Citizen University

Seattle, WA · Founded 2013

Builds a culture of powerful, responsible citizenship through civic education and community engagement across America

Primary audience
Community Leaders
Work area
Civic Education
Topic
Democratic Participation
Contact
Eric Liu
Website Contact

About Organization

Citizen University equips civic catalysts nationwide to create gatherings and experiences that strengthen democratic participation and civic skills. Based in Seattle, WA, the organization operates with 16 employees and 20 volunteers, generating $785,220 in revenue in 2023. Founded in 2013, it focuses on building a multiracial democratic republic through shared civic responsibility.

What They Focus On

Democratic Participation

Strengthening civic engagement and democratic practices through community gatherings that build shared responsibility and civic skills

Civic Leadership Development

Training and supporting civic catalysts to create meaningful experiences that bring diverse communities together

Multiracial Democracy Building

Fostering inclusive democratic culture by reckoning with history and building responsive institutions where everyone feels represented

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$785K

-72% vs 2021

Expenses (2023)

$2.1M

+97.5% vs 2021

Assets (2023)

$2.5M

-22.4% vs 2021

Employees (2023)

16

+60% vs 2021

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2023 $785,220 $2,136,086 $2,511,327 16
2021 $2,808,134 $1,081,609 $3,238,244 10
2020 $1,504,794 $828,153 $1,244,231 9
2019 $716,957 $893,963 $644,997 10
2018 $1,120,372 $1,018,354 $728,865 9

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Identify Civic Catalysts

    Recruit and select community leaders committed to strengthening democratic participation in their local areas

  • 02

    Equip with Tools

    Provide training, resources, and frameworks for organizing effective civic gatherings and community experiences

  • 03

    Create Invitations

    Support catalysts in designing inclusive gatherings that bring diverse people together to practice citizenship

  • 04

    Build Civic Culture

    Foster ongoing civic skills development and commitments through sustained community engagement and reflection

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Citizen University

Civic Catalyst Training

Equips community leaders with tools to organize civic gatherings and strengthen democratic participation in their communities

Citizenship Experiences

Creates invitations and gatherings that bring diverse people together to practice citizenship and build civic commitments

Civic Skills Development

Provides training and support to help individuals develop practical skills for effective participation in democratic life

Community Gathering Support

Supports local civic catalysts in organizing meaningful community experiences that strengthen social bonds and civic engagement

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Citizen University.

Eric Liu

Eric Liu

Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder
Full-time
Compensation: $139,471
Kayla Demonte

Kayla Demonte

Deputy Director
Full-time
Compensation: $115,075
Chris Hayashida-Knight

Chris Hayashida-Knight

Director of Administration & Finance
Full-time
Compensation: $107,322
Brooke Prieskorn

Brooke Prieskorn

Program Manager
Davis Endava

Davis Endava

Program Manager
Moses Ngong

Moses Ngong

Program Manager
Olivia Leming

Olivia Leming

Accounting Manager
Rob Pabon

Rob Pabon

Senior Program Relationship Manager
Sadé C. Sparks

Sadé C. Sparks

Senior Human Resources Manager
Talya Gillman

Talya Gillman

Program Director
Zoey Cane Belyea

Zoey Cane Belyea

Program Director
JC

Jena Cane

Director Thru 09/23
1 hrs/week
RT

Rich Tafel

President
1 hrs/week
SY

Stephanie Ybarra

Director Thru 06/24
1 hrs/week
JW

James Williams

Director
KH

Katie Hong

Vice President & Secretary
KC

Kristen Cambell

Director
MW

Martin W Rodgers

Director

Milestones

2013

Organization Founded

2013

Citizen University established to build a culture of powerful, responsible citizenship nationwide

2014

Tax-Exempt Status Granted

2014

Received IRS tax-exempt status recognition as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

2021

Peak Revenue Year

2021

Achieved highest recorded revenue of $2.8 million, expanding civic engagement programs nationally

2023

Staff Expansion

2023

Grew team to 16 employees to support increased civic catalyst network nationwide

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

DD
Diane Douglas Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week
JW
James Williams Director 1.00 hrs/week
KH
Katie Hong Vice President & Secretary 1.00 hrs/week
KC
Kristen Cambell Director 1.00 hrs/week
MW
Martin W Rodgers Director 1.00 hrs/week
Eric Liu
Eric Liu Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder
Brooke Prieskorn
Brooke Prieskorn Program Manager
Chris Hayashida-Knight
Chris Hayashida-Knight Director of Administration & Finance
Davis Endava
Davis Endava Program Manager
Kayla DeMonte
Kayla DeMonte Deputy Director
Moses Ngong
Moses Ngong Program Manager
Olivia Leming
Olivia Leming Accounting Manager
Rob Pabon
Rob Pabon Senior Program Relationship Manager
Sadé C. Sparks
Sadé C. Sparks Senior Human Resources Manager
Talya Gillman
Talya Gillman Program Director
Zoey Cane Belyea
Zoey Cane Belyea Program Director

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$393K

Highest Paid

$154K

Eric Liu

Compensated Officers

3

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Eric Liu Chief Executive Officer $139,471 $14,579 $154,050 40
Kayla Demonte Chief Program Officer $115,075 $13,065 $128,140 40
Chris Hayashida-Knight Chief Administration Officer $107,322 $3,274 $110,596 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Individual Political Donors

People from this organization who contributed to political campaigns

$1K Total Given
Democratic $1,025 (80%)
Other/PAC $250 (20%)
12 Contributions
$106 Avg Each

Top Individual Donors

2 Individual Donors
Chris Hayashida-Knight
Chris Hayashida-Knight 10 contributions • $78 avg
$775
Kayla Demonte
Kayla Demonte 2 contributions • $250 avg
$500

Quick Insights

🏆
Most Active Donor Chris Hayashida-Knight with 10 contributions
💰
Highest Avg per Contribution Kayla Demonte at $250 each
🎯
Top Recipient ACTBLUE — $500

Data from Federal Election Commission • Individual contributions only

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$97K

Total Forgiven

$98K

101% forgiven

Jobs Retained

6

Loan Details 1 loan

$97,000
Forgiven
Forgiven: $97,992 100%
Approved Apr 27, 2020
Lender Boeing Empl CU
Jobs Reported 6
Forgiven On May 11, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$273K Grants Received
3 Organizations

Top Funders

3 total
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$151K
TF
Tides Foundation
$100K
RP
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc.
$22K
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Tides Foundation Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc.
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Tides Foundation Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc.

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Contact

Get in touch with Citizen University

Phone

(206) 905-8333
Visit Website
300 Lenora Street 1391 Seattle, WA 98121