The Corps Network
The Corps Network is a public charity based in Washington, DC, and the national association of Service and Conservation Corps. Its website says it was established in 1985 and has more than 140 Corps programs in its membership. It supports Corps through advocacy, access to funding and project opportunities, and guidance on operations and programming.
The Corps Network at a glance
In short: The Corps Network gave $12.1M across 69 grants in 2025 (avg $175K), top state Florida. 45% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $12,071,500
- +45.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 69
- +86.5% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $174,949
- -22.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $50,259
- Total assets
- $6,236,993
- +4.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 45% first-time grantees (31 of 69, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Florida (18% 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 The Corps Network
- How to Apply
-
The Working Lands Conservation Corps request for proposals specified eligible applicants and an application process for that program.
- Review Cycle
- The Working Lands Conservation Corps application deadline was March 31, 2025; that cycle has passed.
- Deadline
- The Working Lands Conservation Corps application deadline was March 31, 2025; that cycle has passed.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1275 K Street Nw, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 737-6272
Website: https://corpsnetwork.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Corps Network funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Conservation Legacy ($1.5M). Together the top 10 received $8.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
186 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 58 grants of 186 (31%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Corps Network’s membership includes Corps programs across the United States. In 2025, the largest shares of its grant dollars went to recipients in Florida (18%), Oregon (14%), Colorado (14%), Maryland (9%), and New York (7%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 69 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Corps Network open to new grantees?
45%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 31 of 69 grantees (45%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $57K; repeat grants $271K. How we count
Medians: $34K first-time, $84K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2018–2025). 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 2018 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $3.9M (2018) to $12.1M (2025). In 2025 it made 69 grants totaling $12.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Legacy Durango, CO | PRGM Supportprgm Support | $1,489,389 |
| Franklin's Promise Coalition Apalachicola, FL | PRGM Support | $1,320,768 |
| Northwest Youth Corps Eugene, OR | PRGM Support | $1,281,087 |
| Civic Works Baltimore, MD | PRGM Support | $1,074,089 |
| Greater Miami Service Corps Miami, FL | PRGM Support | $824,857 |
| Green City Force Brooklyn, NY | PRGM Support | $727,571 |
| Greenspaces Chattanooga, TN | PRGM Support | $445,822 |
| American Youth Works Austin, TX | PRGM Support | $417,809 |
| Heart of Oregon Bend, OR | PRGM Support | $393,836 |
| White River Natural Resources Conservation District White River Junction, VT | PRGM Support | $325,451 |
Ready to take the next step with The Corps Network?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $6,236,993 | $15,749,361 | $17,585,621 | $12,071,500 | 69 | $99,454 |
| 2024 | $5,960,977 | $14,354,511 | $14,408,837 | $8,296,313 | 37 | $28,243 |
| 2023 | $6,181,929 | $11,703,084 | $11,277,104 | $5,246,026 | 28 | $3,538 |
| 2022 | $5,701,949 | $11,314,442 | $10,265,447 | $6,085,857 | 29 | — |
| 2021 | $4,228,132 | $9,184,608 | $8,804,089 | $5,512,655 | 23 | — |
| 2020 | $3,961,850 | $10,538,550 | $10,076,016 | $6,898,255 | 40 | — |
| 2019 | $3,131,020 | $8,897,001 | $8,777,440 | $5,689,919 | 25 | — |
| 2018 | $2,583,985 | $7,183,858 | $7,257,409 | $3,852,646 | 22 | — |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to advance programs that transform young people’s lives and communities through career development, conservation, and civic engagement. Its work includes supporting youth and young adult service, workforce development, and land and water conservation projects, as well as representing the Corps movement in policy and public affairs.
The 2025 filing lists the purposes of its largest grants as program support. Grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the kinds of organizations receiving support: Conservation Legacy says it engages future leaders to protect, restore, and enhance the nation’s lands through community-based service; Northwest Youth Corps describes its work as providing education and job training to youth and young adults; and Civic Works says it strengthens Baltimore communities through education, skills development, and community service. Other grantees describe work in youth employment and training, service, and sustainability.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, The Corps Network reported 69 grants totaling $12,071,500. Grants ranged from $5,190 to $1,489,389, with a median of $50,259.
Its largest reported grants included $1,489,389 to Conservation Legacy, $1,320,768 to Franklin’s Promise Coalition, $1,281,087 to Northwest Youth Corps, $1,074,089 to Civic Works, and $824,857 to Greater Miami Service Corps. The next-largest listed awards were $727,571 to Green City Force, $445,822 to greenspaces, and $417,809 to American Youth Works.
