EDU Designs is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We offer our animation classes, workshops and films under the name DaniMation.

When you take a class, make a donation or sign a contract with DaniMation, you are working with EDU Designs. That's why invoices, receipts and tax documents show the name EDU Designs.

At a glance

What we offer as DaniMation

DaniMation teaches animation to learners ages 10 and up. Our programs are open to all learners and specialize in neurodiverse students. More than 3,500 students have learned animation with us. Our motto is Educate, Elevate, and Empower.

• Animation classes. Online classes, one-on-one and in small groups, taught by instructors who understand neurodiverse learners.
• Summer workshops. Hands-on animation camps in Los Angeles, Florida and Pennsylvania, each ending with a showcase of student films.
• Career pathways. Students build portfolios and work on real animation projects, preparing for jobs in a field that rarely hires disabled artists.
• Original films. Animated shorts made with autistic and neurodivergent artists, many premiered at San Diego Comic-Con.
• Speaking and advocacy. Dani Bowman speaks at conferences across the country about autism, employment and the arts.

How EDU Designs and DaniMation came together

EDU Designs was founded in 2007 by Ruth Elliott, an Emmy Award–winning animation artist, with David Elliott. Its mission was to bring art and character education to children through school art presentations, books and animated shorts.

Dani Bowman started DaniMation in 2009, when she was 14. In 2016 EDU Designs and DaniMation made the animated short Somebody Needs You together, with voices by June Foray. It premiered at San Diego Comic-Con.

Today DaniMation's team leads EDU Designs, and DaniMation is the name the nonprofit uses for its classes, workshops and films.

Transparency

EDU Designs is governed by a board of directors and files an annual Form 990 with the IRS. You can review our filings on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, see our profile on Candid (GuideStar), or confirm our status with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search by entering EIN 26-1576531.

Need our W-9 or IRS determination letter for a grant application, a vendor setup or a funding agency? Contact us and we'll send them.

Support DaniMation

Gifts to EDU Designs support DaniMation's classes, workshops and student films. Businesses and foundations can also partner with us to sponsor a workshop or a film.

EDU Designs is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, EIN 26-1576531. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor about your own situation.

Questions

Is DaniMation a nonprofit?

Yes. DaniMation's programs are offered by EDU Designs, a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Why does my invoice or receipt say EDU Designs?

EDU Designs is the nonprofit that runs DaniMation, so it is the name on invoices, receipts and contracts.

What tax ID should I use for DaniMation?

Use EDU Designs, EIN 26-1576531.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes, to the extent allowed by law. Donations go to EDU Designs, a 501(c)(3) public charity. Please consult your tax advisor about your own situation.