The Academy of American Poets Inc
The Academy of American Poets Inc is a public charity based in New York, NY. Founded in 1934, it supports American poets at all stages of their careers and fosters appreciation of contemporary poetry through prizes, fellowships, education programs, publications, and initiatives that connect readers with poetry.
Key facts about The Academy of American Poets Inc
In short: The Academy of American Poets Inc gave $504K across 26 grants in 2025 (avg $19K), top state New York. 38% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 13-1879953
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $504,044
- Grants made (2025)
- 26
- Average grant
- $19,386
- Median grant
- $13,750
- New grantees (estimate)
- 38% first-time grantees (10 of 26, 2025)
- Total assets
- $17,331,525
- Primary geography
- New York (35% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Deadline
- The 2025 Poetry Fund application deadline was May 18, 2025.
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; 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 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$17.3M
-7.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$504K
-31.4% YoY
Grant Count
26
-27.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$19K
-5.1% YoY
Is The Academy of American Poets Inc open to new grantees?
38%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 10 of 26 grantees (38%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $25K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $21K 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.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Academy’s mission is to support American poets at all stages of their careers and foster appreciation of contemporary poetry. Its programs include prizes and fellowships, educational resources, readings, publications, and coordination of the Poetry Coalition. The Academy’s 2024 filing describes that coalition as an alliance of 30 organizations whose primary missions are to promote poets and poetry.
Its 2025 grants included support for organizations with varied literary missions. For example, Kundiman describes its work as nurturing generations of writers and readers of Asian American literature; Cave Canem says it cultivates the artistic and professional growth of African American poets and promotes appreciation of African American poetry; and Youth Speaks describes its work as empowering young people through written and oral literacies. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Academy reported 26 grants totaling $504,044. Grants ranged from $5,500 to $97,200, with a median of $13,750. The largest award was $97,200 to Woodland Pattern Book Center for the Poetry Coalition, Poetry Coalition Fellowship, and Literary Partnership. Other notable grants included $39,600 to Kundiman, $38,500 to Cave Canem Foundation, and $28,600 to Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center.
The Academy has also offered specific funding opportunities. In 2025, it invited poetry organizations and presses to apply to the Poetry Fund, an initiative launched with the Amazon Literary Partnership. Applications were accepted through May 18, 2025, and final award decisions were to be made by the Amazon Literary Partnership in tandem with the Academy. The Academy’s two-year Capacity-Building Grants Program offered support for organizational capacity-building projects; its 2022 application period is closed.
Review Cycle
The 2025 Poetry Fund application deadline was May 18, 2025.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Academy of American Poets Inc
Ready to take the next step with The Academy of American Poets Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in New York (35%), Wisconsin (19%), California (13%), Minnesota (6%), and Washington (5%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 26 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $307K (2020) to $1.2M (2021). In 2025 it made 26 grants totaling $504K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Woodland Pattern Book Center ($97K). Together the top 10 received $331K.
Grant Size Distribution
236 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 221 grants of 236 (94%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Woodland Pattern Book Center Milwaukee, WI | Poetry Coalition, Poetry Coalition Fellowship, Literary Partnership | $97,200 |
| Kundiman Inc New York, NY | Literary Partnership, Poetry Coalition Fellowship | $39,600 |
| Cave Canem Foundation Inc Brooklyn, NY | Leadership Stipend, Literary Partnership | $38,500 |
| Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center Venice, CA | Poetry Coalition Fellowship, Literary Partnership | $28,600 |
| Arizona State University Foundation Tempe, AZ | Poetry Coalition | $21,100 |
| Asian American Writers Workshop New York, NY | Poetry Coalition | $21,100 |
| Massachusetts Poetry Outreach Project Boston, MA | Poetry Coalition Fellowship | $21,100 |
| Mizna St. Paul, MN | Poetry Coalition Fellowship | $21,100 |
| Poetry Society of America New York, NY | Poetry Coalition | $21,100 |
| The Lambda Literary Foundation New York, NY | Poetry Coalition Fellowship | $21,100 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $17,331,525 | $3,086,421 | $5,276,808 | $504,044 |
| 2024 | $18,729,412 | $8,337,912 | $4,936,856 | $735,250 |
| 2023 | $13,544,286 | $2,416,014 | $5,341,067 | $451,750 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $17,331,525 | $18,729,412 | $13,544,286 |
| Revenue | $3,086,421 | $8,337,912 | $2,416,014 |
| Expenses | $5,276,808 | $4,936,856 | $5,341,067 |
| Net Investment Income | $449,408 | $359,056 | $-177,948 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 14, 2024)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 5, 2026)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS July 10, 2020)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Tess O’Dwyer as chair, Alexandra C. Jackson as secretary, and Andrew Schiff as treasurer. Directors listed include Ellen Adler, Frederick Luis Aldama, Larry Berger, Sidney Clifton, Tracie D. Hall, James Johnson, and Camille Lannan.
