The Working World Inc
The Working World Inc is a public charity based in New York, New York. Its 2024 filing describes Seed Commons as an applied research organization that studies, tests, assesses, and implements community economic development practices through democratic enterprise and community-controlled non-extractive capital. Its reported 2024 program included below-market-rate loans to democratic enterprises.
The Working World Inc at a glance
In short: The Working World Inc gave $3.0M across 20 grants in 2024 (avg $150K), mostly in New York. 35% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,005,971
- -20.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 20
- -4.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $150,299
- -16.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $35,575
- Total assets
- $85,705,499
- +4.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 35% first-time grantees (7 of 20, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- New York (63% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Working World Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 228 Park Avenue South 65768, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (646) 257-4144
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Working World Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Brooklyn Stone & Tile ($1.5M). Together the top 10 received $2.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
87 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 52 grants of 87 (60%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grants went to recipients in multiple states. New York accounted for 63% of grant dollars, followed by North Carolina at 11%, Ohio at 10%, California at 4%, and Washington at 3%. The filing also lists grants to organizations in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. The organization’s 2024 loan program included activity in the United States and Nicaragua.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 20 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Working World Inc open to new grantees?
35%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 7 of 20 grantees (35%) were first-time recipients. With only 20 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $33K; repeat grants $214K. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $75K 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $529K (2020) to $3.8M (2023). In 2024 it made 20 grants totaling $3.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Stone & Tile Brooklyn, NY | Equitable Recovery | $1,500,000 |
| Colaborativa La Milpa Asheville, NC | Cooperative Development | $335,000 |
| TWW NYC Solidarity Inc Brooklyn, NY | Cooperative Development | $240,000 |
| Cincinnati Union Cooperative Initiative Cincinnati, OH | Cooperative Development | $235,000 |
| New York City Network of Worker Cooperatives Elmhurst, NY | Cooperative Development | $139,814 |
| Repaired Nations Cooperative Inc Oakland, CA | Cooperative Development | $80,000 |
| Spokane Workers Cooperative LCA Spokane, WA | Cooperative Development | $75,000 |
| Southeast Center for Cooperative Development Nashville, TN | Cooperative Development | $74,583 |
| Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance Philadelphia, PA | Cooperative Development | $37,500 |
| Detroit Community Wealth Fund Detroit, MI | Cooperative Development | $37,400 |
Ready to take the next step with The Working World Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $85,705,499 | $10,092,913 | $10,405,291 | $3,005,971 | 20 | $1,807,631 |
| 2023 | $81,765,852 | $9,581,365 | $10,946,830 | $3,759,091 | 21 | $1,204,790 |
| 2022 | $77,022,754 | $7,986,885 | $6,499,540 | $1,722,826 | 18 | $20,767 |
| 2021 | $67,837,325 | $16,372,091 | $3,772,005 | $667,784 | 11 | $-107,358 |
| 2020 | $22,442,034 | $4,362,169 | $3,093,634 | $529,321 | 17 | $2,421 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to advance community economic development through democratic enterprise and community-controlled non-extractive capital. In 2024, it reported making 60 below-market-rate loans to 46 democratic enterprises, benefiting more than 3,000 worker-owners. The filing says 51 loans went to cooperative businesses in the United States and nine were made in Nicaragua. It describes a loan-selection process that considers both projected financial benefit to a cooperative and social impact, including income, employment, capacity development, and community stability.
Its 2024 grants supported organizations working on cooperative development and related community economic activity. For example, Colaborativa La Milpa describes its mission as building the capacity and sustainability of community-based organizations. The Cincinnati Union Cooperative Initiative says it develops worker-owned businesses offering family-sustaining jobs. The NYC Network of Worker Cooperatives describes its work as cultivating resources for worker cooperatives and supporting their growth for social and economic justice.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the organization reported 20 grants totaling $3,005,971. Grants ranged from $20,000 to $1,500,000, with a median of $35,575. The largest listed grants included $1,500,000 to Brooklyn Stone & Tile for equitable recovery; $335,000 to Colaborativa La Milpa for cooperative development; $240,000 to TWW NYC Solidarity Inc for cooperative development; and $235,000 to the Cincinnati Union Cooperative Initiative for cooperative development.
Other listed recipients included the NYC Network of Worker Cooperatives ($139,814), Southeast Center for Cooperative Development ($74,583), Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance ($37,500), Urban Tilth ($33,750), and Cleveland Owns ($32,500). Cleveland Owns describes itself as an economic democracy incubator that launches cooperative businesses and organizes campaigns for community control of resources.
The organization’s website says that most of its investments are made through its local network of member organizations. It advises prospective borrowers to contact a nearby member organization first; if there is no nearby member or another reason to reach out, the website provides a form for project information and says the organization may refer the inquirer or request more information.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2024 filing include Edward Leroy Whitfield, president and senior fellow; Margo Dalal, secretary and associate director of capital strategies; Guadalupe Lupe Romero Elicea, treasurer; and directors Andrew Delmonte, Emily Lerman, Kristen Barker, Andrea Golden, Gilda Haas, Briana Sidney, and Ghislain Guiebo. Haas is listed as a director until September 2024.
