THE ASPEN INSTITUTE INC
Annual Giving
$36.2M+6% YoY
Grants
236
Median Grant
$72K
Organizations Funded
266
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Foundation Overview
Mission
To ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world; To drive change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society's greatest challenges by realizing a free, just, and equitable society
Focus Areas
Grant Types
Funded Initiatives
Launching $450 million campaign for four priorities: developing principled leaders, strengthening trust across society, elevating voices of young people, supporting Bauhaus campus and operations. Investment grown 30% since pandemic start.
How to Apply
Various fellowship programs with specific application processes: Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship (Apply Aug 12-Oct 13, 2025); Finance Leaders Fellowship requires nomination; Job Quality Fellowship accepts nominations. Contact specific programs for details.
Does Not Fund
Does not engage in electoral politics or activities requiring Lobbying Disclosure Act registration; Will not influence US government policy on behalf of individuals/entities; Maintains independence from funders - funders cannot dictate content or participants
Based on publicly available information from the foundation's 990 filings and website.
Giving History
$36.2M
Grants
236
Median
$72K
States
34
$34.3M
Grants
235
Median
$84K
States
35
$25.2M
Grants
188
Median
$65K
States
38
Grant Size Distribution
$72K
Typical Grant (Median)
$5K
Smallest
$20K
25th Pctile
$185K
75th Pctile
$2.5M
Largest
Excludes grants ≤ $5K. Half fall between $20K and $185K.
Largest Recent Grants
$2.5M
2024
ZERO EMISSION MARITIME BUYERS ALLIANCE
DC · SUPPORT OPERATING ACTIVITIES
$1.4M
2024
ITHAKA HARBORS INC
NY · COLLEGE EXCELLENCE PROGRAM
$1.2M
2024
Foreign Grants - SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
ASPEN FORUM FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS
$1.1M
2024
Foreign Grants - SOUTH ASIA
ASPEN FORUM FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS
$986K
2024
Foreign Grants - SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
ASPEN NETWORK OF DEVELOPMENT ENTREPRENEURS
Geographic Focus
Top states by total grant dollars. Based on IRS filing data.
Financial Overview
Grants paid shown as percentage of total assets
Data sourced from IRS 990 and 990-PF filings and publicly available foundation websites. Grant data, financial figures, and organizational details reflect historical filings and may not represent current operations or funding priorities. Verify directly with the foundation before applying. See an issue? Let us know.