GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

aka Edutopia, GLEF, Lucas Learning, Lucas Education Research | San Rafael, CA | http://glef.org

Mission

We are dedicated to transforming pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade education, so all students can acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to thrive in their studies, careers, and adult lives. We believe that by identifying and amplifying effective education practices, we can help to transform schools and improve the learning process. Founded in 1991 by the visionary filmmaker George Lucas, our nonpartisan 501(c)(3) foundation welcomes all who are devoted to improving education to visit glef.org.

Ruling year info

1993

Executive Director

Cindy Johanson

Main address

PO Box 3494

San Rafael, CA 94912-3494 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

68-0065687

Subject area info

Foundations

Education

Population served info

Adults

Teachers

Parents

Caregivers

NTEE code info

Fund Raising and/or Fund Distribution (B12)

IRS subsection

501(c)(3) Private Operating Foundation

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990-PF.

Tax forms

Show Forms 990

Communication

Programs and results

Reports and documents

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

The George Lucas Educational Foundation is dedicated to transforming pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade education so all students can thrive in their studies, careers, and adult lives. GLEF provides trusted information and innovative tools to help students acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and beliefs to achieve their full potential

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Lucas Learning

A new division dedicated to developing authentic learning simulations for schools. This work, based on the design principles validated in project-based learning research, will occur in collaboration with strategic partners.

Edutopia

An in-depth and interactive resource, Edutopia.org offers practical, hands-on advice, real-world examples, lively contributions from practitioners, and invaluable tips and tools.

Population(s) Served

Adults

Where we work

United States

Photos

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

What is the organization aiming to accomplish?

GLEFs primary activities include:
Identifying, describing, and promoting effective models and innovations in K-12 education by producing video and other digital media
Developing advanced software, technology and material for educational purposes.

What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?

Edutopia, a free resource located at edutopia.org, spotlights what's working in education. A new initiative, Lucas Learning, is working with partners to creative interactive simulations based on the principles of rigorous project-based learning.

What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?

What have they accomplished so far and what's next?

Financials

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Fiscal year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

Financial documents

Financial data

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Digitizing IRS form 990 data

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Revenue & expenses

Fiscal Year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

SOURCE: IRS Form 990 info

Fiscal year ending: Download Data

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$0
Adjusted Net Income	$130,328

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$5,811,463
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$278,985
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$6,090,448

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$59,060
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$36,780
Other Professional Fees	$297,911
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$608,920
Printing & Publications	$470,681

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$0
Adjusted Net Income	$19,364

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$6,783,894
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$275,000
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$7,058,894

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$62,246
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$16,603
Other Professional Fees	$267,591
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$626,214
Printing & Publications	$468,738

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$0
Adjusted Net Income	$33,405

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$4,722,291
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$202,698
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$4,924,989

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$55,471
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$17,793
Other Professional Fees	$743,572
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$576,991
Printing & Publications	$135,853

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$0
Adjusted Net Income	$251,911

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$3,938,699
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$1,154,572
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$5,093,271

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$70,864
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$46,355
Other Professional Fees	$557,051
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$449,688
Printing & Publications	$0

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$0
Adjusted Net Income	$363,912

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$4,239,509
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$722,350
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$4,961,859

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$72,991
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$17,373
Other Professional Fees	$625,147
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$436,245
Printing & Publications	$0

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$0
Adjusted Net Income	$857,585

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$5,290,543
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$1,961,840
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$7,252,383

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$58,158
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$56,626
Other Professional Fees	$1,003,349
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$596,875
Printing & Publications	$0

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$0
Adjusted Net Income	$529,484

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$7,226,990
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$1,696,380
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$8,923,370

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$102,923
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$112,371
Other Professional Fees	$1,280,470
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$873,253
Printing & Publications	$0

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$0
Adjusted Net Income	$345,027

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$9,183,334
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$4,249,401
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$13,432,735

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$72,920
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$132,543
Other Professional Fees	$2,045,657
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$879,300
Printing & Publications	$0

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$6,324
Adjusted Net Income	$270,499

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$10,686,364
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$3,644,844
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$14,331,208

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$68,983
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$147,808
Other Professional Fees	$2,781,731
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$1,250,016
Printing & Publications	$0

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$556
Adjusted Net Income	$61,436

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$9,900,539
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$4,077,722
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$13,978,261

