United States Telecom Association
United States Telecom Association, based in Washington, DC, is a Form 990 (a public charity) formed in 1897. It represents telecommunications and broadband members and works to advance connectivity through advocacy, policy, and industry initiatives. Its 2024 filing reports 13 grants totaling $168,000.
United States Telecom Association at a glance
In short: United States Telecom Association gave $168K across 13 grants in 2024 (avg $13K), mostly in District of Columbia. 31% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $168,000
- -4.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 13
- +8.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $12,923
- -11.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $26,450,997
- +0.1% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 31% first-time grantees (4 of 13, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (76% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United States Telecom Association
- Contact
Mailing address: 601 New Jersey Ave Nw 600, Washington, DC 20001-2993
Phone: (202) 326-7300
Website: https://ustelecom.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who United States Telecom Association funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was National Governors Association ($30K). Together the top 10 received $140K.
Grant Size Distribution
95 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 95 grants of 95 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in Washington, DC (76%), Virginia (12%), Oregon (6%), and Maryland (6%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 13 itemized grants.
Cities
Is United States Telecom Association open to new grantees?
31%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 4 of 13 grantees (31%) were first-time recipients. With only 13 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $15K; repeat grants $12K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $10K 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 $168K (2024) to $414K (2021). In 2024 it made 13 grants totaling $168K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Governors Association Washington, DC | Program Support | $30,000 |
| LGBT Technology Institute Staunton, VA | Program Support | $20,000 |
| Multicultural Media Telecom & Internet Council Washington, DC | Program Support | $15,000 |
| Technology Policy Institute Washington, DC | Program Support | $15,000 |
| Allvanza Washington, DC | Program Support | $10,000 |
| Breakthrough T1D Mid-Atlantic Chapter Washington, DC | Program Support | $10,000 |
| Digital Progress Institute Washington, DC | Program Support | $10,000 |
| FCBA Washington, DC | Program Support | $10,000 |
| Horton's Kid's Washington, DC | Program Support | $10,000 |
| International Center for Law & Economics Portland, OR | Program Support | $10,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $26,450,997 | $19,014,854 | $19,647,295 | $168,000 | 13 | $616,312 |
| 2023 | $26,413,089 | $19,232,777 | $19,008,521 | $175,500 | 12 | $1,530,488 |
| 2022 | $24,325,653 | $14,304,439 | $16,091,712 | $296,500 | 21 | $378,843 |
| 2021 | $26,999,064 | $14,419,422 | $12,390,940 | $413,500 | 27 | $1,727,095 |
| 2020 | $25,816,672 | $16,411,524 | $15,562,636 | $320,000 | 22 | $1,098,854 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to ensure its members can compete, grow, and thrive while building a world where families, enterprises, and communities are connected through broadband. Its filing describes work in government affairs, policy and advocacy, communications and public affairs, and the Industry Traceback Group, which combats illegal calls, including illegal robocalls.
USTelecom’s website identifies priorities including broadband deployment and infrastructure, network modernization, permitting, affordability, cybersecurity, and fighting scams and illegal robocalls. In its state broadband materials, it describes supporting state, local, and Tribal government leaders with information about connectivity needs and broadband funding implementation.
The 2024 filing lists grants for program support. Among the grantees, the LGBT Technology Institute describes its mission as bridging the technology gap for LGBTQ individuals, especially those who are disadvantaged. Horton’s Kids says it aims to help children and families access resources and support for education, careers, and fulfilling lives. The R Street Institute describes itself as a nonpartisan policy research organization that promotes free markets and limited, effective government.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the association reported 13 grants totaling $168,000. Grants ranged from $8,000 to $30,000, with a median of $10,000. Listed recipients include the National Governors Association ($30,000), LGBT Technology Institute ($20,000), Multicultural Media Telecom & Internet Council ($15,000), and Technology Policy Institute ($15,000). Other listed recipients received $10,000 each, including Horton’s Kids, R Street Institute, and International Center for Law & Economics. The filing identifies the listed grants as program support.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Jason Williams as chair, Jefferson England as vice chair, Russell Moore as treasurer, and Melissa Mann as secretary. Listed board members are Eric Cramer, Josh Descant, Kathleen Grillo, Robert A Hunt, Rhonda Johnson, and Tom Maguire.
