National Endowment for Democracy
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is an independent, nonprofit foundation based in Washington, DC, dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions around the world. It supports projects by nongovernmental groups abroad working toward democratic goals; its website says it makes more than 2,000 grants each year in more than 100 countries.
Key facts about National Endowment for Democracy
In short: National Endowment for Democracy gave $150.3M across 78 grants in 2024 (avg $1.9M), mostly in District of Columbia. 26% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.
- EIN
- 52-1344831
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990 filing, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $150,332,347
- Grants made (2024)
- 78
- Average grant
- $1,927,338
- Median grant
- $152,754
- New grantees (estimate)
- 26% first-time grantees (20 of 78, 2024)
- Total assets
- $106,498,091
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (93% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- NED provides grant guidelines and proposal-preparation guidelines for applicants. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990 filing, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 filing · View filing
Total Assets
$106.5M
-15.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$150.3M
-3.9% YoY
Grant Count
78
-11.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$1.9M
+8.4% YoY
Is National Endowment for Democracy open to new grantees?
26%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 20 of 78 grantees (26%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $168K; repeat grants $2.5M. How we count
Medians: $91K first-time, $159K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
NED’s website describes its purpose as fostering the growth of democratic institutions abroad. Its funding interests include human rights and the rule of law, independent media and freedom of information, civic education, civil society, accountability and transparency, democratic political processes, freedom of association, and a broad-based market economy.
NED says it funds nongovernmental organizations, including civic organizations, associations, and independent media. It seeks proposals from local, independent organizations for nonpartisan programs. It does not fund projects implemented in the United States, individuals, governmental bodies, or state-supported institutions such as public universities, though it may fund U.S.-based organizations carrying out eligible work abroad.
Examples among NED’s 2024 grantees illustrate the range of organizations receiving support. China Digital Times describes itself as an independent bilingual media organization sharing uncensored news and online voices from China. Scholars at Risk describes its work as protecting scholars and promoting academic freedom. PEN American Center says it works to defend free expression, advance literature, and foster international literary fellowship.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, NED reported 78 grants totaling $150,332,347. Grant amounts ranged from $7,500 to $35,410,575, with a median of $152,754.
Open Grants
8 open opportunities from National Endowment for Democracy
Democracy Award
National Endowment for Democracy
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Democracy Service Medal
National Endowment for Democracy
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Hurford Youth Fellows
National Endowment for Democracy
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with National Endowment for Democracy?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
NED says its grants support nongovernmental groups abroad in more than 100 countries. Its grantmaking website describes work extending to more than 80 countries across all regions. NED encourages applications from organizations working in varied political environments, including nascent democracies, countries undergoing democratic transitions, semi-authoritarian countries, and highly repressive societies.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 78 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
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 2024
Grant Size Distribution
367 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE Washington, DC | DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE & POLITICAL PARTIES | $35,410,575 |
| AMERICAN CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL LABOR SOLIDARITY Washington, DC | PLURALISM | $34,259,215 |
| CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE Washington, DC | PLURALISM | $33,392,527 |
| NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Washington, DC | DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE & POLITICAL PARTIES | $32,831,250 |
| CHINA DIGITAL TIMES INC Berkeley, CA | EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION, & CULTURE | $1,247,154 |
| EYE MEDIA GROUP LLC Virginia Beach, VA | EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION, & CULTURE | $770,000 |
| DIRECTORIO DEMOCRATICO CUBANO INC Miami, FL | EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION, & CULTURE | $650,004 |
| SCHOLARS AT RISK INC New York, NY | EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION, & CULTURE | $585,084 |
| INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE ON RACE EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS Washington, DC | EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION, & CULTURE | $534,835 |
| PEN AMERICAN CENTER INC New York, NY | EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION, & CULTURE | $488,260 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grant sum | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $106,498,091 | $356,168,378 | $355,484,414 | $150,332,347 | 78 |
| 2023 | $126,077,130 | $363,001,576 | $363,214,993 | $156,512,482 | 88 |
| 2022 | $107,359,443 | $322,186,225 | $322,805,657 | $134,644,451 | 82 |
NED is classified as a public charity on its Form 990 filing.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $106,498,091 | $126,077,130 | $107,359,443 |
| Revenue | $356,168,378 | $363,001,576 | $322,186,225 |
| Expenses | $355,484,414 | $363,214,993 | $322,805,657 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $237,918 | $78,186 | $86,122 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2024 filing include Kenneth Wollack, chairman; David E. Skaggs and Peter J. Roskam, co-vice chairs; Jendayi Frazer, secretary/vice chair; and Marlene Colucci, treasurer. Directors listed include Jessica Adelman, Stuart Appelbaum, Anne Applebaum, Liliana Ayalde, and Alyssa Ayres.
National Endowment for Democracy is led by Damon Wilson, President & CEO since 2022 (on filings since 2021); 8 of 38 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Damon Wilson
President & CEO
Chief Executive Officer & Begin → President & CEO, 2022
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$177K (2022) → $396K (2024)
Kenneth Wollack
Chairman
Director → Chair, 2021
Chair → Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2020
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anne Applebaum
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dayton Ogden
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marc Plattner
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nadia Schadlow
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Carpenter
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Elise Stefanik
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Mel Martinez
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Ambassador Daniel Fried
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ambassador Kelley E. Currie
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ambassador Victoria Nuland
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jessica Adelman
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Minxin Pei
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Roxanne Brown
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott D. Taylor
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ambassador Liliana Ayalde
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rachel Kleinfeld
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stuart Appelbaum
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Victor Cha PhD
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Steve E. Biegun
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Alyssa Ayres
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amaney Jamal
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Economy
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joaquin Castro
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Juan Zarate
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brian Joseph
Vice President & Programs
Vice President & Programs → Vice President Programs, 2021
Vice President Programs → Vice President & Programs, 2022
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$190K (2020) → $247K (2024)
Christopher T. Walker
Vice President, Studies & Analysis
Vice President Studies & Analysis → Vice President - Studies & Analysis, 2022
Vice President - Studies & Analysis → Vice President, Studies & Analysis, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$194K (2021) → $235K (2024)
Maju Varghese
Chief Operating Officer
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$258K (2023) → $239K (2024)
Nancy Herzog
Vice President, Grant Operations & Eval.
