The Commonwealth Institute for
The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis (TCI) is a Richmond, Virginia–based public charity that advances racial and economic justice in Virginia through policy advocacy informed by fiscal and policy research. Its 2024 filing reports grants to 17 organizations, all in Virginia.
The Commonwealth Institute for at a glance
In short: The Commonwealth Institute for gave $306K across 17 grants in 2024 (avg $18K), mostly in Virginia. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $306,021
- +38.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 17
- +13.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $18,001
- +22.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $3,993,205
- +3.4% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Virginia (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to The Commonwealth Institute for
- Contact
Mailing address: 1329 E Cary Street Ste 200, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 396-2051
Website: https://thecommonwealthinstitute.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Commonwealth Institute for funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Community 5050 ($35K). Together the top 10 received $206K.
Grant Size Distribution
41 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 38 grants of 41 (93%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
TCI is based in Richmond, Virginia. All grant dollars reported for 2024 went to recipients in Virginia, including organizations in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Petersburg, Norfolk, and Roanoke.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 17 itemized grants.
Cities
How The Commonwealth Institute for gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2024). 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 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $88K (2021) to $306K (2024). In 2024 it made 17 grants totaling $306K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Community 5050 Richmond, VA | Tax Policy Education | $35,000 |
| Virginia Community Voice Richmond, VA | Healthcare EduGrassroots Organizing | $25,000 |
| Sacred Heart Center Richmond, VA | Healthcare EduGrassroots Organizing | $25,000 |
| Peter Paul RVA Richmond, VA | Healthcare EduGrassroots Organizing | $25,000 |
| BlackHopeVA Richmond, VA | Support | $20,000 |
| FailSafeERA Fredericksburg, VA | Strategic PlanningGrassroots Organizing | $15,521 |
| Cospu Harrisonburg, VA | Strategic PlanningGrassroots Organizing | $15,000 |
| Hebron VA Inc Petersburg, VA | Strategic PlanningGrassroots Organizing | $15,000 |
| Keeping Us Secure & Prosperous Norfolk, VA | Strategic PlanningGrassroots Organizing | $15,000 |
| I Vote For Me Richmond, VA | Strategic PlanningGrassroots Organizing | $15,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Commonwealth Institute for?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,993,205 | $2,284,570 | $2,161,338 | $306,021 | 17 | $6,540 |
| 2023 | $3,863,756 | $2,246,254 | $2,107,951 | $220,832 | 15 | $3,164 |
| 2022 | $3,717,095 | $2,298,835 | $2,118,840 | $103,585 | 4 | $20,006 |
| 2021 | $3,474,221 | $2,951,328 | $1,801,446 | $87,500 | 1 | $14,621 |
| 2020 | $2,341,474 | $1,936,799 | $1,761,674 | $208,166 | 4 | $7,242 |
| 2019 | $2,101,922 | $2,194,098 | $1,569,513 | $151,500 | 6 | $6,352 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
In its 2024 filing, TCI stated its mission as using policy, research, and analysis to advance the well-being of Virginia communities and improve the economic security and social opportunities of all Virginians. Its filing describes work providing credible, independent, accessible analysis of fiscal and economic issues, with particular attention to people with low and moderate incomes. The listed areas are budget and tax, labor and wages, health care, immigration, and decriminalization of poverty.
On its website, TCI describes four strands of its work: community engagement, policy analysis, communications, and legislative advocacy. It also identifies priorities including economic opportunity, safe and healthy communities, public schools, and a fair tax code.
The 2024 grants included support for organizations whose own missions include community empowerment, services for Latino families, and support for people affected by incarceration. For example, Virginia Community Voice says it equips neighbors in marginalized communities to realize their community vision; Sacred Heart Center says it connects Latino families with tools to thrive through educational opportunities, youth and children’s programs, and partnerships; and Failsafe-Era says it fosters positive change for people affected by incarceration.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, TCI reported 17 grants totaling $306,021. Grant amounts ranged from $10,500 to $35,000, with a median of $15,000. The largest listed grant was $35,000 to Community 5050 for tax policy education. Other notable grants included $25,000 each to Virginia Community Voice, Sacred Heart Center, and Peter Paul RVA, and $20,000 to BlackHopeVA.
Additional 2024 grants included $15,521 to Failsafe-Era for strategic planning and grassroots organizing; $15,000 each to COSPU, Hebron VA Inc, Keeping Us Secure & Prosperous, I Vote For Me, Afrikana Institute, and Humble Hustle, with purposes listed as strategic planning and grassroots organizing. Virginia Organizing received $10,500. Its stated mission is to bring people together to create a more just Virginia, particularly by encouraging participation from people who have traditionally had little or no voice.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Ashley Kenneth as President & CEO and Leigh Anne Collier as Senior Vice President. It lists Sharhonda Woods as Chair, Judy Conti as Vice Chair, Cassandra Willis as Secretary, and Pierre Green as Treasurer. Jenny Sullivan, Donna Waddell, Bedelia Richards, and Marvin Gilliam are listed as members.
