US Ignite Inc
US Ignite Inc is a Washington, DC-based public charity that works with communities, military bases, startups, and researchers on economic development and technology innovation challenges. It brings partners together and provides technical and organizational expertise to help move projects from planning toward deployment.
US Ignite Inc at a glance
In short: US Ignite Inc gave $10.2M across 13 grants in 2024 (avg $788K), top state Iowa. 15% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $10,246,257
- +19.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 13
- -23.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $788,174
- +56.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $102,725
- Total assets
- $4,420,957
- +7.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 15% first-time grantees (2 of 13, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Iowa (32% 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 US Ignite Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 1150 18Th Street Nw 750, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 899-3231
Website: https://us-ignite.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from US Ignite Inc
Augmented Reality Development Challenge
US Ignite Inc
Amount
$20,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
SURGE - Supporting U.S. Regional Growth and Entrepreneurship
US Ignite Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
US Ignite Startup Accelerator Program
US Ignite Inc
Amount
Up to $10,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who US Ignite Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Iowa State University of Science and Technology ($3.3M). Together the top 10 received $10.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
88 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 24 grants of 88 (27%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
US Ignite is based in Washington, DC, and describes work with communities nationwide. Its 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in Iowa (32%), an individual recipient (29%), Utah (21%), Massachusetts (9%), and Texas (4%). The listed recipients also included organizations in Mississippi, Ohio, California, and New Jersey.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 13 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is US Ignite Inc open to new grantees?
15%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 2 of 13 grantees (15%) 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 $60K; repeat grants $921K. How we count
Medians: $60K first-time, $292K repeat.
- 85% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
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 $8.6M (2023) to $12.7M (2022). In 2024 it made 13 grants totaling $10.2M.
Hatched bars: grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University of Science and Technology Ames, IA | Subaward | $3,292,978 |
| North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC | Subaward | $2,729,842 |
| University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT | Subaward | $2,155,554 |
| Northeastern University Boston, MA | Subaward | $924,747 |
| Rice University Houston, TX | Subaward | $453,180 |
| Wireless Research Center of North Carolina Wake Forest, NC | Subaward | $292,025 |
| Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS | Subaward | $102,725 |
| The Ohio State University Columbus, OH | Subaward | $75,720 |
| City of San Jose San Jose, CA | Subaward | $75,000 |
| The State University of New Jersey (Rutgers) Piscataway, NJ | Subaward | $72,037 |
Ready to take the next step with US Ignite Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
In 2024, US Ignite reported 13 grants. In 2023 it reported 17 grants, and in 2022 it reported 31.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4,420,957 | $17,430,772 | $16,674,194 | $10,246,257 | 13 | $79,846 |
| 2023 | $4,120,667 | $14,082,305 | $14,722,148 | $8,551,001 | 17 | $50,302 |
| 2022 | $6,215,967 | $17,955,035 | $18,038,354 | $12,741,698 | 31 | $6,608 |
| 2021 | $5,718,790 | $15,311,234 | $14,443,341 | $10,351,628 | Total only | $946 |
| 2020 | $6,298,610 | $13,875,937 | $13,741,605 | $9,330,100 | 27 | $2,980 |
"Total only": grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
US Ignite’s stated mission is to promote U.S. leadership in developing applications and services for ultra-fast broadband networks. It describes its role as convening corporate, government, and foundation partners for smart-city development, connecting funding sources to project roadmaps, and contributing technical and operational expertise.
Its reported programs include Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research (PAWR), Smart Bases, and regional startup and workforce initiatives. In 2024, PAWR activities included work on wireless testbeds in Iowa, an individual recipient, and Utah. Smart Bases work included research and development and use cases related to installation readiness and emergency services. The organization also described entrepreneurship and small-business programs in Salt Lake City and the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.
US Ignite’s 2024 subaward recipients included universities and research organizations. The Wireless Research Center of an individual recipient describes itself as an independent nonprofit research center focused on applied research and engineering to advance wireless technology. Rice University describes its mission as pursuing research, teaching, and contributions to the betterment of the world.
US Ignite also features SURGE (Supporting U.S. Regional Growth and Entrepreneurship), a three-year NSF-funded initiative announced for a Spring 2026 launch. It is designed to equip regional coalitions with tools, expert guidance, and a national network to support research-driven regional economic growth.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, US Ignite reported 13 grants totaling $10,246,257. Grant amounts ranged from $6,619 to $3,292,978, with a median of $102,725. The listed 2024 grants identify their purpose as subawards.