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$222K (2023) → $236K (2024)
Rebecca Varghese
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$163K (2024)
William Dobson
Co-Editor
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$194K (2023) → $214K (2024)
Kirsten Madison
Vice President & Government Relations
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$228K (2024)
Marlene Colucci Esq.
Treasurer
Director → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2020
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable David E. Skaggs
Co-Vice Chair
Vice Chair → Co-Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Peter J. Roskam
Co-Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2021
Vice Chair → Co-Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ambassador Jendayi Frazer
Secretary & Vice Chair
Director → Secretary & Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2022
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sheila Crowley
COO
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (43)
- Former: Barbara E. Haig (2020–2023) — Deputy to President
- Former: Carl Gershman (2020–2023) — Former President
- Former: Jayne M. Kurzman Esq. (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Laura C. Golightly (2020–2023) — Senior Director & Finance Management
- Former: Michele Dunne (2020–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: The Honorable Karen Bass (2020–2023) — Vice Chair
- Former: Ambassador Eileen Donahoe (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Ambassador Melanne Verveer (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety II (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Ambassador Richard Verma (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Elliott Abrams (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Jane Jacobsen (2023) — Senior Director & Public Affairs
- Former: Paul Moniz (2020–2022) — Senior Director & Kmit
- Former: Sheri Melvin (2021–2022) — Senior Director & Human Resources
- Former: Elizabeth Shuler (2022) — Director
- Former: J. Scott Carpenter (2022) — Director
- Former: Jodi B. Herman (2022) — Vice President, Gov't Rels & Pub Affairs
- Former: Rep Karen Bass (2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Stephen Biegun (2022) — Director
- Former: Amb Linda Thomas-Greenfield (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Barry Jackson (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Edmund M. Glabus (2020–2021) — Chief Operating Officer
- Former: Fred Redmond (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: George Weigel (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Liz Shuler (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Marilyn Carlson Nelson (2020–2021) — Secretary
- Former: The Hon Andrew H. Card Jr. (2020–2021) — Chair
- Former: The Honorable Elliott Abrams (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Ambassador William J. Burns (2021) — Director
- Former: Steve E. Biegun (2021) — Director
- Former: Amb Daniel Fried (2020) — Director
- Former: Amb Eileen Donahoe (2020) — Director
- Former: Amb Melanne Verveer (2020) — Director
- Former: Amb Richard Verma (2020) — Director
- Former: Amb Robert H. Tuttle (2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Amb Victoria Nuland (2020) — Director
- Former: Amb William J. Burns (2020) — Director
- Former: Francis Fukuyama (2020) — Director
- Former: Georges A. Fauriol (2020) — Vice President, Program Planning & Grants
- Former: J. William Leonard (2020) — Fmr. Chief Operating Officer
- Former: James Boland (2020) — Director
- Former: Mark Nelson (2020) — Senior Director & Cima
- Former: The Hon Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (2020) — Director
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
Contact
Mailing address: 1201 Pennsylvania Ave Nw 1100, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 378-9700
Website: https://ned.org
Frequently asked questions about National Endowment for Democracy
How much does National Endowment for Democracy give each year?
National Endowment for Democracy gave $150.3M across 78 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. In 2023 it gave $156.5M across 88 grants.
What is National Endowment for Democracy's typical grant size?
National Endowment for Democracy's median grant in 2024 was $152,754, and its average grant was $1,927,338, across 78 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Organizations receiving their first grant from National Endowment for Democracy that year got $168K on average.
Where does National Endowment for Democracy give grants?
National Endowment for Democracy gives mostly in District of Columbia: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (29 grants), New York, NY (11 grants), Miami, FL (5 grants) and Berkeley, CA (3 grants).
Does National Endowment for Democracy give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 78 grants with a stated purpose on National Endowment for Democracy's 2024 IRS Form 990 filing were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Education, Communication, & Culture" (57 grants), "Democratic Governance & Political Parties" (13 grants) and "Pluralism" (8 grants).
Who are National Endowment for Democracy's largest grantees?
National Endowment for Democracy's largest 2024 grantees include International Republican Institute ($35,410,575), American Center for International Labor Solidarity ($34,259,215) and Center for International Private Enterprise ($33,392,527), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Together they received 69% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is National Endowment for Democracy?
National Endowment for Democracy reported $106.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Its revenue that year was $356.2M.
What does National Endowment for Democracy fund?
NED’s website describes its purpose as fostering the growth of democratic institutions abroad. Its funding interests include human rights and the rule of law, independent media and freedom of information, civic education, civil society, accountability and transparency, democratic political processes, freedom of association, and a broad-based market economy. NED says it funds nongovernmental organizations, including civic organizations, associations, and independent media. It seeks proposals fro…
How do I apply for a grant from National Endowment for Democracy?
NED provides grant guidelines and proposal-preparation guidelines for applicants. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is National Endowment for Democracy's EIN?
National Endowment for Democracy's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-1344831. 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.
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