The organization’s website lists funding opportunities that may be relevant to Corps, but notes that it is generally not affiliated with those opportunities. Separately, a 2025 request for proposals for the Working Lands Conservation Corps invited eligible organizations to apply to host members; its application deadline was March 31, 2025, so that cycle has passed.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2025 filing were Derrick A Crandall, Chair; Michele Bolos, Treasurer; Shirley Sagawa and David Vela, Co-Vice Chairs; and Leslie Weldon, Board Secretary. The other listed board members were Karen Pittman, JP Patton, Deborah Dorsett, Tonya Gayle, and Laura Herrin.
The Corps Network is led by Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President & CEO on every filing since 2018; 7 of 26 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Mary Ellen Sprenkel
President & CEO
On filings since 2018
40 hrs/week
$147K (2018) → $262K (2025)
Derrick A Crandall
Chair
Board Member → Board Chair, 2020
Board Chair → Chair, 2022
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Candace B Hollingsworth
Director of Programs
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$110K (2022) → $136K (2025)
Ellen D Owen
Director of Government Relations
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$113K (2022) → $141K (2025)
Stephanie Mathes
Director of Technical Assistance & Accreditation in Tcn
Director of Technical Assistance & Accreditation → Director of Technical Assistance & Accreditation in Tcn, 2024
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$103K (2022) → $129K (2025)
Traverse Hannah
Director of Communications in Tcn
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$106K (2025)
Evelyn Walker
COO
On filings since 2018
40 hrs/week
$121K (2018) → $192K (2025)
Harvey Timothy
Program Manager
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$116K (2025)
Bruce Saito
Board Member
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michele Bolos
Treasurer
Board Member → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rosa Moreno
Board Member
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tonya Gayle
Board Member
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Deborah Dorsett
Board Member
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kalef Jones
Board Member
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shirley Sagawa
Co-Vice Chair
Board Member → Co-Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeremy Jacobs Jr.
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Vela
Co-Vice Chair
Board Member → Co-Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Karen Pittman
Board Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amee Shah
Board Member
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jane Oats
Board Member
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Lyons
Board Member
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jono Mckinney
Board Member
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
JP Patton
Board Member
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kionne McGhee
Board Member
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Laura Herrin
Board Member
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Leslie Weldon
Board Secretary
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (23)
- Former: Louis E Caldera (2018–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: Paul Schmitz (2018–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Monique Miles (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Michael Muckle (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Stephanie Davison (2020–2023) — Vice Chair
- Former: Janes Oates (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Leslie Wilkoff (2022–2023) — Administrator of Corpsmember Assistance
- Former: Victor O Robertson Jr. (2022–2023) — Director of Workforce Development
- Former: Jennifer Palmieri (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jerry Jacobs Jr. (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Jim Houser (2018–2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Lori Johnston (2018–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Carlos Monje (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Julie Williams (2019–2020) — Secretary
- Former: Kofi Boone (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Mickey Fearn (2019) — Vice Chair
- Former: Anthony Anikeef (2018) — Board Member
- Former: Daryl Shore (2018) — Board Member
- Former: Jeff Parker (2018) — Board Member
- Former: Joe Scantlebury (2018) — Board Member
- Former: Joel Holtrop (2018) — Board Chair
- Former: Megan Walker (2018) — Secretary
- Former: Milton Fearn (2018) — Vice Chair
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2018–2025. "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 $262K, to Mary Ellen Sprenkel (President & CEO). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Corps Network
How much does The Corps Network give each year?
The Corps Network gave $12.1M across 69 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $8.3M across 37 grants.
What is The Corps Network's typical grant size?
The Corps Network's median grant in 2025 was $50,259, and its average grant was $174,949, across 69 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Corps Network that year got $57K on average.
Where does The Corps Network give grants?
The Corps Network's top state is Florida, with 18% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Oregon (14%) and Colorado (14%). The most frequent recipient cities were Saint Paul, MN (3 grants), Durango, CO (2 grants), New Orleans, LA (2 grants) and Washington, DC (2 grants).
Does The Corps Network give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 69 grants with a stated purpose on The Corps Network's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "PRGM Support" (68 grants).
Who are The Corps Network's largest grantees?
The Corps Network's largest 2025 grantees include Conservation Legacy ($1,489,389), Franklin's Promise Coalition ($1,320,768) and Northwest Youth Corps ($1,281,087), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 34% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Corps Network?
The Corps Network reported $6.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $15.7M.
What does The Corps Network fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to advance programs that transform young people’s lives and communities through career development, conservation, and civic engagement. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Corps Network?
The Working Lands Conservation Corps request for proposals specified eligible applicants and an application process for that program. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Corps Network's EIN?
The Corps Network's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-1480202. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2018–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(9)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 13, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 6, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 11, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2018 (received by the IRS June 24, 2020)
- 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 10, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Corps Network's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Corps Network funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-corps-network-morg_2a0476a2a8bc4ddabca394aa792ed82b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_521480202_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Corps Network funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-corps-network-morg_2a0476a2a8bc4ddabca394aa792ed82b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. 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 Corps Network'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 Corps Network down — hundreds of funders to go?