Beat the Odds Implementation Grants
Elevate 215
Amount
Up to $825,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Beat the Odds Planning Grants
Elevate 215
Amount
$50,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Goals & Accountability - New School Support
Elevate 215
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest recipients include Esperanza Academy Charter School ($622,204), The Fund for the School District of PA ($398,585), Philadelphia Charters for Excellence ($383,800).
| 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 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Executive Director: Dr. Stacy E. Holland
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| STACY E HOLLAND | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $307,779 |
| Scott Gaiber | Deputy Chief - Talent Initiati | 40 | $187,526 |
| Letisha Laws | Deputy Chief - School Initiati | 40 | $165,523 |
| Eileen Walsh | Co-Director - Development | 40 | $131,061 |
| Tanya Ruley - Mayo | Chief of Staff | 40 | $110,400 |
| David Saenz Jr | Director - Communications | 40 | $112,566 |
| Benjamin Persofsky | BOARD CHAIR | 3 | — |
| Zakiyyah Boone | SECRETARY | 3 | — |
| WILLIAM MARX JR | Past Treasurer (Thru 09/15/24) | 3 | — |
| H Art Taylor | Board Member | 3 | — |
| Dr Sean E Vereen | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| DR MICHELLE CARRERA MORALES | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| JESSICA CUNNINGHAM AKOTO | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| Richard B Worley | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| JENNIFER RICE | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| ANDY NEWCOMB | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| KATE HOUSTOUN | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| DR AMELIA COLEMAN BROWN | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| Evelyn W McNiff | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| COLIN KELTON | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| Chip Linehan | Treasurer | 3 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Elevate 215 has been active in recognizing and funding innovative education initiatives. Recent news coverage indicates the organization has awarded more than $300,000 in funding through the Elevate Prize, with winners receiving support to strengthen their storytelling and communication capabilities alongside financial grants.
Elevate Prize winners gain more than $300K in funding. They learn to betterSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Elevate 215 fund?
**Mission:** Elevate 215 is a catalyst for preparing students for the world of tomorrow by modernizing the learning experience in Philadelphia schools today. The organization accomplishes this by investing in schools and talent, collaborating with partners, expanding access and resources for families, and advocating to create the conditions for success. **Primary Focus Areas:** • School and Talent Grants: Supporting the start-up, expansion, or capacity building of public, public charter, and Ca…
How do I apply for a grant from Elevate 215?
Elevate 215 makes grants to school operators to support startup, expansion, or capacity building activities. The organization conducts extensive due diligence on applicants before approving grants, including examination of school models, quantitative data on academic outcomes, analysis of student attendance, attrition, and graduation rates. **Grant Range:** Typical awards range from $21,000 to $622,204. **Recent Grant Activity:** As of 2024, Elevate 215 awarded a $75,000 grant to Mast Community…
Where does Elevate 215 make grants?
Elevate 215 focuses its grantmaking and programming primarily in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with some activity noted in Michigan and Massachusetts.
What size grants does Elevate 215 award?
In 2025, Elevate 215 awarded 18 grants totaling $2.9M — an average of about $161K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
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.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Elevate 215's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.