National Endowment for Democracy
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is an independent, nonprofit foundation based in Washington, DC. It is a Form 990 filer classified as a public charity. NED supports nongovernmental groups abroad working to advance democratic goals and strengthen democratic institutions.
National Endowment for Democracy at a glance
In short: National Endowment for Democracy gave $118.5M across 65 grants in 2025 (avg $1.8M), mostly in District of Columbia. 6% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $118,484,607
- -21.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 65
- -16.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $1,822,840
- -5.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $156,667
- Total assets
- $165,268,405
- +55.2% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 6% first-time grantees (4 of 65, 2025)
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (94% 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 National Endowment for Democracy
- How to Apply
-
NED’s website says it is accepting grant applications through its online portal. It directs applicants to its grant guidelines and proposal preparation guidelines. Applicants must be nongovernmental organizations proposing programs consistent with NED’s stated purposes; proposals should be for nonpartisan work outside the United States and other established democracies. NED does not make grants to individuals, government bodies, or state-supported institutions.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1201 Pennsylvania Ave Nw 1100, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 378-9700
Website: https://ned.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
8 open opportunities from National Endowment for Democracy
Democracy Award
National Endowment for Democracy
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Democracy Service Medal
National Endowment for Democracy
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Hurford Youth Fellows
National Endowment for Democracy
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who National Endowment for Democracy funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was American Center for International Labor Solidarity ($33.3M). Together the top 10 received $110.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
382 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 141 grants of 382 (37%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
NED’s website says its grantmaking extends to more than 80 countries across all regions and that it supports nongovernmental groups abroad in more than 100 countries. It describes its work as guided by country and regional strategies responsive to local conditions, with local actors leading reform efforts.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 65 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is National Endowment for Democracy open to new grantees?
6%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 4 of 65 grantees (6%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $133K; repeat grants $1.9M. How we count
Medians: $128K first-time, $159K repeat.
- 91% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−12%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). 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 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $20.7M (2020) to $156.5M (2023). In 2025 it made 65 grants totaling $118.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| American Center for International Labor Solidarity Washington, DC | Pluralism | $33,255,283 |
| National Democratic Institute for International Affairs Washington, DC | Democratic Governance & Political Parties | $28,653,714 |
| International Republican Institute Washington, DC | Democratic Governance & Political Parties | $23,692,159 |
| Center for International Private Enterprise Washington, DC | Pluralism | $21,642,652 |
| China Digital Times Inc Berkeley, CA | Education, Communication, & Culture | $1,026,720 |
| Freedom House Washington, DC | Education, Communication, & Culture | $675,391 |
| Eye Media Group LLC Virginia Beach, VA | Education, Communication, & Culture | $663,333 |
| Directorio Democratico Cubano Inc Miami, FL | Education, Communication, & Culture | $433,333 |
| Netfreedom Pioneers Marina Del Rey, CA | Education, Communication, & Culture | $389,375 |
| Un Mundo Sin Mordaza Inc College Station, TX | Education, Communication, & Culture | $305,387 |
Ready to take the next step with National Endowment for Democracy?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
NED’s website says it receives an annual appropriation from Congress through the Department of State. It also says it raises limited private contributions for some non-grant activities and receives subscription income from its Journal of Democracy.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $165,268,405 | $298,045,011 | $298,423,023 | $118,484,607 | 65 | $458,838 |
| 2024 | $106,498,091 | $356,168,378 | $355,484,414 | $150,332,347 | 78 | $237,918 |
| 2023 | $126,077,130 | $363,001,576 | $363,214,993 | $156,512,482 | 88 | $78,186 |
| 2022 | $107,359,443 | $322,186,225 | $322,805,657 | $134,644,451 | 82 | $86,122 |
| 2021 | $118,250,668 | $253,595,252 | $252,429,966 | $92,169,583 | 69 | $40,201 |
| 2020 | $128,355,467 | $92,352,440 | $90,813,356 | $20,734,123 | 50 | $55,078 |
| 2019 | $143,341,427 | $197,425,890 | $196,835,030 | $83,230,453 | 75 | $72,337 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
NED’s website describes its purpose as strengthening democratic institutions around the world. Its program descriptions on its 2024 filing identify three areas: education, culture, communication, and freedom of expression; democratic governance and political parties; and pluralism. The filing describes support for civic education, training, publications and other communication media; the development of strong political parties committed to democracy; and independent private-sector institutions such as trade unions, business associations, civic organizations, and women’s organizations.
NED funds nongovernmental organizations, including civic organizations, associations, independent media, and similar groups. Its website says it is interested in local, independent organizations proposing nonpartisan programs that promote human rights and the rule of law, support independent media, strengthen civil society and democratic institutions, promote accountability and civic education, and advance other democratic goals. It does not fund programs implemented in the United States or other established democracies, and does not make grants to individuals, governmental bodies, or state-supported institutions such as public universities.