United States Telecom Association is led by Jonathan Spalter, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 11 of 29 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Jonathan Spalter
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
38 hrs/week
$1.5M (2020) → $2.1M (2024)
Jason Williams
Chair
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2021
Vice Chair → Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Allison Remsen
Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer
Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff → Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, 2022
On filings since 2020
39 hrs/week
$595K (2020) → $863K (2024)
Brandon Heiner
Senior Vice President - Government Affairs
Senior Vice President of Government Affairs → Senior Vice President - Government Affairs, 2022
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$322K (2020) → $438K (2024)
Lorna Johnson
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2020
39 hrs/week
$214K (2020) → $293K (2024)
Lynn Follansbee
Vice President, Strategic Initiative & Partnership
Vice President, Policy & Advocacy → Vice President - Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships, 2022
Vice President - Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships → Vice President, Strategic Initiative & Partnership, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$245K (2020) → $323K (2024)
Robert Mayer
Senior Vice President - Cybersecurity
Senior Vice President of Cybersecurity → Senior Vice President - Cybersecurity & Innovation, 2022
Senior Vice President - Cybersecurity & Innovation → Senior Vice President - Cybersecurity, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$418K (2020) → $494K (2024)
Josh Bercu
Vice President, Policy & Advocacy
Vice President, Policy & Advocacy → Vice President - Policy & Advocacy, 2022
Vice President - Policy & Advocacy → Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$239K (2021) → $324K (2024)
Paul Raak
Vice President - Government Affairs
Vice President & Government Affairs → Vice President - Government Affairs, 2022
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$182K (2021) → $224K (2024)
Diana Eisner
Vice President, Policy & Advocacy
Vice President - Policy & Advocacy → Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, 2024
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$226K (2022) → $288K (2024)
Nirali Patel
Senior Vice President, Policy & Advocacy
On filings since 2023
39 hrs/week
$656K (2023) → $678K (2024)
Kathleen Thompson
Vice President, Policy & Advocacy
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$227K (2024)
Bob Udell
Board Member
Board Member → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Darby McCarty
Board Member
Secretary → Board Member, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eric Cramer
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mark D. Nielsen
Board Member
Treasurer → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marty Rubin
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert A. Hunt
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Prather
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Josh Descant
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Melissa Mann
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rhonda Johnson
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Harold Zeitz
Board Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mary Talbott
Board Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tom Maguire
Board Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jefferson England
Vice Chair
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Grillo
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kristi Moody
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Russell Moore
Treasurer
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (29)
- Former: Jeff England (2020–2023) — Vice Chair
- Former: Kathy Grillo (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Ken Glueck (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Rusty Moore (2020–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: Tony Thomas (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Andrew Rein (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Daizo Kosa (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Richard Whitt (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Marie Johnson (2023) — Senior Vice President & Communications
- Former: Paul Eisler (2023) — Vice President - Cyber
- Former: Bill Bishop (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Patrick Halley (2020–2022) — Senior Vice President - Policy & Advocacy
- Former: Chris Wilson (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Lasha Battley (2022) — Vice President - Hr & Administration
- Former: Clay Bailey (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Dan Overland (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Jack W. Keen (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Joan Marsh (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Masahiko Nittono (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Michael Saperstein (2020–2021) — Vice President & Strategic Initiatives
- Former: Richard Ruhl (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Brian Weiss (2021) — Vice President & Communications
- Former: Julie Kearny (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Christopher E. French (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Jeremy Pederson (2020) — Vice President & Government Affairs
- Former: Karyn Smith (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Kristine Hackman (2020) — Vice President, Policy & Advocacy
- Former: Marc Gonzales (2020) — Vice President & Government Affairs
- Former: Sally Aman (2020) — Senior Vice President of Communications
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 $2.1M, to Jonathan Spalter (President & CEO). 11 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United States Telecom Association
How much does United States Telecom Association give each year?
United States Telecom Association gave $168K across 13 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $176K across 12 grants.
What is United States Telecom Association's typical grant size?
United States Telecom Association's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $12,923, across 13 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United States Telecom Association that year got $15K on average.
Where does United States Telecom Association give grants?
United States Telecom Association gives mostly in District of Columbia: 76% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Virginia (12%) and Oregon (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (10 grants).
Does United States Telecom Association give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 13 grants with a stated purpose on United States Telecom Association's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Program Support" (13 grants).
Who are United States Telecom Association's largest grantees?
United States Telecom Association's largest 2024 grantees include National Governors Association ($30,000), LGBT Technology Institute ($20,000) and Multicultural Media Telecom & Internet Council ($15,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 39% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is United States Telecom Association?
United States Telecom Association reported $26.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $19.0M.
What does United States Telecom Association fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to ensure its members can compete, grow, and thrive while building a world where families, enterprises, and communities are connected through broadband. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United States Telecom Association?
United States Telecom Association has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check ustelecom.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is United States Telecom Association's EIN?
United States Telecom Association's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 53-0159345. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 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 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 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 November 12, 2024)
- 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 United States Telecom Association's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United States Telecom Association funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-states-telecom-association-morg_586b1368f131403ea465306a6f1ce7e5
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_530159345_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United States Telecom Association funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-states-telecom-association-morg_586b1368f131403ea465306a6f1ce7e5},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 United States Telecom Association'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.
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