irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2023
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $0IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT FOR OTHER COMPETITIVE FEDERAL INVESTMENTS (BUILD BACK BETTER REGIONAL CHALLENGE, GOOD JOBS CHALLENGE)ADDITIONALLY, OVER THE PAST YEAR, WE HAVE ACTIVELY SUPPORTED 7 REGIONS RECEIVING BUILD BACK BETTER REGIONAL CHALLENGE GRANTS AND GOOD JOBS CHALLENGE GRANTS (PROGRAMS WE HELPED DESIGN) TO BUILD THEIR WORKFORCE INTERMEDIARY CAPACITY THROUGH OUR EDUCATION-TO- EMPLOYMENT (E2E) APPLIED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COHORT THAT INCLUDED WORKSHOPS FEATURING REGIONAL EXEMPLARS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY, PEER LEARNING, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O)FOLLOWING THIS, WE BEGAN DEVELOPING OUR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TEAMS AND APPROACH TO PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED SUPPORT TO FOUR REGIONAL COALITIONS, ALONG WITH AN APPLIED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COHORT FOR 11 REGIONS. WE ARE PARTNERING WITH BROOKINGS METRO TO PROVIDE THIS APPLIED COMMUNITY PRACTICE, ALONG WITH ACCOMPANYING RESEARCH BRIEFS AND WEBINARS THAT SHARE INSIGHTS AND EMERGING EVIDENCE FROM INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC INITIATIVES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.THESE SUPPORTS - RANGING FROM DEDICATED ADVISORS TO A SOON-TO-BE-LAUNCHED APPLIED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COHORT TO CAPACITY-BUILDING GRANTS - HAVE FOCUSED ON HELPING REGIONS STRENGTHEN THEIR MULTI-SECTOR COALITIONS, BEGIN TO IMPLEMENT STRATEGICALLY COHERENT OUTCOMES-FOCUSED GOVERNANCE PRACTICES, AND BUILD BACKBONE ORGANIZATION CAPACITY. STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ASSOCIATED DESIGN WORK FOR ALIGNING THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF TALENT WITH REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTDURING THE GRANT PERIOD, WE ALSO DESIGNED THE NEXT PHASE OF OUR WORK: THE GOOD JOBS ECONOMY INITIATIVE. A CENTERPIECE OF THIS WORK IS TO ALIGN THE SUPPLY OF DIVERSE TALENT WITH THE DEMAND FOR GOOD JOBS, DRIVING BOTH EQUITY AND GROWTH IN KEY ECONOMIC INNOVATION SECTORS, AS WELL AS IN-DEMAND LOCAL OCCUPATIONS. OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AND ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS DEPENDS ON A MUCH BROADER SET OF OUR POPULATION SET UP TO DRIVE AND BENEFIT FROM ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INNOVATION. TO ADDRESS THIS CHALLENGE, PLACE-BASED EFFORTS ARE CRUCIAL PARTLY BECAUSE SO MANY PLACES RISK BEING LEFT BEHIND WITHOUT A FOCUSED PLACE-BASED STRATEGY, AND BECAUSE LABOR MARKETS ARE MOSTLY LOCAL. THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ECONOMY AND DEMOCRACY ARE SEVERE UNLESS A LARGER AND DIVERSE SET OF COMMUNITIES ARE HELPING TO DRIVE AND BENEFIT FROM ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INNOVATION. THIS NEXT PHASE OF OUR STRATEGY INCLUDES PROVIDING ENHANCED SUPPORT TO A SMALL SET OF PROOF-POINT REGIONS TO DEMONSTRATE INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH, PROVIDING A SET OF CORE SUPPORTS TO HELP A BROADER SET OF REGIONS MAKE PROGRESS TOWARD THEIR REGIONAL VISIONS, AND SUPPORTING A SET OF STATES TO BUILD STATEWIDE WORKFORCE INTERMEDIARY CAPACITY AND THE CONDITIONS AND POLICIES TO SUPPORT, SCALE, AND SUSTAIN THE REGIONAL WORK. ONE OF THE KEY FEATURES OF THIS WORK AT BOTH THE REGIONAL AND STATE LEVELS IS TO BUILD WORKFORCE INTERMEDIARY CAPACITY TO DEVELOP, COORDINATE, AND SUSTAIN EXPANDED PATHWAYS TO OPPORTUNITY. THIS INCLUDES ALIGNING TRAINING SYSTEMS TO INDUSTRY DEMAND LINKED TO GOOD JOBS AND ASSOCIATED CAREER NAVIGATION AND WRAPAROUND SUPPORT TO HELP LOCAL RESIDENTS ACCESS, BENEFIT FROM, AND CONTRIBUTE TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. THIS STATE-LEVEL WORK ALSO INCLUDES ENABLING POLICIES, LONGITUDINAL DATA SYSTEMS TO CLARIFY GAPS BETWEEN DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF TALENT FOR GOOD JOBS AND TRACK EQUITY OF OUTCOMES, SUSTAINABLE FUNDING STREAMS, AND MULTI-SECTOR COALITIONS ACROSS REGIONS THAT INCLUDE LARGE EMPLOYERS, HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, AND STATE GOVERNMENT.WE WILL COMPLETE THE THREE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNED TO THIS DIRECTION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2025 AND FULLY LAUNCH THIS WORK IN THE SUMMER OR FALL OF 2025.
named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Education-to-Employment (E2E) Applied Professional Learning Cohort
Technical assistance and peer learning program for regional coalitions receiving federal grants (e.g., Build Back Better Regional Challenge, Good Jobs Challenge), featuring workshops, exemplars, and capacity-building support.