Examples of grantees’ stated work include the American Center for International Labor Solidarity, which says it empowers workers to raise their voices for dignity, justice, and equality; China Digital Times, which describes itself as an independent bilingual media organization bringing uncensored news and online voices from China to the world; and Directorio Democratico Cubano, which says it promotes human rights, freedom, and democracy in Cuba.
Grantmaking
NED’s 2025 filing lists 65 grants totaling $118,484,607. The grants ranged from $9,500 to $33,255,283, with a median of $156,667. Separately, NED’s website says it makes more than 2,000 grants each year.
The largest 2025 grants listed were $33,255,283 to the American Center for International Labor Solidarity for pluralism; $28,653,714 to the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and $23,692,159 to the International Republican Institute, both for democratic governance and political parties; and $21,642,652 to the Center for International Private Enterprise for pluralism. Other listed awards included $1,026,720 to China Digital Times and $675,391 to Freedom House, both for education, communication, and culture.
NED’s website identifies the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, the Solidarity Center, and the Center for International Private Enterprise as its “core grantees.” It says each receives an equal portion of NED’s grant budget, with programs developed with NED staff and approved by its board.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists the Honorable Peter J. Roskam as chairman as of January 2025. Kenneth Wollack is listed as chairman through January 2025 and co-vice chair; the Honorable David E. Skaggs is listed as co-vice chair through January 2025. Ambassador Eileen Donahoe and the Honorable Steve E. Biegun are listed as co-vice chairs as of January 2025. Ambassador Jendayi Frazer is listed as secretary, and the Honorable Juan Zarate as treasurer. Marlene Colucci, Esq., is listed as treasurer through January 2025. Jessica Adelman and Stuart Appelbaum are listed as directors.
National Endowment for Democracy is led by Damon Wilson, President & CEO since 2022 (on filings since 2021); 8 of 39 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Damon Wilson
President & CEO
Chief Executive Officer & Begin → President & CEO, 2022
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$177K (2022) → $432K (2025)
Kenneth Wollack
Chairman & Co-Vice Chair
Chair → Chairman, 2024
Chairman → Chairman & Co-Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Peter J. Roskam
Chairman
Vice Chair → Co-Vice Chair, 2024
Co-Vice Chair → Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2019
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anne Applebaum
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dayton Ogden
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nadia Schadlow
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Elise Stefanik
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Mel Martinez
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Marc Plattner
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Carpenter
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
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
Alyssa Ayres
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amaney Jamal
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Economy
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert O'Brien
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Joaquin Castro
Director
New on the 2025 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) → $261K (2025)
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) → $251K (2025)
Nancy Herzog
Vice President, Grant Operations & Eval.
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$222K (2023) → $248K (2025)
Rebecca Varghese
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$163K (2024) → $221K (2025)
William Dobson
Co-Editor
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$194K (2023) → $224K (2025)
Kirsten Madison
Vice President & Government Relations
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$228K (2024) → $244K (2025)
Sheila Crowley
Chief Operating Officer
COO → Chief Operating Officer, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$213K (2025)
Marlene Colucci Esq.
Treasurer
Director → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2019
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable David E. Skaggs
Co-Vice Chair
Vice Chair → Co-Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ambassador Eileen Donahoe
Co-Vice Chair
Director → Co-Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2021
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ambassador Jendayi Frazer
Secretary
Director → Secretary & Vice Chair, 2024
Secretary & Vice Chair → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2022
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Steve E. Biegun
Co-Vice Chair
Director → Co-Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2023
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Juan Zarate
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (46)
- Former: Maju Varghese (2023–2024) — Chief Operating Officer
- Former: Joaquin Castro (2024) — Director
- Former: Juan Zarate (2024) — Director
- Former: Barbara E. Haig (2019–2023) — Deputy to President
- Former: Carl Gershman (2019–2023) — Former President
- Former: Jayne M. Kurzman Esq. (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Laura C. Golightly (2019–2023) — Senior Director & Finance Management
- Former: Michele Dunne (2019–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: The Honorable Karen Bass (2019–2023) — Vice Chair
- 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: Jodi B. Herman (2019–2022) — Vice President, Gov't Rels & Pub Affairs
- Former: Paul Moniz (2019–2022) — Senior Director & Kmit
- Former: Sheri Melvin (2021–2022) — Senior Director & Human Resources
- Former: Elizabeth Shuler (2022) — Director
- Former: J. Scott Carpenter (2022) — Director
- Former: Rep Karen Bass (2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Stephen Biegun (2022) — Director
- Former: Amb Linda Thomas-Greenfield (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Barry Jackson (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Fred Redmond (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: George Weigel (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Marilyn Carlson Nelson (2019–2021) — Secretary
- Former: The Hon Andrew H. Card Jr. (2019–2021) — Chair
- Former: The Honorable Elliott Abrams (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Edmund M. Glabus (2020–2021) — Chief Operating Officer
- Former: Liz Shuler (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Ambassador William J. Burns (2021) — Director
- Former: Steve E. Biegun (2021) — Director
- Former: Amb Daniel Fried (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Amb Eileen Donahoe (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Amb Melanne Verveer (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Amb Richard Verma (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Amb Robert H. Tuttle (2019–2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Amb Victoria Nuland (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Amb William J. Burns (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Francis Fukuyama (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Georges A. Fauriol (2019–2020) — Vice President, Program Planning & Grants
- Former: J. William Leonard (2019–2020) — Fmr. Chief Operating Officer
- Former: James Boland (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Mark Nelson (2019–2020) — Senior Director & Cima
- Former: The Hon Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Andrew J. Nathan (2019) — Director
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 $432K, to Mr Damon Wilson (President & CEO). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about National Endowment for Democracy
How much does National Endowment for Democracy give each year?