The Academy of American Poets Inc is led by Ricardo Maldonado, Executive Director on every filing since 2024; 4 of 24 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Ricardo Maldonado
Executive Director
On filings since 2024
35 hrs/week
$81K (2024) → $191K (2025)
Tess O'Dwyer
Chair
Director → Chair, 2022
On filings since 2019
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeffery Gleaves
Director of Engagement & Content Director
Digital Engagement & Content Director → Content Director, 2023
Content Director → Director of Engagement & Content Director, 2025
On filings since 2022
35 hrs/week
$107K (2022) → $127K (2025)
Sheryl Woodruff
Director of Development
New on the 2025 filing
35 hrs/week
$111K (2025)
Bruno Navasky
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Camille Lannan
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elda Rotor
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Sobol
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eric Rayman
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gerald Richards
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Larry Berger
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maurice Tempelsman
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rose Styron
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William D. Zabel
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Johnson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Albert Lee
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Frederick Luis Aldama
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sidney Clifton
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tracie D. Hall
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ellen Adler
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gabriella Page-Fort
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Leonard Ejiogu
Vice President of Finance & Administrator
Vice President of Finance & Administration → Vice President of Finance & Administrator, 2024
On filings since 2022
35 hrs/week
$120K (2022) → $176K (2025)
Alexandra C. Jackson
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andrew Schiff
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (11)
- Former: Daniel J. Nadler (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: Michael Jacobs (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: Anjali Khosla (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Jennifer Benka (2019–2023) — President & Executive Director
- Former: Helen Houghton (2019–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Ian Kennedy (2019–2021) — Vice Chairman & Treasurer
- Former: John Blondel (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Liza Bennett (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Margaret H. Douglas-Hamilton (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Patricia Grodd (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Thomas H. Kean (2019–2021) — 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 $191K, to Ricardo Maldonado (Executive Director). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 195 Broadway 9Th Floor, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 274-0343
Website: https://poets.org
Frequently asked questions about The Academy of American Poets Inc
How much does The Academy of American Poets Inc give each year?
The Academy of American Poets Inc gave $504K across 26 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $735K across 36 grants.
What is The Academy of American Poets Inc's typical grant size?
The Academy of American Poets Inc's median grant in 2025 was $13,750, and its average grant was $19,386, across 26 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Academy of American Poets Inc that year got $10K on average.
Where does The Academy of American Poets Inc give grants?
The Academy of American Poets Inc's top state is New York, with 35% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Wisconsin (19%) and California (13%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (5 grants) and Marysville, CA (2 grants).
Does The Academy of American Poets Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 26 grants with a stated purpose on The Academy of American Poets Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Literary Partnership" (7 grants), "Poet Laureate Fellowship" (7 grants) and "Poetry Coalition Fellowship" (4 grants).
Who are The Academy of American Poets Inc's largest grantees?
The Academy of American Poets Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Woodland Pattern Book Center ($97,200), Kundiman Inc ($39,600) and Cave Canem Foundation Inc ($38,500), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 35% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Academy of American Poets Inc?
The Academy of American Poets Inc reported $17.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.1M.
What does The Academy of American Poets Inc fund?
The Academy’s mission is to support American poets at all stages of their careers and foster appreciation of contemporary poetry. Its programs include prizes and fellowships, educational resources, readings, publications, and coordination of the Poetry Coalition. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Academy of American Poets Inc?
The Academy of American Poets Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check poets.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Academy of American Poets Inc's EIN?
The Academy of American Poets Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-1879953. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Academy of American Poets Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Academy of American Poets Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Poetry Foundation
Chicago, IL
The Poetry Foundation funds U.S.-based nonprofit organizations focused on poetry and literary arts, including poetry organizations, presses, publications, and some literary arts service groups. Its General Operating Support grants are typically $10,000–$75,000 for 12 months; it also offers other grants, with 2024 awards ranging from $500 to $500,000. The General Operating Support program uses a competitive application process, with guidelines and deadlines on its grants page; Sustainable Futures grants are by invitation.
Assets
$313.2M
Grants
179
Total Given
$4.2M
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
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Just Buffalo Literary Center Inc
Buffalo, NY
Creating and strengthening communities through the literary arts.
Assets
$1.1M
Grants
6
Total Given
$95K
Hawthornden Foundation
New York, NY
Hawthornden Foundation funds contemporary writers and literary arts organizations, including presses, journals, festivals, literary centers, and writing programs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $927,000, with a median of $25,000; it funds across the U.S. and internationally, including the U.K. and regions worldwide. It does not accept unsolicited requests and contacts selected organizations to explore possible support.
Assets
$225.5M
Grants
43
Total Given
$2.5M
The Andrew W Mellon Foundation
New York, NY
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation supports arts and cultural organizations, higher education, and humanities-focused work, primarily through grants to organizations in the United States, with some support for eligible organizations abroad. In 2024, its grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.56 million, with a median of $500,000. Most grants are by invitation, but it accepts inquiries for some opportunities, including rolling inquiries for Humanities in Place.
Assets
$7.8B
Grants
848
Total Given
$555.0M
The New York Community Trust
New York, NY
The New York Community Trust funds nonprofit programs in areas such as arts, education, health, the environment, workforce development, and youth development, including projects that improve services, build organizational capacity, or advance policy and systems change. Its competitive grants mainly serve New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, with some national and international environmental funding; the 2024 median grant was $20,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.5B
Grants
2,748
Total Given
$193.8M
The Simons Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The Simons Foundation funds research and public engagement in mathematics and the physical, life, autism, and neuroscience sciences. In 2024, it made 1,727 grants, with a median award of $72,000 and amounts ranging from $1,480 to $20 million, supporting organizations in the U.S. and internationally. It states that it funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,727
Total Given
$272.0M
More Funders in New York
The Academy of American Poets Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?