2026-09-22T13:28:24-04:00 2025-12-31 WithumSmithBrown PC ONE TOWER CENTER BLVD 14TH FL EAST BRUNSWICK NJ 08816 990 2025-01-01 311562134 Kessler Foundation Inc % RODGER DEROSE KESS 9733248364 120 Eagle Rock Ave Suite 100 East Hanover NJ 07936 Sharon Cross VP of Finance 9733248364 2026-11-16 true Devin Desmond P01262203 7328281614 2025 RODGER L DEROSE 120 Eagle Rock Ave Suite 100 East Hanover NJ 07936 64889340 false X WWW.KESSLERFOUNDATION.ORG X 1986 NJ Kessler Foundation advances rehabilitation research that leads to real-world solutions for people with disabilities, creating new possibilities for restoring function, promoting independence, and improving quality of life. 23 22 208 22 0 18722935 19350632 269750 217750 13247942 15744510 115350 25362 32355977 35338254 685946 204000 0 0 22167650 23680280 0 0 900410 13142928 11287782 35996524 35172062 -3640547 166192 289601125 320815227 21425320 22036949 268175805 298778278 X Kessler Foundation advances rehabilitation research that leads to real-world solutions for people with disabilities, creating new possibilities for restoring function, promoting independence, and improving quality of life. We envision a world where people with disabilities have access to state-of-the-art rehabilitative care and community support to maximize their independence and live the lives they choose. false true 27703019 238228 Kessler Foundation conducts interdisciplinary rehabilitation research to improve function, independence, and quality of life for people with disabilities. The Foundation designs and evaluates interventions, technologies, and evidence-based approaches that address challenges associated with neurological, physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. Research findings are translated into practical solutions and disseminated to clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and the public to improve outcomes and advance evidence-based practice. Through collaboration with healthcare organizations, academic institutions, industry partners, and community organizations, the Foundation advances innovative research that improves the lives of people with disabilities. 204000 204000 Kessler Foundation conducts applied rehabilitation research focused on spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, autism, aging, and other neurological and developmental disabilities. Through clinical studies, technology development, and community-based research, the Foundation advances interventions and strategies that improve mobility, cognition, function, independence, and participation in daily life. Research findings are disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, professional education, and public outreach to accelerate the adoption of evidence-based practices and improve outcomes for people with disabilities. The Foundation conducts research with participants from New Jersey and across the United States through both in-person and remote research opportunities, including telestudies. Its participant engagement program helps connect individuals with disabilities to studies that address real-world challenges and accelerate scientific discovery. By expanding access to research participation and incorporating the perspectives of people with lived experience, the Foundation advances the development of interventions and technologies that improve function, independence, and quality of life. Strategic Focus and Organizational Impact: During 2025, the Board of Trustees approved a strategic decision to conclude the Foundation's disability employment grantmaking program and focus organizational resources on rehabilitation research. This decision reflects the Foundation's commitment to concentrating investments in its greatest area of expertise and impact-world-class rehabilitation research. By focusing resources on scientific discovery, innovation, participant engagement, and the translation of research into practice, the Foundation seeks to maximize its ability to restore function, promote independence, and improve quality of life for people with disabilities. Philanthropy and Research Impact: Philanthropic support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government partners enables Kessler Foundation to advance rehabilitation research that leads to real-world solutions for people with disabilities. Contributions and grants support scientific