National Endowment for Democracy gave $118.5M across 65 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $150.3M across 78 grants.
What is National Endowment for Democracy's typical grant size?
National Endowment for Democracy's median grant in 2025 was $156,667, and its average grant was $1,822,840, across 65 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from National Endowment for Democracy that year got $133K on average.
Where does National Endowment for Democracy give grants?
National Endowment for Democracy gives mostly in District of Columbia: 94% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (23 grants), New York, NY (10 grants), Miami, FL (5 grants) and Berkeley, CA (3 grants).
Does National Endowment for Democracy give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 65 grants with a stated purpose on National Endowment for Democracy's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Education, Communication, & Culture" (50 grants), "Democratic Governance & Political Parties" (9 grants) and "Pluralism" (6 grants).
Who are National Endowment for Democracy's largest grantees?
National Endowment for Democracy's largest 2025 grantees include American Center for International Labor Solidarity ($33,255,283), National Democratic Institute for International Affairs ($28,653,714) and International Republican Institute ($23,692,159), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 72% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is National Endowment for Democracy?
National Endowment for Democracy reported $165.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $298.0M.
What does National Endowment for Democracy fund?
NED’s website describes its purpose as strengthening democratic institutions around the world. Its program descriptions on its 2024 filing identify three areas: education, culture, communication, and freedom of expression; democratic governance and political parties; and pluralism. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from National Endowment for Democracy?
NED’s website says it is accepting grant applications through its online portal. 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 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 16, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 12, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS July 29, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS July 25, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS August 12, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 17, 2020)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 17, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work National Endowment for Democracy funds
Public, Societal Benefit Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in National Endowment for Democracy's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Foundation to Promote Open Society
New York, NY
The Foundation to Promote Open Society funds organizations advancing human rights, civil society, democratic practice, equity, research, and education, with grants spanning the United States and six global regions. In 2024, its grants ranged from $5,000 to $44.9 million, with a median of $257,214. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$10.8B
Grants
738
Total Given
$481.5M
Open Society Institute
New York, NY
The Open Society Institute funds organizations and individuals advancing democracy, human rights, equity, and justice, including work on civic engagement, independent media, and digital rights. Its 2024 grants had a median of $15,000, though awards ranged widely, and it supports work nationally and globally. Application processes vary by program; most grants go to groups approached directly, and the Latin America and Caribbean program rarely funds unsolicited proposals.
Assets
$5.4B
Grants
559
Total Given
$146.9M
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations and initiatives working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work on civic engagement, civil rights, climate justice, disability rights, and technology and society. In 2024, its grants ranged from $45 to $15 million, with a median of $100,000, supporting work in the U.S. and internationally. It says most grants are identified by the foundation and it does not accept unsolicited proposals by mail, email, or phone; limited opportunities may be offered separately.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
Humanity United
San Francisco, CA
Humanity United funds systemic-change work in forced labor and human trafficking, peacebuilding, racial justice and equity, and public engagement, including journalism and policy work. It works globally, typically gives about $150,000, and reports annual grantmaking of roughly $18 million to $20 million. Requests are by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited proposals, though its Asia-Pacific Seafood Supply Chains team accepts limited inquiries for closely aligned work.
Assets
$15.4M
Grants
209
Total Given
$16.7M
Rockefeller Brothers Fund Inc
New York, NY
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund supports work on democracy, sustainable development and climate, and peacebuilding, as well as place-based efforts in China, Central America, and the Western Balkans and arts and culture in New York City. Its 2024 grants had a median of $60,000, though awards varied widely. It accepts unsolicited requests, but rarely funds them—fewer than 1 percent result in funding.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
646
Total Given
$60.4M
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
More similar funders
More Funders in District of Columbia
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). National Endowment for Democracy funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/national-endowment-for-democracy-morg_c956d03a896b4edf8ba7ef688f38966e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_521344831_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{National Endowment for Democracy funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/national-endowment-for-democracy-morg_c956d03a896b4edf8ba7ef688f38966e},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. 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 National Endowment for Democracy'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.
National Endowment for Democracy down — hundreds of funders to go?