Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group
TWIN CITIES SCHOOLS' is a public charity based in Longmont, Colorado. It supports community power and collective liberation through grantmaking, and participates in programs supporting education-related work and affordable broadband access for schools and nonprofits.
Key facts about Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group
In short: Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group gave $1.3M across 33 grants in 2025 (avg $38K), mostly in Illinois. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 41-1804970
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,267,500
- Grants made (2025)
- 33
- Average grant
- $38,409
- Median grant
- $42,000
- Total assets
- $28,818,729
- Primary geography
- Illinois (52% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- Voqal Partners does not accept unsolicited requests. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. 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
$28.8M
+260.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.3M
+274.3% YoY
Grant Count
33
+230.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$38K
+13.4% YoY
How Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (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 filing refers to Schedule O for the organization’s mission. Voqal Partners states its mission as supporting communities in expanding and exercising their power, and its vision as creating and sustaining collective liberation and abolishing systemic oppression.
The funder says it makes grants to organizations working on public policy advocacy and system change, including community organizers and movement-building groups. Its 2025 grants included organizations with varied missions: Illinois Immigrant Action describes its work as promoting immigrants’ full and equal participation; Blackroots Alliance says it works for the safety and liberation of Black people and Black-centered community transformation; and Urban Gateways says it engages young people in arts experiences to inspire creativity and social change.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the organization reported 33 grants totaling $1,267,500. Grants ranged from $10,000 to $90,000, with a median of $42,000. The largest reported awards included $90,000 to Illinois Immigrant Action, $60,500 to the Center for Racial and Gender Equity, $60,000 each to Blackroots Alliance and the Center for Media Justice, and $58,000 to the Minnesota Black Collective Foundation. The listed purposes for these grants were core support.
Ready to take the next step with Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Voqal Partners prioritizes organizations based in Chicago and the Twin Cities. In 2025, the largest shares of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois (52%) and Minnesota (29%); recipients in California received 9%, and those in Florida and Tennessee received 2% each.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 33 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $302K (2020) to $1.3M (2025). In 2025 it made 33 grants totaling $1.3M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Illinois Immigrant Action ($90K). Together the top 10 received $579K.
Grant Size Distribution
68 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 52 grants of 68 (76%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Immigrant Action Chicago, IL | Core Support | $90,000 |
| Center for Racial and Gender Equity Chicago, IL | Core Support | $60,500 |
| Blackroots Alliance Chicago, IL | Core Support | $60,000 |
| Center for Media Justice Oakland, CA | Core Support | $60,000 |
| Minnesota Black Collective Foundation Minneapolis, MN | Core Support | $58,000 |
| Urban Gateways Chicago, IL | Core Support | $50,000 |
| United Working Families Chicago, IL | Core Support | $50,000 |
| The People's Lobby Chicago, IL | Core Support | $50,000 |
| One People's Campaign Chicago, IL | Core Support | $50,000 |
| Jane Addams Seniors Senior Caucus Chicago, IL | Core Support | $50,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,818,729 | $4,469,348 | $3,301,607 | $1,267,500 |
| 2024 | $7,986,299 | $2,713,471 | $2,632,034 | $338,665 |
| 2023 | $7,329,525 | $4,618,036 | $4,389,801 | $409,096 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $28,818,729 | $7,986,299 | $7,329,525 |
| Revenue | $4,469,348 | $2,713,471 | $4,618,036 |
| Expenses | $3,301,607 | $2,632,034 | $4,389,801 |
| Net Investment Income | $604,116 | $183,193 | $142,830 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 10, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS February 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS March 21, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS February 4, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 3, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2025 filing are Maria Hadden, president; Denise Mayotte, secretary; Ron Harris, treasurer; Christina Dawkins, Lilly Gleich, Barbara Iverson, David McKay, Dan O'Neil, and Cec Ortiz, directors; and Brenda Williams-Sears, CEO.
Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group is led by Brenda Williams-Sears, CEO on every filing since 2022; 3 of 11 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Brenda Williams-Sears
CEO
On filings since 2022
20 hrs/week
$233K (2025)
Maria Hadden
President
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dan O'Neil
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
$32K (2025)
David McKay
Director
Vice President → President & Director, 2022
President & Director → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Barbara Iverson
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cec Ortiz
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christina Dawkins
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lilly Gleich
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Reed
CFO
On filings since 2022
20 hrs/week
$205K (2025)
Denise Mayotte
Secretary
Secretary → Secretary & Director, 2022
Secretary & Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ron Harris
Treasurer
Treasurer → Treasurer & Director, 2022
Treasurer & Director → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Adam Miller (2020–2024) — Assistant Secretary
- Former: Kim Bubon (2020–2024) — Assistant Secretary
- Former: Cecilia Ortiz (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Barbara Hunter (2020–2021) — CFO
- Former: John Schwartz (2020–2021) — Executive Director
- Former: Luchelle Stevens (2020–2021) — President
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 $233K, to Brenda Williams-Sears (CEO). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 205 Ken Pratt Blvd Ste 120 Pmb 103, Longmont, CO 80501
Phone: (303) 532-2852
Website: https://voqalpartners.org
Frequently asked questions about Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group
How much does Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group give each year?
Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group gave $1.3M across 33 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $339K across 10 grants.
What is Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group's typical grant size?
Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group's median grant in 2025 was $42,000, and its average grant was $38,409, across 33 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group give grants?
Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group gives mostly in Illinois: 52% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Minnesota (29%) and California (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (15 grants), Minneapolis, MN (8 grants) and Oakland, CA (2 grants).
Does Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 33 grants with a stated purpose on Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Core Support" (33 grants).
Who are Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group's largest grantees?
Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group's largest 2025 grantees include Illinois Immigrant Action ($90,000), Center for Racial and Gender Equity ($60,500) and Blackroots Alliance ($60,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 17% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group?
Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group reported $28.8M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $4.5M.
What does Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group fund?
The filing refers to Schedule O for the organization’s mission. Voqal Partners states its mission as supporting communities in expanding and exercising their power, and its vision as creating and sustaining collective liberation and abolishing systemic oppression. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group?
Voqal Partners does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group's EIN?
Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-1804970. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
State Engagement Fund
Raleigh, NC
STATE ENGAGEMENT FUND supports nonprofit capacity-building and coordination in health care, public education, equality, the environment, poverty, civic engagement, and communications. Its two 2024 grants ranged from about $1.3 million to $18.1 million, with most funding going to North Carolina and the remainder to Washington, DC. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.2M
Grants
2
Total Given
$19.4M
Alliance for a Better Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN
We specialize in using digital and social media, media relations, and original content like videos, graphics, and blogs to increase support for progressive ideals. Together, we can build a Minnesota that works for everyone.
Assets
$253K
Grants
3
Total Given
$217K
Women's Foundation of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota funds community-led work advancing gender and racial justice, including safety, leadership, well-being and reproductive justice, and economic justice, primarily across Minnesota. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,250 to $340,000, with a median of $20,375; several programs are invitation-only, and the profile does not describe a general unsolicited application process.
Assets
$39.4M
Grants
90
Total Given
$3.9M
See Forward Fund Inc
Northampton, MA
The organization's purpose is to support social welfare purposes, primarily public education and advocacy on issues of social justice, environmental protection, civil rights and civic participation.
Assets
$676K
Grants
7
Total Given
$240K
Archie D and Bertha H Walker
Excelsior, MN
The foundation supports Twin Cities-area nonprofits, alternating between anti-racism and equity work in even years and arts organizations in odd years. Its annual program offers a fixed $5,000 operating grant; it serves eligible organizations in seven Twin Cities counties. Although its website describes an application process, its filing says it funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$9.4M
Grants
8
Total Given
$299K
Minnesota Council on Foundations
Saint Paul, MN
The Minnesota Council on Foundations supports Minnesota organizations advancing civic engagement, voting rights, local news, equity, and community wellbeing. In 2024, grants ranged from $7,500 to $550,000, with a median of $25,000, and all listed awards went to Minnesota recipients. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$5.9M
Grants
21
Total Given
$1.0M
Chicago Instructional Technology Foundation Inc
Longmont, CO
Voqal Chicago funds 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations working on education opportunity and social equality, with recent grants supporting racial and economic justice, youth leadership, and independent media. Its 2024 grants ranged from $15,000 to $86,660, with a median of $50,000; most went to Illinois organizations, especially in the Chicago area. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$18.4M
Grants
28
Total Given
$1.2M
128 Collective Initiatives Inc
Palo Alto, CA
128 Collective Initiatives funds voter registration, political participation, civic engagement, organizing, advocacy, and electoral work, especially for communities marginalized or disadvantaged in the political process. Its 2024 grants ranged from $13,500 to $175,000, with a median of $50,000, and went to organizations in multiple states, led by New York, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$76K
Grants
32
Total Given
$2.0M
Target Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
Target Foundation funds work advancing economic opportunity, equity, inclusion, and community empowerment in Minnesota and nationally and globally. Its 2024 grants ranged from $25,000 to $1.5 million, with a median of $125,000; a hometown racial equity program is open, while national grants are by invitation only. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
—
Grants
138
Total Given
$27.3M
BCBSM Foundation Inc
St. Paul, MN
BCBSM Foundation supports health research and programs addressing health access, prevention, behavioral health, nutrition, maternal and child health, and related needs; its website describes a focus on Michigan residents, while its filing says it typically funds Minnesota programs. In 2024, grants ranged from $9,000 to $236,710, with a median of $100,000. It accepts inquiries year-round through its application process, but does not review unsolicited proposals for three named programs: Community Health Matching Grant, Investigator Initiated Research, and Physician Investigator Research Award.
Assets
$79.0M
Grants
51
Total Given
$4.6M
The Bush Foundation
St. Paul, MN
The Bush Foundation funds organizations developing, testing, or spreading community solutions across issue areas, with emphasis on equity, Native people, and regional problem-solving. Community Innovation awards are typically large—2024 grants ranged from $472,000 to $8.2 million—and support work in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations in the region. Community Innovation grants are open year-round, so unsolicited applications are accepted; the foundation encourages applicants to speak with staff before applying.
Assets
—
Grants
148
Total Given
$53.7M
America Votes
Washington, DC
America Votes’ Education Fund makes grants to expand ballot access, voter education and participation, particularly among young people and communities of color, while its broader work supports democracy and voting rights. In 2025, grants ranged from $10,000 to $13.945 million, with a median of $500,000; its work spans more than 20 states, and grant dollars went mostly to recipients in Washington, DC. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$22.3M
Grants
119
Total Given
$168.6M
More Funders in Colorado
Twin Cities Schools' Telecommunications Group down — hundreds of funders to go?