discovery, participant recruitment, research training, technology development, and dissemination of evidence-based findings that improve function, independence, and quality of life. Philanthropic investments serve as a catalyst for innovation by enabling the Foundation to pursue promising new lines of investigation, develop and evaluate emerging technologies and interventions, attract additional competitive research funding, and accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical solutions. These investments help advance rehabilitation research that improves outcomes for people with disabilities and expands opportunities for recovery, independence, and community participation. The continued generosity of donors and funding partners is essential to advancing the Foundation's mission and translating research into practical interventions and technologies that improve the lives of people with disabilities. Scientific Leadership: Kessler Foundation is recognized for its leadership in rehabilitation research and collaborates with leading healthcare organizations, academic institutions, industry partners, and community organizations to advance the science of disability and recovery. Through interdisciplinary research and strategic partnerships, the Foundation develops evidence-based approaches that improve mobility, cognition, function, and quality of life for people with disabilities. Research findings are shared through scientific publications, professional presentations, educational programs, and public outreach to increase their impact and accelerate adoption in clinical and community settings. Kessler Foundation is also committed to developing the next generation of rehabilitation researchers. Through postdoctoral training, mentorship, collaborative research opportunities, and professional development programs, the Foundation helps prepare future scientific leaders dedicated to improving outcomes for people with disabilities. These investments strengthen the field of rehabilitation research and help ensure continued progress in developing innovative, evidence-based solutions that address unmet needs. 27907019 true true false false false false false false false true true true false false true true true false false false false false false false true false false true false true false false false false false false false false true false false false false false false false false true 154 0 true 208 true false false false false false true true false false false false false false X 23 22 false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false CA CO DC FL NJ NY PA X RODGER DEROSE 9733248364 120 EAGLE ROCK AVENUE SUITE 100 EAST HANOVER NJ 07936 RODGER L DEROSE PRESIDENT AND CEO 40.0 0.0 X X 839267 0 67000 JOHN DELUCA SVP - RESEARCH 40.0 0.0 X 473531 0 67000 NANCY CHIARAVALLOTI LAB DIRECTOR 40.0 0.0 X 336286 0 65329 SUSAN HARKEMA DIRECTOR CONSORTIUM GROWTH 40.0 0.0 X 297167 0 54772 GUANG YUE LAB DIRECTOR 32.0 0.0 X 291860 0 59828 MICHELE PIGNATELLO VP & chief devel. officer 40.0 0.0 X 277702 0 59363 JOHN O'NEILL LAB DIRECTOR 40.0 0.0 X 274835 0 58428 TREVOR DYSON-HUDSON LAB DIRECTOR 40.0 0.0 X 244928 0 54726 ANNE AMMONS ADVISOR TO PRESIDENT 20.0 0.0 X 234193 0 53103 MICHAEL A SAFFER esq CHAIR - TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X X 0 0 0 C WILLIAM WEISSER VICE CHAIR - TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X X 0 0 0 LISA PETERSON SECRETARY - Trustee 3.0 0.0 X X 0 0 0 MICHAEL P DAVIS TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 JOSEPH CARNEVALE TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 ALYCE HALCHAK TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 GUY TUFO TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 DIANE ZEZZA TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 LAWRENCE J GELBER TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 SAUL SIMON TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 WILLIAM GILMAN TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 DAVID MARGOLIS TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 ELLEN SALSBURG TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 MICHAEL HERZ esq TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 THOMAS M VENINO JR TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 DAVID LEGOW TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 GEORGE H