Way to Rise is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Washington, DC (1825 K St NW, Suite 315). Founded in 2002, the organization functions as a grantmaking entity that works with individual donors and philanthropic partners to fund nonpartisan civic engagement efforts.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$8.1M
-31.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$10.6M
-4.4% YoY
Grant Count
86
-3.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$123K
-1.1% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Way to Rise centers communities most impacted by injustice and funds sustained nonpartisan civic engagement led by both state-based organizations and national groups that support state-based partners.
The organization's primary program areas include:
- Co-governance and democratic participation
- Voter protection and education
- Narrative change related to multiracial democracy
- Powerbuilding through community-centered campaigns
Way to Rise develops and executes data-informed funding strategies with funders to advance breakthroughs in building a vibrant and sustainable democracy. The organization emphasizes deep collaboration with frontline organizations and in-house expertise in developing narratives that envision what a multiracial democracy looks like.
Grantmaking
Way to Rise has moved nearly $5 million to state-based organizations and national partners focused on co-governance, voter protection and education, and narrative change since its inception.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Way to Rise funds organizations primarily in:
- District of Columbia
- North Carolina
- Texas
- South and Southwest regions of the United States
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total assets: $8,076,329
- Total revenues: $13,810,680
- Total expenses: $18,876,533
- Total giving: $10,703,667
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $8,076,329 | $11,809,947 | $8,992,452 |
| Revenue | $13,810,680 | $23,023,139 | $3,343,599 |
| Expenses | $18,876,533 | $14,624,291 | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
100 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Way to Rise
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Amalgamated Charitable Foundation Inc ($550,000), Florida Rising Together ($550,000), Climate Emergency Fund ($400,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ACTIVATE 48 EDUCATION FUND PHOENIX, AZ | GENERAL OPERATING | $100,000 |
| ALIANZA CENTER INC ORLANDO, FL | GENERAL OPERATING | $10,000 |
| ALL VOTING IS LOCAL WASHINGTON, DC | GENERAL OPERATING | $175,000 |
| ALLIANCE FOR YOUTH ORGANIZING WASHINGTON, DC | GENERAL OPERATING | $75,000 |
| AMALGAMATED CHARITABLE FOUNDATION INC WASHINGTON, DC | GENERAL OPERATING | $550,000 |
| ARIZONA CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT PHOENIX, AZ | GENERAL OPERATING | $100,000 |
| ARIZONA NATIVE VOTE TEMPE, AZ | GENERAL OPERATING | $100,000 |
| ASIAN AMERICANS ADVANCING JUSTICE ATLANTA NORCROSS, GA | GENERAL OPERATING | $50,000 |
| ASIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL LAS VEGAS, NV | GENERAL OPERATING | $150,000 |
| ASIAN TEXANS FOR JUSTICE AUSTIN, TX | GENERAL OPERATING | $50,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The organization's leadership includes founders and team members with track records in movement spaces, though specific names are not detailed in available sources.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIMI MARZIANI | CHAIR | 1 | — |
| ANNA FINK | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| ANU KHOSLA | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| JASON BERKENFELD | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| DENNIS QUIRIN | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| JOE KENNEDY | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| EBONI SPEIGHT | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/TREASURER | 1 | — |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Way to Rise fund?
Way to Rise centers communities most impacted by injustice and funds sustained nonpartisan civic engagement led by both state-based organizations and national groups that support state-based partners. The organization's primary program areas include: • **Co-governance and democratic participation** • **Voter protection and education** • **Narrative change** related to multiracial democracy • **Powerbuilding** through community-centered campaigns Way to Rise develops and executes data-informed f…
How do I apply for a grant from Way to Rise?
Way to Rise has moved nearly $5 million to state-based organizations and national partners focused on co-governance, voter protection and education, and narrative change since its inception. **Grant Characteristics:** • Typical award range: $8,000–$600,000 • Focus on sustained funding for state-based organizations and national groups supporting state-based partners **Strategic Focus:** The organization's work is strategically focused on the South and Southwest regions.
Where does Way to Rise make grants?
Way to Rise funds organizations primarily in: • District of Columbia • North Carolina • Texas • South and Southwest regions of the United States
What size grants does Way to Rise award?
In 2024, Way to Rise awarded 86 grants totaling $10.6M — an average of about $123K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Way to Rise's EIN?
Way to Rise's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 88-3300694. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2022–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Way to Rise's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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