Good Jobs Economy Initiative
National initiative to help regional coalitions align economic growth with equity by building backbone organizations, connecting talent to high-demand sectors, and creating durable pathways to economic mobility. Includes support for up to 25 local proof points and a pipeline for 100+ communities.
Good Jobs Western North Carolina
Regionally coordinated initiative to connect 1,200 residents to good jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades over three years, while building a sustainable talent system across 23 counties and 11 community colleges.
Workforce Pell Resource Library
Provides states with tools, playbooks, and policy guidance to implement the federal Workforce Pell program, including quality standards, data infrastructure, and credit articulation frameworks in partnership with the National Governors Association.
activities · 8 groups
What they do
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Regional Economic Development Initiatives 1 activity
- Advocating for federal economic and workforce development fundingHelped design and secure bipartisan federal funding for major place-based economic and workforce development programs, including the Regional Tech Hubs, NSF Engines, Workforce Training Grants, Good Jobs Challenge, and Build Back Better Regional Challenge, totaling nearly $2 billion and helping communities access approximately $250 million in federal grants.
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Nonprofit Sector Research & Data Analysis 1 activity
- Conducting research and diagnostics on talent and workforce systemsConducts statewide diagnostics and research to assess talent system strengths and improvement areas, produces research briefs and memos, and partners with institutions like Brookings Metro to evaluate and inform inclusive economic development and workforce program design.
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Education Policy Research and Analysis 1 activity
- Developing and publishing resources for Workforce Pell implementationDevelops and disseminates practical tools and guidance for state leaders and governors on implementing Workforce Pell programs, including an overview paper, one-page briefs on key standards, a State Implementation Playbook, and memos on credit articulation and evaluation frameworks.
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Flexible Grants to Grassroots Organizations 1 activity
- Funding backbone organizations and regional good jobs initiativesFunds up to 25 backbone organizations to develop equitable economic growth agendas and cross-sector coalitions, and finances regional initiatives such as the Good Jobs Western North Carolina Fund, which received over $2.5 million in committed philanthropic and private sector funding.
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Community Capacity Building & Leadership Networks 1 activity
- Incubating initiatives and launching nonprofit organizationsIncubates high-performing initiatives, launches new nonprofit organizations, and partners with local leaders to improve community outcomes, particularly in education, workforce development, and economic development, with a focus on underserved populations.
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Workforce Readiness Training 1 activity
- Launching and managing regional workforce development initiativesLaunches and supports locally led, regionally coordinated workforce initiatives such as Good Jobs Western North Carolina, aimed at connecting residents to good jobs in high-demand sectors through coordinated training and employer engagement, with a goal of connecting 1,200 residents in the region over three years.
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Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Training 1 activity
- Providing technical assistance for workforce and economic development programsProvides implementation support, strategic advising, and technical assistance to state and regional coalitions—including governors’ teams and Build Back Better Regional Challenge grantees—on workforce training, talent systems, and equitable economic growth strategies, including through workshops, peer learning, and applied professional learning cohorts.
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Professional Field Knowledge Development 1 activity
- Publishing policy and practice recommendations for workforce developmentProduces and publishes actionable memos and briefs offering recommendations for policymakers and philanthropy on effective implementation of Workforce Pell and other workforce development programs, including equity-focused strategies and research learning agendas.
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financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$16.56M
Contributions & grants$16.45M99%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$96K1%
Other revenue$8K
expenses
Total expenses$10.06M
Program expenses84%
Admin / overhead11%
Fundraising6%
Salaries & benefits$1.90M
Grants paid out$372K
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$11.70M
Cash$11.64M
Investments$0
Liabilities$799K
Net assets$10.90M
Liquid reserves13.9 mo
5 years on record · 2019–2023 · YoY revenue +56.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023
Who runs it
paid leadership · 10
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JON SCHNUR | CEO | 40 | $371K |
| ALLISON BAJRACHARYA | CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER | 40 | $285K |
| JOANNA MIKULSKI | CHIEF FEDERAL POLICY AND DATA OFFICER | 40 | $255K |
| DIANE FORD | CHIEF FINANCIAL AND ADMININSTRATIVE OFFICER | 40 | $233K |
| MOLLY DILLON | DIRECTOR OF POLICY ADVOCACY | 40 | $187K |
| ALLISON JONES | SENIOR DIRECTOR | 40 | $165K |
| WILLIAM C FERGUSON | PROGRAM DIRECTOR | 40 | $154K |
| AUSTIN THOMPSON | SENIOR DIRECTOR | 40 | $146K |
| RAM CAPOOR | INTERIM CHIEF FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER | 40 | $119K |
| WILLIAM GARRETT | SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR | 40 | $115K |
board members · 8
- CHRISTOPHER CHADWICK — DIRECTOR
- GIL DICKOFF — DIR.& TREASURER
- JEAN DESRAVINES — DIRECTOR
- KEITH FROME — CHAIRMAN
- MAURICE JONES — DIRECTOR
- MIKE JOHNSTON — DIRECTOR
- MORA SEGAL — DIRECTOR
- STEFAN PRYOR — DIRECTOR
relationships · 31
Who they work with
- Best Buy Foundation Funder — Provides funding and executive involvement in support of the Good Jobs Economy initiative.
