US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law
The U.S. Russia Foundation (USRF) is a Washington, D.C.-based public charity that makes grants supporting the long-term future of a market-based democratic system in Russia. Its funding priorities are Media & Free Enterprise, Rule of Law, and Civil Society & Expertise.
US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law at a glance
In short: US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law gave $3.0M across 32 grants in 2025 (avg $92K), top state District of Columbia. 9% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,951,802
- -26.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 32
- -20.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $92,244
- -7.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $70,550
- Total assets
- $210,555,113
- +9.9% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 9% first-time grantees (3 of 32, 2025)
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (37% 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 US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law
- Review Cycle
- The website listed August 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time as the deadline for the next grant cycle. That deadline has passed.
- Deadline
- The website listed August 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Contact
Mailing address: 500 Lenfant Plaza Sw 1025, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 495-7888
Website: https://usrf.us
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Foundation for Democratic Development ($275K). Together the top 10 received $1.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
224 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $50–100K range: 90 grants of 224 (40%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
USRF describes support for Russian media and civil society both inside and outside Russia, as well as programs to develop expertise on Russia in the United States. It welcomes proposals from organizations in the United States and abroad. In 2025, the largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state went to organizations in Washington, D.C. (37%), California (21%), and New York (13%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 32 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law open to new grantees?
9%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 3 of 32 grantees (9%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $94K; repeat grants $92K. How we count
Medians: $100K first-time, $67K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). 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 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $2.7M (2021) to $138.0M (2023). In 2025 it made 32 grants totaling $3.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation for Democratic Development Washington, DC | Public Support | $275,000 |
| American Councils for International Education Washington, DC | Public Support | $195,000 |
| Polar Bear Video Ventures Inc Redwood City, CA | Public Support | $180,986 |
| Yale University New Haven, CT | Public Support | $165,000 |
| Free Russia Foundation Washington, DC | Public Support | $150,000 |
| Bard College Annandaleonhudson, NY | Public Support | $137,300 |
| Stanford University Stanford, CA | Public Support | $134,000 |
| School of Molecular and Theoretical Biology Inc Brentwood, CA | Public Support | $130,750 |
| Russian American Science Association Chapel Hill, NC | Public Support | $125,000 |
| University of Maine School of Law Foundation Portland, ME | Public Support | $120,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $210,555,113 | $13,486,956 | $11,439,467 | $2,951,802 | 32 | $12,995,803 |
| 2024 | $191,518,152 | $6,679,745 | $12,931,657 | $3,997,161 | 40 | $6,679,745 |
| 2023 | $184,744,809 | $1,615,017 | $147,153,481 | $138,044,941 | 51 | $1,580,067 |
| 2022 | $314,073,937 | $8,625,146 | $10,710,430 | $4,046,612 | 54 | $8,620,494 |
| 2021 | $338,533,234 | $10,918,102 | $8,100,937 | $2,713,476 | 47 | $10,915,302 |
| 2020 | $316,911,891 | $8,377,448 | $7,955,900 | $3,319,171 | 31 | $8,377,448 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
USRF’s stated mission is to support the long-term future of a market-based democratic system in Russia through grants in three areas:
- Rule of Law: Outreach, education, and training in domestic and international law, and capacity building to support citizens’ rights and good governance. Priorities include legal assistance for civic actors, pro-democracy institutions, networks of Russian lawyers, and support for lawyers working under challenging circumstances.
- Media & Free Enterprise: Support for independent Russian media reaching audiences inside and outside Russia, including development of sustainable business models and IT infrastructure. The program also supports Russian exile communities through training and other assistance to strengthen entrepreneurship and free enterprise.
- Civil Society & Expertise: Support for Russian civil society groups and networks inside and outside Russia, including training and capacity building, as well as teaching and professional development to increase expertise on Russia in the United States.