The Working World Inc is led by Brendan Martin, Co-Executive Director since 2022 (on filings since 2020); 11 of 16 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Brendan Martin
Co-Executive Director
President & Executive Director → President & Co-Executive Director, 2021
President & Co-Executive Director → Co-Executive Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$91K (2020) → $131K (2024)
Edward Leroy Whitfield
President & Senior Fellow
Treasurer → Treasurer & Senior Fellow, 2021
Treasurer & Senior Fellow → President & Senior Fellow, 2022
On filings since 2020
12 hrs/week
$4K (2020) → $46K (2024)
Kate Khatib
Co-Executive Director
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$81K (2021) → $132K (2024)
Andrew Delmonte
Director & Executive Director
On filings since 2022
42 hrs/week
$59K (2022) → $65K (2024)
Maria Elena Del Valle
Managing Director
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$106K (2023) → $113K (2024)
Karen Haskins
Director of Finance
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$90K (2020) → $114K (2024)
Emily Lerman
Director & Project Officer
On filings since 2022
34 hrs/week
$37K (2022) → $76K (2024)
Ghislain Guiebo
Director & Co-Exec Director
Director & Co-Executive Director → Director, 2023
Director → Director & Co-Exec Director, 2024
On filings since 2022
42 hrs/week
$84K (2022) → $64K (2024)
Christyne Dillard
Director of Lending
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$105K (2024)
Eden Schulz
Director of Administration
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$102K (2024)
Andrea Golden
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Briana Sidney
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gilda Haas
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kristen Barker
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Margo Dalal
Secretary & Associate Director of Capital Strategies
Secretary & Executive Director → Secretary & Associate Director of Capital Strategies, 2024
On filings since 2022
42 hrs/week
$73K (2022) → $97K (2024)
Guadalupe Lupe Romero Elicea
Treasurer
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (5)
- Former: Armando Robles (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Avram Lewis (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Ethan Stricker Earle (2020–2022) — Chair
- Former: Gopal Roa Nandarup Dayaneni (2020–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Melissa Hoover (2020–2022) — 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
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $132K, to Kate Khatib (Co-Executive Director). 11 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Working World Inc
How much does The Working World Inc give each year?
The Working World Inc gave $3.0M across 20 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $3.8M across 21 grants.
What is The Working World Inc's typical grant size?
The Working World Inc's median grant in 2024 was $35,575, and its average grant was $150,299, across 20 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Working World Inc that year got $33K on average.
Where does The Working World Inc give grants?
The Working World Inc gives mostly in New York: 63% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were North Carolina (11%) and Ohio (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Brooklyn, NY (2 grants).
Does The Working World Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 20 grants with a stated purpose on The Working World Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Cooperative Development" (19 grants).
Who are The Working World Inc's largest grantees?
The Working World Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Brooklyn Stone & Tile ($1,500,000), Colaborativa La Milpa ($335,000) and TWW NYC Solidarity Inc ($240,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 69% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Working World Inc?
The Working World Inc reported $85.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $10.1M.
What does The Working World Inc fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to advance community economic development through democratic enterprise and community-controlled non-extractive capital. In 2024, it reported making 60 below-market-rate loans to 46 democratic enterprises, benefiting more than 3,000 worker-owners. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Working World Inc?
The Working World Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Working World Inc's EIN?
The Working World Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-2264584. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 7, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 17, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work The Working World Inc funds
Community Improvement & Capacity Building Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Working World Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
New Economy Coalition Inc
Boston, MA
New Economy Coalition funds grassroots and movement organizations advancing a solidarity economy, with emphasis on Black-led, Black-serving work and community-led economic development. In 2024, its 41 grants ranged from $5,500 to $25,750, with a median of $7,000, supporting organizations across the United States. Grants are made through an application process; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$2.0M
Grants
41
Total Given
$357K
The Kresge Foundation
Troy, MI
The Kresge Foundation funds nonprofit operations, projects, and planning across arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, and community development, with a focus on equity and opportunity in U.S. cities—especially Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans, and Fresno. Its 2024 grants ranged from $150 to $5 million, with a median of $140,000. Program teams most often invite applicants, though some programs issue open calls or RFPs; unsolicited requests are not described as generally accepted.
Assets
$4.0B
Grants
800
Total Given
$170.0M
RSF Social Finance Inc
San Francisco, CA
RSF Social Finance funds organizations and projects advancing social and environmental change, especially in food and agriculture, climate and energy, education, and community impact. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, with awards ranging from $5,250 to $5.52 million; recipients were primarily in California, Maryland, New York, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. The profile does not state whether RSF accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$108.4M
Grants
457
Total Given
$48.2M
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
Solidaire Network Inc
Oakland, CA
Solidaire Network funds social justice movements working on racial, gender, climate and economic justice, including rapid-response protection and movement infrastructure. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,662 to $200,000, with a median of $50,000, and went to organizations across the U.S.; it says it is not accepting new grant applications, though its movement protection fund is described as open.
Assets
$17.5M
Grants
135
Total Given
$7.9M
More similar funders
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Working World Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-working-world-inc-morg_ed0e6612b66944d89183977ae4559189
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_202264584_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Working World Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-working-world-inc-morg_ed0e6612b66944d89183977ae4559189},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-21. 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 Working World Inc'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 Working World Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?