Mona Foundation

What Mona Foundation does

Mona Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by Mahnaz Aflatooni Javid, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, that funds and supports a network of 42 grassroots educational organizations across 25 countries. The foundation's functional purpose is to channel donations, grants, and endowment income to locally-led schools, training centers, and community development programs that deliver quality education to children in impoverished regions, with a primary emphasis on girls' empowerment. Core operating model is a long-term partnership structure: Mona provides multi-year funding, capacity support, and a Partner Advisory Board forum, while partner organizations operate schools and curricula at the community level. Nine partners have scaled to national-government adoption (notably Badi School's curriculum in Panama reaching 950,000 students and Study Hall Educational Foundation's Aarohini program adopted across 27,000 Uttar Pradesh secondary schools).

Mona's revenue mechanics span four streams: individual donor monthly recurring gifts (Sponsor Hope/Changemakers Circle at $11-$132/month tiers), corporate and business partnerships (Cotopaxi, Trilogy International Partners, PLT Health Solutions, Slalom, Miller Hull, Alaska Airlines), an endowment fund (goal $8M by 2030), and planned/legacy giving via FreeWill. Fundraising events include the annual Move4Mona 5K walk and documentary screenings of 'Light & Air'. Annual fundraising in 2025 was $2.4 million, with 81% of expenditures directed to programs and 13% to administration, yielding an operating cost per student served of $1.62. The foundation is staffed by four employees plus a network of regional chapters (San Diego, Portland, Los Angeles) and youth engagement programs (Youth Ambassador ages 12-18, Mona Fellowship ages 14-18).

Mona Foundation's proprietary technology exposure is limited and channeled entirely through partners. The most substantive AI-linked offering is Mindspark, an AI-driven adaptive learning platform developed by partner Educational Initiatives (Ei), deployed across India, South Africa, Zambia, and Cambodia, reaching 310,000+ students with documented 2-3x learning outcome gains (MIT JPAL). A $3 million Randomized Control Trial funded by Mona is planned for 2026-2027 across 25,200 South African public school students. Distribution is primarily direct-to-consumer via monafoundation.org and GiveSmart for donors; partners deliver programs in-country.

Name

Mona Foundation

Legal name

Mona Foundation

Website

https://monafoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Mona Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1999 that funds and supports 42 grassroots educational organizations across 25 countries, channeling individual donations, corporate grants, and an endowment fund to deliver quality education, with a primary focus on girls' empowerment, in underserved communities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Education Philanthropy

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH), Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA), Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB)

Keywords

• Educational philanthropy
• Girls education programs
• Grassroots education partnerships
• International nonprofit funding
• Donor supported scholarships

Headquarters

HQ city

Kirkland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Others, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Mona Foundation raises funds primarily through individual donors, including monthly recurring gifts (Sponsor Hope program) and one-time donations via online platform.
2. Corporate/ Business Partnerships: Corporate sponsors including Cotopaxi, Trilogy International Partners, Slalom, Miller Hull, and others provide grants, in-kind donations, and event support.
3. Endowment Fund: Endowed gifts designated by donors for specific purposes (scholarships, girls empowerment, general mission). Goal of $8 million endowment by 2030.
4. Legacy/Planned Giving: Bequests, charitable trusts, retirement plan designations, and life insurance beneficiary designations.
5. Fundraising Campaigns: Move4Mona annual 5K walk fundraiser, community campaigns, tribute funds, and event-based fundraising.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Mona Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises charitable donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations, then channels those funds to a network of 42 grassroots educational partner organizations across 25 countries. The foundation's offering combines philanthropic giving programs (monthly giving, legacy giving, endowments) with educational programming delivered through partners — including the AI-driven Mindspark adaptive learning platform funded through partner Educational Initiatives.

Product overview

Mona Foundation operates as a charitable organization that partners with grassroots educational organizations rather than offering a unified technology product. Its primary educational offering is Mindspark, an AI-driven adaptive learning platform developed by partner Educational Initiatives (Ei). Mindspark personalizes literacy and numeracy education for students across multiple countries. Beyond this technology platform, Mona Foundation supports a network of 24 grassroots partner organizations across 18 countries that provide various educational programs including scholarships, teacher training, girls' empowerment, and community development initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sponsor Hope: Monthly giving program for child education
• Changemakers Circle
• Youth Ambassador Program
• Mona Fellowship Program