The 2025 filing describes support for pro-democracy civil society groups and networks, media and free-enterprise activity, and rule-of-law work. Examples among 2025 grantees include the Foundation for Democratic Development, which describes its mission as supporting Eurasian civil society and the social and economic development of Eurasia; American Councils for International Education, which describes itself as a leader in international education, academic exchange, and overseas language immersion; and the Free Russia Foundation, which describes work advancing a democratic Russia governed by the rule of law, strengthening civil society, and defending human rights activists.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, USRF reported 32 grants totaling $2,951,802. Grant amounts ranged from $9,672 to $275,000, with a median of $70,550. The largest awards included $275,000 to the Foundation for Democratic Development, $195,000 to American Councils for International Education, $180,986 to Polar Bear Video Ventures, $165,000 to Yale University, and $150,000 to the Free Russia Foundation. The filing lists each of these grants’ purpose as “public support.”
USRF welcomes project proposals from organizations in the United States and abroad. The website directs applicants to submit through its application portal and says an account is required. It advises applicants to limit inquiries to general or technical questions; program officers do not discuss project ideas or pre-review application materials.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists the Honorable John R. Beyrle as chairman and Karen N. Horn as vice chair and treasurer. Directors listed include the Honorable Stephen Biegun, Dr. Jenne K. Britell, the Honorable James F. Collins, Susan Eisenhower, Thomas Firestone, R. Craig Kennedy, and the Honorable Michael M. Mihm. Steven L. Pease is listed as a director until October 2025.
US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law is led by Matthew Rojansky, Chief Executive Officer on every filing since 2022; 5 of 17 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Matthew Rojansky
Chief Executive Officer
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$341K (2022) → $404K (2025)
The Honorable John R. Beyrle
Chairman
New on the 2025 filing
18 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jemile Kelderman
Director of Operations
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$116K (2025)
Charles E. Ryan
Director
On filings since 2020
8 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gregory Rigdon
Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jenne K. Britell
Director
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
R. Craig Kennedy
Director
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Steven L. Pease
Director
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Susan Eisenhower
Director
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable James F. Collins
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Michael M. Mihm
Director
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Firestone
Director
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Stephen Biegun
Director
New on the 2025 filing
8 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alan Griffin
COO & CFO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$249K (2020) → $301K (2025)
Lori Jones
Assistant Treasurer & Secretary
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$96K (2020) → $124K (2025)
Maria Lvova
Senior Program Officer
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$100K (2022) → $117K (2025)
Karen N. Horn
Vice Chair & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
8 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (7)
- Former: John R. Beyrle (2020–2024) — Chairman
- Former: Stephen Biegun (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Gennady Podolny (2022–2024) — Senior Grants Manager
- Former: Ruslan Garipov (2024) — Program Officer
- Former: Celeste Wallander (2020–2022) — Chief Executive Officer-
- Former: Rebekah Stroman (2020–2021) — Chief of Staff -
- Former: The Honorable Paul A. Magnuson (2020–2021) — Director -
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 $404K, to Matthew Rojansky (Chief Executive Officer). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law
How much does US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law give each year?
US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law gave $3.0M across 32 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $4.0M across 40 grants.
What is US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law's typical grant size?
US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law's median grant in 2025 was $70,550, and its average grant was $92,244, across 32 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law that year got $94K on average.
Where does US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law give grants?
US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law's top state is District of Columbia, with 37% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (21%) and New York (13%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (10 grants), New York, NY (2 grants) and Los Angeles, CA (2 grants).
Does US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 32 grants with a stated purpose on US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Public Support" (32 grants).
Who are US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law's largest grantees?
US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law's largest 2025 grantees include Foundation for Democratic Development ($275,000), American Councils for International Education ($195,000) and Polar Bear Video Ventures Inc ($180,986), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 22% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law?
US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law reported $210.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $13.5M.
What does US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law fund?
USRF’s stated mission is to support the long-term future of a market-based democratic system in Russia through grants in three areas: See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law?
US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check usrf.us for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law's EIN?
US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 01-0732928. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS April 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 2, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 9, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 29, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 18, 2024)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 18, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/us-russia-foundation-for-economic-advancement-and-the-rule-of-law-morg_049a801b0e9a41cebb80794751348bdf
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_010732928_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{US Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/us-russia-foundation-for-economic-advancement-and-the-rule-of-law-morg_049a801b0e9a41cebb80794751348bdf},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. 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 Russia Foundation for Economic Advancement and the Rule of Law'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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