JACOBS TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 HENRY G STIFEL III TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 TERRI GOLDBERG TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 NEIL GREENSTEIN TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 DARA SBLENDORIO TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 HELEN MAZARAKIS TRUSTEE 3.0 0.0 X 0 0 0 3269769 0 539549 47 false true false GIBBONS PC PO BOX 5177 NEW YORK NY 100875177 LEGAL SERVICE 379990 THE CORMAC GROUP 800 CONNECTICUT AVE NW STE 300 WASHINGTON DC 200062763 CONSULTING 138498 WITHUMSMITHBROWN PC PO BOX 5340 PRINCETON NJ 08543 ACCOUNTING 106080 3 198962 11765257 7386413 63999 19350632 IMAGING REVENUE 541900 217750 217750 217750 4425735 4425735 0 4884 4884 0 0 0 40824510 0 29475316 30419 11349194 -30419 11318775 11318775 45351 198962 45351 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OTHER INCOME 900099 20478 20478 20478 35338254 238228 15749394 X 204000 204000 0 0 0 2147049 1254782 892267 0 15754381 13717463 1609186 427732 1094138 918117 146346 29675 3535994 2942936 503161 89897 1148718 953455 166862 28401 0 456651 426323 30328 140497 140497 0 0 836828 836828 3863164 3803826 59338 0 1106513 419775 528400 158338 976824 415444 493065 68315 0 565064 109534 455530 341981 284410 55786 1785 0 251909 36733 179281 35895 0 0 1352413 1352413 460381 228531 231850 SUBJECT RESEARCH COSTS 618765 618765 RESEARCH AND PROGRAM EXPENSES 273042 220512 51996 534 GRANT ALLOCATION 43750 43250 500 35172062 27907019 6364633 900410 X 566095 851650 5213017 2256271 5621670 7653959 259918 875477 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 995630 812467 24516351 15504238 9281602 9012113 219742671 243255460 38681385 47245931 0 0 0 0 9239137 8851899 289601125 320815227 4432822 4838667 827384 99125 5204281 6120299 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10960833 10978858 21425320 22036949 X 256896473 286169180 11279332 12609098 268175805 298778278 289601125 320815227 166192 30436281 X false true X true true true X 21841703 12472836 16379996 18722935 19350632 88768102 0 0 21841703 12472836 16379996 18722935 19350632 88768102 13675429 75092673 2122605 1347748 2198074 6129831 4430619 16228877 0 189542 8490 18231 109621 20478 346362 105343341 1105000 0.71284 0.73718 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 3607747 5500 476832 194511 3895568 3380984 7417 247286 27940 3607747 3071209 7347 399799 97371 3380984 3867425 7337 -709866 93687 3071209 3588140 2400 365565 88680 3867425 0.00000 0.49960 0.50040 false false 9270547 3217880 6052667 15120804 12286358 2834446 125000 125000 9012113 RE AND PRIVATE EQUITIES 47245931 F 47245931 0 LEASE LIABILITY 10978858 10978858 X 66142739 30436281 1205032 31641313 34501426 836828 836828 35338254 35540266 1205032 1205032 34335234 836828 836828 35172062 FORM 990, SCHEDULE D, PART X, LINE 2 The Foundation follows the accounting pronouncement dealing with uncertain tax positions. The Foundation had no unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2025 and 2024. There were no tax related interest or penalties included in the financial statements presented. Form 990, SCHEDULE D, PART V, LINE 4 Organization's endowment funds are used to support research and employment grant making. Fall fest 244313 198962 45351 45351 0 244313 198962 45351 45351 45351 true Abilities Of Northwest Jersey Inc 264 Rt 31 North Washington NJ 07882 222053518 501(C)(3) 35000 Community Employment VISIONS 500 Greenwich Street Suite 302 New York NY 10013 131624210 501(c)(3) 35000 Community Employment The Impossible Dream 50 W 47th Street New York NY 10036 800969365 501(c)(3) 10000 Special Initiative Perlman Music Program 19 West 69th Street Suite 1101 New York NY 10023 113247651 501(c)(3) 22000 Special Initiatives Hudson Community Enterprise 68-70 Tuers Avenue Jersey City NJ 07306 221629147 501(c)(3) 35000 Community Employment The Arc of Camden County 215 W White Horse Pike Berlin NJ 08009 222192479 501(c)(3) 35000 Community Employment Fairleigh Dickinson University 1000 River Road Teaneck NJ 07666 221494434 501(c)(3) 7500 Special Initiative The Burd Group 1531 Pine Street Suite 3 Philadelphia PA 19102 185424365 21500 Grant Evaluations 7 1 SCHEDULE I, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 2 THE ORGANIZATION REQUIRES PERIODIC REPORTS FROM GRANTEES ON PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING THE GOALS OF THE PROJECTS IT FUNDS AS WELL AS THE EXPENDITURES OF THE FUNDS. LARGER GRANTS REQUIRE AN OUTSIDE EVALUATOR TO ASSESS THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PROJECTS. X X X X X X false false false false false false false false false RODGER L DEROSE PRESIDENT AND CEO 839267 0 0 0 0 0 42000 0 25000 0 906267 0 0 0 JOHN DELUCA SVP - RESEARCH 473531 0 0 0 0 0 42000 0 25000 0 540531 0 0 0 MICHELE PIGNATELLO VP & chief devel. officer 277702 0 0 0 0 0 34363 0 25000 0 337065 0 0 0 NANCY CHIARAVALLOTI LAB DIRECTOR 336286 0 0 0 0 0 40329 0 25000 0 401615 0 0 0 GUANG YUE LAB DIRECTOR 291860 0 0 0 0 0 34828 0 25000 0 351688 0 0 0 ANNE AMMONS ADVISOR TO PRESIDENT 234193 0 0 0 0 0 28103 0 25000 0 287296 0 0 0 SUSAN HARKEMA DIRECTOR CONSORTIUM GROWTH 297167 0 0 0 0 0 29772 0 25000 0 351939 0 0 0 TREVOR DYSON-HUDSON LAB DIRECTOR 244928 0 0 0 0 0 29726 0 25000 0 299654 0 0 0 JOHN O'NEILL LAB DIRECTOR 274835 0 0 0 0 0 33428 0 25000 0 333263 0 0 0 X 8 63999 FMV false true false Form 990, Schedule M, Part I, Line 9 Amount entered on line 9(b) represents the number of donors. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B FORM 990 IS REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BEFORE IT IS FILED. ALL TRUSTEES RECEIVE A COPY OF THE FORM 990. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C TO REGULARLY AND CONSISTENTLY MONITOR AND ENFORCE COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, THE ORGANIZATION REQUIRES OFFICERS TRUSTEES, AND ALL EMPLOYEES TO ANNUALLY DISCLOSE INTERESTS THAT COULD GIVE RISE TO CONFLICTS, ALONG WITH REQUIRING THEM TO ANNUALLY SIGN A CONFLICT OF INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AMONG TRUSTEES ARE REVIEWED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND TRUSTEES RECUSE THEMSELVES FROM DISCUSSION RELATED TO MATTERS WHERE A CONFLICT MAY EXIST. EMPLOYEE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ARE REVIEWED AND MONITORED BY MANAGEMENT TO ENSURE THAT THESE CONFLICTS DO NOT POSE A HARDSHIP TO THE ORGANIZATION NOR GAIN TO THE EMPLOYEE. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15A & B CEO salary is determined by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees. Other staff compensation is recommended by managers, approved by the CEO and reviewed in the aggregate by the Compensation Committee. The Foundation periodically engages an independent third party to conduct a review of comparability of compensation of the CEO and other key positions. The Compensation Committee annually reviews CEO performance and the CEO's employment contract. The Foundation periodically engages a major compensation consultant to conduct a study to determine reasonableness of salary, cash compensation and total compensation for all key positions, including managers, directors, and executive management. All salaries were deemed to be reasonable. The Company engages an independent third party on an annual basis to perform a review of the reasonableness of CEO compensation. The 2025 review deemed CEO compensation to be reasonable when compared with peer organizations. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 THE ORGANIZATION MAKES ITS FORM 990 AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON WRITTEN REQUEST. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO MAKES ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON WRITTEN REQUEST. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 3 During 2025, the Board of Trustees approved a strategic decision to conclude the Foundation's disability employment grantmaking program and concentrate organizational resources on rehabilitation research. This decision reflects the Foundation's commitment to its core mission of advancing rehabilitation research that leads to real-world solutions for people with disabilities. By focusing resources on scientific discovery, innovation, participant engagement, and the translation of research into practice, the Foundation seeks to maximize its impact on restoring function, promoting independence, and improving quality of life. The Foundation remains committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities through research that advances evidence-based interventions, technologies, and treatment approaches. FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G DESCRIPTION:OTHER FEES TOTAL FEES:3863164