Products and services

• Mindspark Adaptive Learning Platform AI-driven personalized adaptive learning platform delivering tailored literacy and numeracy content to students based on individual learning patterns. Built by partner Educational Initiatives (Ei) and funded by Mona Foundation for implementation in low-resource school settings across multiple countries.
• Sponsor Hope / Changemakers Circle Monthly recurring donation program for individual donors, structured into tiers (Igniter $11, Advancer $22, Champion $55, Catalyst $132 per month) each tied to educating a specific number of students per year. The flagship public-facing giving program for the foundation.
• Legacy and Planned Giving Program Planned giving program enabling donors to support the foundation through wills, charitable trusts, retirement plan beneficiary designations, life insurance designations, and qualified charitable distributions (up to $100,000/year from IRAs for donors aged 70½+). Delivered in partnership with FreeWill for free will creation.
• Endowment Fund Program Endowment giving program accepting endowed gifts (minimum $15,000) designated by donors for specific purposes including scholarships, girls empowerment, and general mission support. Includes named memorial endowments established by donors, with a strategic goal of reaching $8 million by 2030.
• Move4Mona Annual 5K Walk
• Youth Ambassador and Mona Fellowship Programs

Quantifiable outcome

• 7.1 million students educated since 1999
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• Irerero SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025New Mona partner in 2025. Indigenous community school in Rwanda serving empowered community.
• PLT Health SolutionscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021Purpose-driven company developing ingredient solutions for health and wellness. Paul Flowerman, Chairman, introduced Mona to Educational Initiatives and Mindspark. PLT provides direct support to EI (India) and JET Education Service (South Africa).
• CotopaxiflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerAs a Certified B-Corp, social good is embedded in Cotopaxi's mission. Cotopaxi has awarded Mona a multi-year grant supporting operations and work of partners in Brazil, Guatemala, and Panama. Annie Agle, VP of Impact, testified to Mona's ability to close gender gap and eliminate poverty.
• Trilogy International PartnersflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTrilogy has been a major supporter of Mona Foundation over past several years, providing longstanding partnership through wise advice and generous contributions. Focus on education and community development.
• SlalomcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInnovative professional services firm specializing in business, technology, and corporate transformation. Slalom offers consultation support to Mona for arrangement and strategic planning of operations.
• Miller HullminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNationally recognized architecture and design firm committed to sustainable, community-centered spaces. Miller Hull provides annual giving to advance Mona's mission.
• Alaska AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlaska Airlines provides in-kind donations to Mona for auctions and events as part of comprehensive philanthropy approach focusing on environmental stewardship, social impact, and community engagement.
• Human TouchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWellness solutions brand focusing on massage chairs and ergonomic products. Human Touch provides in-kind donations to Mona for events.
• Holistique Medical CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedical center blending western, eastern, natural, and anti-aging therapies. Holistique actively involves Mona in company events to raise awareness and support.
• Passport UnlimitedminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPassport Unlimited connects customers and businesses through member incentives, providing Mona supporters with discounts on dining, travel, shopping, entertainment.
• One Thousand Years JewelryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFine jewelry company with handcrafted products focused on meaning, quality, and environmental sustainability. A percent of all proceeds donated to Mona for global education.
• FreeWillcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFreeWill partnership allows Mona to offer free will creation services to supporters interested in legacy giving. 100% free to donors, integrated into planned giving page.
• Educational Initiatives (Ei)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAhmedabad-based education company with AI-driven Mindspark platform showing 2-3x learning outcome gains. Partner since 2021. Platform implemented across India, South Africa, Zambia, Cambodia reaching 310,000+ students. $3M RCT funded for 2026-2027.
• Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2008. SHEF has reached 5 million+ students. Aarohini program now approved by UP government for all 27,000 public secondary schools. Mona supports Digital Study Hall, GyanSetu centers, Prerna Girls School, and India's Daughters Campaign.
• Badi SchoolflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2000, Mona's oldest continuing partnership. Panama's Ministry of Education adopted Badi's moral education curriculum as national standard reaching 950,000 students. Recognized as one of finest K-12 schools in Central America.
• Barli Development Institute for Rural WomenflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2004. Six-month residential programs in literacy, vocational training, community development for young women from rural Madhya Pradesh. Nearly 10,000 women graduated; influence reaches estimated 100 others per graduate.
• Starfish InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2019. Skills Center trains 200 young women ages 15-25 in four 3-year certification programs (Salon, Tailoring, Arts & Craft, Hospitality). Collaboration with Ministry of Higher Education.
• Sunflower MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2007. Built 198 classrooms, supported 20,000+ students. Mona has funded 10 schools (1,620 students annually) and 6,100+ scholarships.