The largest reported awards were $3,292,978 to Iowa State University of Science and Technology, $2,729,842 to an individual recipient State University, $2,155,554 to the University of Utah, $924,747 to Northeastern University, and $453,180 to Rice University.
US Ignite’s website describes a curated database of federal funding opportunities and an opportunity wizard to help communities identify programs for their projects. These are federal funding opportunities, not grants identified as US Ignite awards. Its 2024 request for grant-writing and business-development services sought proposal support for US Ignite and joint applications with communities; the stated question deadline was June 3, 2024, a past deadline.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists William Wallace as executive chairman and Eric Werner as program director and board member. It lists Joseph Kochan as treasurer and Nancy Jemison as secretary and assistant treasurer. Board members listed are Deb Socia, Celia Merzbacker, Lev Gonick, Glenn Ricart, and Michael Marcellin.
US Ignite Inc is led by Nicholas Maynard, CEO & President since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 9 of 19 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Nicholas Maynard
CEO & President
Chief Strategy Officer → Chief Executive Officer, 2021
Chief Executive Officer → CEO & President, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$203K (2020) → $307K (2024)
William Wallace
Executive Chairman
Executive Chairman of the Board → Executive Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2020
30 hrs/week
$190K (2020) → $59K (2024)
Eric Werner
Program Director & Board Member
Program Director → Smart Bases Program Director, 2021
Smart Bases Program Director → Program Director & Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$151K (2020) → $185K (2024)
Everard Davenport
Smart Communities Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$117K (2020) → $157K (2024)
Mari Silbey
Pawr Program Director
Director of Communications → Pawr Program Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$111K (2020) → $157K (2024)
Glenn Ricart
Board Member
Board Member - → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$120K (2020) → $0 (2024)
Joseph Kochan
Treasurer
CEO, Secretary & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$211K (2020) → $0 (2024)
Praveen Ashok Kumar
Big Data Program Manager
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$104K (2020) → $155K (2024)
Hani Almasoud
Technical Program Manager
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$191K (2023) → $192K (2024)
Ryan Guild
Smart Basses Program Developer
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$130K (2023) → $136K (2024)
Mojdeh Sadat M. Moghaddam
Program Manager
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$132K (2024)
Deb Socia
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dorothy Robyn
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Leibovitz
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lev Gonick
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Celia Merzbacker
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Marcellin
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Jemison
Secretary & Assistant Treasurer
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Renata Rawlings-Goss
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (4)
- Former: Sayed Zewari (2023) — Finance Manager
- Former: Mike Marcellin (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Meghan Histand (2020) — Director of Program Operations
- Former: Scott Turnbull (2020) — Director of Technology
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 $307K, to Nicholas Maynard (CEO and President). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about US Ignite Inc
How much does US Ignite Inc give each year?
US Ignite Inc gave $10.2M across 13 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $8.6M across 17 grants.
What is US Ignite Inc's typical grant size?
US Ignite Inc's median grant in 2024 was $102,725, and its average grant was $788,174, across 13 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from US Ignite Inc that year got $60K on average.
Where does US Ignite Inc give grants?
US Ignite Inc's top state is Iowa, with 32% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were North Carolina (29%) and Utah (21%). The most frequent recipient cities were Houston, TX (2 grants).
Does US Ignite Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 13 grants with a stated purpose on US Ignite Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Subaward" (13 grants).
Who are US Ignite Inc's largest grantees?
US Ignite Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Iowa State University of Science and Technology ($3,292,978), North Carolina State University ($2,729,842) and University of Utah ($2,155,554), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 80% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is US Ignite Inc?
US Ignite Inc reported $4.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $17.4M.
What does US Ignite Inc fund?
US Ignite’s stated mission is to promote U.S. leadership in developing applications and services for ultra-fast broadband networks. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from US Ignite Inc?
US Ignite Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check us-ignite.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is US Ignite Inc's EIN?
US Ignite Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-3943413. 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 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 6, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 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 US Ignite Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). US Ignite Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/us-ignite-inc-morg_7dafe1e4154f4909bc5ddf6c7215ae38
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_453943413_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{US Ignite Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/us-ignite-inc-morg_7dafe1e4154f4909bc5ddf6c7215ae38},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. 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 US Ignite 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.
US Ignite Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?