The Commonwealth Institute for is led by Ashley Kenneth, President & CEO since 2021 (on filings since 2020); 2 of 10 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Ashley Kenneth
President & CEO
Senior Vice President - Policy & Legislative Affairs → President & CEO, 2021
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$108K (2020) → $167K (2024)
Sharhonda Woods
Chair
Member → Chair, 2022
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Leigh Anne Collier
Senior Vice President
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$143K (2023) → $125K (2024)
Judy Conti
Vice Chair
Member → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Pierre Green
Treasurer
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cassandra Willis
Secretary
Member → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jenny Sullivan
Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bedelia Richards
Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Donna Waddell
Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marvin Gilliam
Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (11)
- Former: Eric Lin (2019–2023) — Member
- Former: Elaine Maag (2019–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Destiny Leverne (2022) — Member
- Former: Leigh Anne Collins (2022) — Senior Vice President
- Former: Latoya Asia (2019–2021) — Chair
- Former: Shelby Gonzales (2019–2021) — Member
- Former: Thomas Calhoun (2019–2021) — Vice Chair
- Former: Todd Cranford (2019–2021) — Member
- Former: Joseph Conti (2019–2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Michael Cassidy (2019–2020) — President & CEO
- Former: Kwame Brown (2019) — Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "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
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $167K, to Ashley Kenneth (President & CEO). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Commonwealth Institute for
How much does The Commonwealth Institute for give each year?
The Commonwealth Institute for gave $306K across 17 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $221K across 15 grants.
What is The Commonwealth Institute for's typical grant size?
The Commonwealth Institute for's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $18,001, across 17 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does The Commonwealth Institute for give grants?
The Commonwealth Institute for gives mostly in Virginia: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Richmond, VA (10 grants).
Does The Commonwealth Institute for give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 15 grants with a stated purpose on The Commonwealth Institute for's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Strategic PlanningGrassroots Organizing" (9 grants) and "Healthcare EduGrassroots Organizing" (3 grants).
Who are The Commonwealth Institute for's largest grantees?
The Commonwealth Institute for's largest 2024 grantees include Community 5050 ($35,000), Virginia Community Voice ($25,000) and Sacred Heart Center ($25,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 28% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Commonwealth Institute for?
The Commonwealth Institute for reported $4.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.3M.
What does The Commonwealth Institute for fund?
In its 2024 filing, TCI stated its mission as using policy, research, and analysis to advance the well-being of Virginia communities and improve the economic security and social opportunities of all Virginians. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Commonwealth Institute for?
The Commonwealth Institute for has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check thecommonwealthinstitute.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Commonwealth Institute for's EIN?
The Commonwealth Institute for's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-1598303. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 8, 2020)
- 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 13, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 3, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS March 20, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Commonwealth Institute for's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Community Foundation Inc
Richmond, VA
The Community Foundation funds health and wellness, education, economic prosperity, and community vibrancy, along with other causes through donor-advised and field-of-interest funds. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,100 to $1,795,000, with a median of $25,000; 78% of grant dollars went to Virginia recipients. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$852.4M
Grants
917
Total Given
$61.8M
Robins Foundation
Richmond, VA
Robins Foundation supports early childhood care and education for children from prenatal stages through age five, a vibrant Richmond community, and nonprofit capacity building. Its 2024 grants ranged from $830 to $378,175, with a median of $30,000; funding is concentrated in Virginia, especially the Richmond region. It accepts online applications through its grants portal, with specific eligibility and application requirements varying by grant program.
Assets
$172.0M
Grants
110
Total Given
$6.1M
Richmond Memorial Health Foundation
Richmond, VA
Richmond Memorial Health Foundation funds organizations advancing health and racial/ethnic equity and addressing health disparities and their social, economic, and structural causes. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $250,000, with a median of $13,000; it primarily serves Richmond City and Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, and Powhatan counties, while also considering aligned regional, statewide, or national work. It posts grant opportunities and accepts applications until a threshold is reached; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$120.6M
Grants
103
Total Given
$3.8M
Charlottesville Area Community Foundation
Charlottesville, VA
The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation funds nonprofits and community organizations working on needs such as housing, food access, health, youth development, arts, environmental stewardship, and equity in Charlottesville and surrounding counties. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of $20,100; the foundation describes application-based grant programs, but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$292.3M
Grants
437
Total Given
$27.9M
Sentara Health
Virginia Beach, VA
Sentara Health funds health services and equitable health initiatives, including access to care, medical education, scholarships, skilled careers, and community programs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,500 to $45.45 million, with a median award of $22,000, and most funding went to Virginia, with some support elsewhere. Sentara Health Plans accepts applications for qualifying community partnerships in its service area; applications are due by the first of each month.
Assets
$7.2B
Grants
325
Total Given
$63.8M
If Foundation
Washington, DC
iF supports nonprofit organizations advancing racial justice, Black self-determination, and systems change, with a focus on community power, culture, reparations, and sector change in the Washington, DC region. In 2024, grants ranged from $8,100 to $100,000, with a median of $20,000; its active Community Power program offers awards up to $75,000. The 2024 filing directs applicants to the website for application information, but does not explicitly state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$20.6M
Grants
50
Total Given
$1.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in Virginia
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Commonwealth Institute for funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-commonwealth-institute-for-morg_d545686581dd4e969eecd9bd0aa51abf
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_271598303_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Commonwealth Institute for funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-commonwealth-institute-for-morg_d545686581dd4e969eecd9bd0aa51abf},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. 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 The Commonwealth Institute for'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.
The Commonwealth Institute for down — hundreds of funders to go?