• Programme for Children (PFC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2019. Built 89 schools in Sierra Leone. Mona funded 2 elementary, 2 middle, 1 high school, 1 library, and vocational center addition.
• FUNDAECcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since founding. 50 years strengthening social fabric through educational programs reaching 300,000+ youth. Supporting Community Leaders Program expanded to 3 Colombian regions.
• MAIA Impact SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2022. Central America's first female, Indigenous-led secondary school. 375 Maya young women from 40 villages with 2 academic years growth annually.
• Mongolian Development CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2008. 'Hidden Gems' early childhood curriculum in 13 schools across 4 communities reaching 2,000+ children. Teacher training and parent engagement.
• Louis Gregory Memorial SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2016/2017. Tilling and Odusai schools in Uganda. Mona helped build library, repair buildings, provide teacher housing. 2,037+ students educated.
• ADCAMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2004. School of the Future (K-12) and Young Apprentice Program in Manaus, Brazil. 178 students educated, 384 youth trained in 2024.
• Hope Academy for GirlscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2022. Only Junior/Senior Secondary school for girls in Western Sierra Leone. 93 girls educated, 100% pass rate on exams.
• Ruhi Arbab & Simmons SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2020. K-12 education in rural Colombia for children of sugarcane industry workers. 677 students across both schools. Infrastructure and scholarship support.
• New Horizon SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerK-12 school in Haiti serving 500+ students. Mona funded construction of primary/high schools, vocational facilities, computer lab, library, solar panels.
• Parent UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since founding. Breaks cycle of poverty in Savannah, GA through whole-family education approach. 95% of community below poverty line.
• New Era Creative SpaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGirls EmpowerED program in Peekskill, NY helping girls build resilience through mentorship led by high school students.
• StolenYouthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCombats child sex trafficking in Washington State through prevention education, advocacy, survivor support. Region sees 500-700 children trafficked annually.
• Arriba las Manos FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2021. School library and educational activities in Colombian island community. Grew from 100 primary students to include high schoolers.
• Monte Carmelo AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting vulnerable children in Porto Feliz, Brazil for 30+ years through educational enrichment. 90 students ages 6-14 supported during pandemic.
• Emergence FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreparation for Social Action program in Cameroon empowering communities to address food shortages and health through sustainable agriculture.
• Glory SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerQuality education for 426 students from remote Himalayan villages. Full scholarships for girls since 2019. Many graduates become afterschool program volunteers.
• Badi FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2010. Moral Empowerment through Language Program for junior high students in Macau. One full-time staff and volunteer coordinators.
• Brookings InstitutioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMona Foundation represented on Brookings Institution CUE Leadership Council as part of global education initiative.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Room to Read: Global education nonprofit that partners with local communities across multiple countries to advance literacy and girls' education. Highly comparable long-term grassroots-partner model and similar girls'-education focus.
• Pratham: One of the largest NGOs in India focused on providing quality education to underprivileged children. Shares the grassroots-partner model and emphasis on measurable learning outcomes at low cost-per-student.
• Malala Fund: Global nonprofit championing girls' education through advocacy and partnerships with local organizations. Comparable mission focus on girls' education, multi-country partner model, and emphasis on systemic change.
• Pencils of Promise: Education nonprofit building schools and developing programs in developing countries. Comparable grassroots-partnership approach and focus on measurable outcomes in underserved communities.
• Educate Girls: India-focused nonprofit working to enroll and retain girls in school. Strong overlap with Mona's girls'-empowerment focus and community-based delivery through local partners.
• Global Fund for Children: Nonprofit that funds and partners with grassroots organizations serving children and youth globally. Closely mirrors Mona's model of identifying and funding local leaders rather than operating programs directly.
• Firelight Foundation: Nonprofit that provides long-term, flexible funding to community-based organizations serving children and youth in Africa. Closely comparable as a small-staff grantmaking intermediary to grassroots partners.

Broad incumbents

• BRAC: One of the world's largest development NGOs operating education programs across multiple countries. Operates at materially greater scale than Mona but shares the multi-country grassroots-education model.
• Acumen: Impact-focused organization that invests patient capital and partners with entrepreneurs serving low-income communities. Shares the philosophy of funding local leaders with dignity and long-term partnership.

Others

• Brookings Institution: Policy research organization where Mona holds a CUE Leadership Council seat. Indirect peer as an institutional partner rather than a direct grantmaking competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=xmafrRZIcbM
• Xx.com/monafoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mona-foundation

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mona Foundation