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$68,235
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$130,235
Other Professional Fees	$3,312,956
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$987,433
Printing & Publications	$0

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$414
Adjusted Net Income	$414

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$7,807,509
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$3,864,713
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$11,672,222

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$67,260
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$41,197
Other Professional Fees	$2,494,699
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$856,601
Printing & Publications	$0

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$770
Adjusted Net Income	$770

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$7,636,214
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$3,500,537
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$11,136,751

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$60,233
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$101,839
Other Professional Fees	$2,039,713
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$901,072
Printing & Publications	$0

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$143
Adjusted Net Income	$143

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$8,282,796
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$3,052,813
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$11,335,609

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$65,700
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$119,701
Other Professional Fees	$2,130,456
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$919,476
Printing & Publications	$0

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$129
Adjusted Net Income	$591

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$8,865,355
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$2,838,015
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$11,703,370

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$61,587
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$115,511
Other Professional Fees	$2,743,393
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$973,841
Printing & Publications	$0

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$5,548
Adjusted Net Income	$273,559

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$7,865,331
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$1,659,409
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$9,524,740

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$66,964
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$127,014
Other Professional Fees	$1,883,678
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$885,853
Printing & Publications	$0

Revenue
Investments (Net)	$174,294
Adjusted Net Income	$21,239

Expenses
Total Operating & Admin Expenses	$8,562,890
Contributions, Gifts, Grants Paid	$982,437
Total Expenses & Disbursements	$9,545,327

Functional expenses
Accounting Fees	$72,802
Interest Expense	$0
Legal Fees	$115,120
Other Professional Fees	$2,455,879
Pension Plans/Employee Benefits	$752,773
Printing & Publications	$0

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Balance sheet

Fiscal Year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

SOURCE: IRS Form 990 info

The balance sheet gives a snapshot of the financial health of an organization at a particular point in time. An organization's total assets should generally exceed its total liabilities, or it cannot survive long, but the types of assets and liabilities must also be considered. For instance, an organization's current assets (cash, receivables, securities, etc.) should be sufficient to cover its current liabilities (payables, deferred revenue, current year loan, and note payments). Otherwise, the organization may face solvency problems. On the other hand, an organization whose cash and equivalents greatly exceed its current liabilities might not be putting its money to best use.

Fiscal year ending: Download Data

Assets
Investments (Net)	$0
Cash & Equivalent (Investible Assets)	$0
Investments, US & State Government	$0
Investments, Corporate Stock	$0
Investments, Corporate Bonds	$0
Investments, Other	$0
Land, Buildings and Equipment	$94,210
Other	$0
Total Assets	$845,552

Liabilities
Total Liabilities	$574,020

Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

Documents

Letter of Determination

Form 1023/1024 is not available for this organization

Executive Director

Cindy Johanson

LinkedIn profile

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Officers, directors, trustees, and key employees

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Compensation

Other

Show data for fiscal year

Compensation data

Download up to 5 most recent years of officer and director compensation data for this organization

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Highest paid employees

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Compensation

Other

Show data for fiscal year

Compensation data

Download up to 5 most recent years of highest paid employee data for this organization

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Board of directors
as of 10/2/2025

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Board of directors data

Download the most recent year of board of directors data for this organization

Board chair

George Lucas

Andrea Wishom

Cindy Johanson Executive Director

George Lucas

Kim Meredith

Marshall Turner

Mellody Hobson

Robert Bradley

Stephen Arnold

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? yes
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? yes
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? yes
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? yes
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Not applicable

Organizational demographics

Candid has made improvements to the race and ethnicity options.

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Mission

Programs and results

Reports and documents

What we aim to solve

Our programs

Lucas Learning

Edutopia

Where we work

Goals & Strategy

Charting impact

What is the organization aiming to accomplish?

What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?

What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?

What have they accomplished so far and what's next?

Financials

Financial documents

Financial data

Digitizing IRS form 990 data

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Operations

Documents

Executive Director

Cindy Johanson

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Compensation data

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Compensation data

GEORGE LUCAS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Board of directors data

George Lucas

Board leadership practices

Board orientation and education

CEO oversight

Ethics and transparency

Board composition

Board performance

Organizational demographics

Leadership

Race & ethnicity

Gender identity

Transgender Identity

Sexual orientation

Disability