- Best Buy Foundation Partner — National employer partner contributing grant funding and executive leadership support to the Good Jobs Economy initiative.
- Blue Meridian Partners Funder — Funder of America Achieves Inc.
- Brookings Metro Partner — Collaborates to provide applied community practice, research briefs, and webinars on inclusive economic initiatives.
- Brookings Metro Partner — Partner organization collaborating with America Achieves on economic and workforce development initiatives.
- Congress Government — Worked with Congress to advance federal programs and policies with bipartisan support.
- Economic Development Administration Government — Federal agency administering the Technology and Innovation Hubs program that America Achieves advocates for.
- George Kaiser Family Foundation Funder — Funder of America Achieves Inc.
- Good Jobs Economy Partner — Collaborates with Good Jobs Economy, as indicated by the linked URL and contextual reference on the team page
- Governor Moore's team in Maryland Partner — Providing technical assistance to support Workforce Pell implementation in Maryland.
- Guild Partner — Partner organization collaborating with Oklahoma and America Achieves on talent development and workforce training initiatives.
- JPMorganChase Funder — Funds America Achieves' Workforce Pell resource development work.
- JPMorganChase Funder — Funds America Achieves' work on developing resources for Workforce Pell implementation.
- John M. Belk Endowment Funder — Leading funder and steering committee member of the Good Jobs Western North Carolina initiative.
- MacKenzie Scott Funder — Funder of America Achieves Inc.
- Maryland Governor Wes Moore Government — Co-launched the Good Jobs Economy initiative with America Achieves as NGA Vice-Chair and collaborates on Workforce Pell implementation.
- Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth Partner — Partner organization working with America Achieves on inclusive economic growth initiatives.
- National Governors Association Network — Partnering with America Achieves through the Chair’s Initiative “Reigniting the American Dream” to advance the Good Jobs Economy agenda.
- National Governors Association Partner — Collaborates with America Achieves to develop resources for governors on Workforce Pell implementation.
- National Governors Association Partner — Collaborates with America Achieves to develop resources for state implementation of Workforce Pell.
- National Governors Association Partner — Collaborates with the National Governors Association on the Good Jobs Economy initiative, including co-developing resources for governors on Workforce Pell implementation.
- National Science Foundation Government — Federal agency whose Regional Innovation Engines program America Achieves supports through advocacy.
- North Carolina Governor Josh Stein Government — Provided official support for Good Jobs Western North Carolina and proposed state funding for the initiative.
- Oklahoma Partner — Collaborating to conduct a statewide diagnostic on talent system strengths and development areas.
- Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Partner — Collaborated with America Achieves on securing a federal workforce training grant and implementing workforce development initiatives in Oklahoma.
- Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Government — Co-launched the Good Jobs Economy initiative with America Achieves as NGA Chair.
- Strada Education Foundation Partner — Partner organization collaborating with America Achieves on education and workforce alignment.
- StriveTogether Partner — Partner organization working with America Achieves to improve community-level outcomes in education and employment.
- coalitions Coalition — Works with coalitions to build systems for sustainable job pathways.
- local economic and workforce development intermediaries Partner — Collaborates with local intermediaries to develop and implement workforce programs.
+ 1 more
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Capacity Building for Local Intermediaries and Coalitionsmethodology: local_intermediary_capacity_buildingBy strengthening local intermediaries and multi-sector coalitions through technical assistance, learning cohorts, and funding, we produce more effective regional governance and implementation, because locally led networks are better positioned to align education, workforce, and economic development around shared goals.
- Outcomes-Driven Workforce Transformationmethodology: outcomes-driven workforce developmentBy using high-quality employment and economic independence as the primary success metric for workforce programs, we produce more effective training and policy reform, because focusing on real job outcomes shifts system incentives toward quality, equity, and long-term mobility rather than mere participation.
- Policy and Practice Adoption Through Evidence-Based Disseminationmethodology: evidence_based_practice_disseminationBy identifying proven models and supporting the adoption of evidence-based practices, policies, and investments, we produce scalable and sustainable workforce reforms, because systemic change is accelerated when decision-makers have access to validated solutions and implementation support.
- Systemic Alignment for Workforce and Economic Developmentmethodology: system-alignment-for-workforce-developmentBy integrating education, workforce, and economic development systems at regional and state levels, we produce sustained economic growth and expanded access to good jobs, because coordinated systems better align talent supply with employer demand and regional economic potential.