Nonprofit · EIN 31-1562134
KESSLER FOUNDATION INC
Tax-exempt · EAST HANOVER, NJ 07936
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 | 990 | $35,338,254 | $35,172,062 | $166,192 | $320,815,227 | $22,036,949 | $298,778,278 |
| December 31, 2024 | 990 | $32,355,977 | $35,996,524 | -$3,640,547 | $289,601,125 | $21,425,320 | $268,175,805 |
| December 31, 2023 | 990 | $33,534,975 | $34,093,857 | -$558,882 | $283,320,723 | $20,332,120 | $262,988,603 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $19,350,632
- of which government grants
- $11,765,257
- Program service revenue
- $217,750
- Investment income
- $15,744,510
- Royalties
- $4,884
- Net gain from sales of assets
- $11,318,775
- Other revenue
- $25,362
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $204,000
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $2,147,049
- Other salaries and wages
- $15,754,381
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $23,680,280
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Legal fees
- $456,651
- Accounting fees
- $140,497
- Occupancy
- $565,064
- Travel
- $341,981
- Depreciation
- $1,352,413
- Program services (functional)
- $27,907,019
- Management and general (functional)
- $6,364,633
- Fundraising (functional)
- $900,410
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $289,601,125
- Total assets, end of year
- $320,815,227
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $22,036,949
- Net assets, end of year
- $298,778,278
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $9,012,113
- Publicly traded securities
- $243,255,460
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $286,169,180
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $12,609,098
- Gross receipts
- $64,889,340
- Employees
- 208
- Volunteers
- 22
- Year formed
- 1986
- State of legal domicile
- NJ
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RODGER L DEROSE | PRESIDENT AND CEO Trustee or director, Officer | 40 | $839,267 | $67,000 |
| JOHN DELUCA | SVP - RESEARCH Key employee | 40 | $473,531 | $67,000 |
| NANCY CHIARAVALLOTI | LAB DIRECTOR Key employee | 40 | $336,286 | $65,329 |
| SUSAN HARKEMA | DIRECTOR CONSORTIUM GROWTH Highest-paid employee | 40 | $297,167 | $54,772 |
| GUANG YUE | LAB DIRECTOR Key employee | 32 | $291,860 | $59,828 |
| MICHELE PIGNATELLO | VP & chief devel. officer Highest-paid employee | 40 | $277,702 | $59,363 |
| JOHN O'NEILL | LAB DIRECTOR Highest-paid employee | 40 | $274,835 | $58,428 |
| TREVOR DYSON-HUDSON | LAB DIRECTOR Highest-paid employee | 40 | $244,928 | $54,726 |
| ANNE AMMONS | ADVISOR TO PRESIDENT Highest-paid employee | 20 | $234,193 | $53,103 |
| MICHAEL A SAFFER esq | CHAIR - TRUSTEE Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| C WILLIAM WEISSER | VICE CHAIR - TRUSTEE Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| LISA PETERSON | SECRETARY - Trustee Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MICHAEL P DAVIS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| JOSEPH CARNEVALE | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| ALYCE HALCHAK | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
16 more people on this return
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| GUY TUFO | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| DIANE ZEZZA | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| LAWRENCE J GELBER | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| SAUL SIMON | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| WILLIAM GILMAN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| DAVID MARGOLIS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| ELLEN SALSBURG | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| MICHAEL HERZ esq | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| THOMAS M VENINO JR | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| DAVID LEGOW | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| GEORGE H JACOBS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| HENRY G STIFEL III | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| TERRI GOLDBERG | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| NEIL GREENSTEIN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| DARA SBLENDORIO | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
| HELEN MAZARAKIS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2024: 33 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RODGER L DEROSE | PRESIDENT AND CEO Trustee or director, Officer | 40 | $815,846 | $52,600 |
| JOHN DELUCA | VICE PRESIDENT - RESEARCH Key employee | 40 | $462,229 | $52,600 |
| NANCY CHIARAVALLOTI | LAB DIRECTOR Key employee | 40 | $322,675 | $50,803 |
| GUANG YUE | LAB DIRECTOR Key employee | 40 | $281,364 | $47,406 |
| MICHELE PIGNATELLO | DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT Highest-paid employee | 40 | $268,313 | $47,032 |
| JOHN O'NEILL | LAB DIRECTOR Highest-paid employee | 40 | $267,963 | $46,511 |
| TREVOR DYSON-HUDSON | LAB DIRECTOR Highest-paid employee | 40 | $235,330 | $44,069 |
| ELAINE KATZ | GRANTS DIRECTOR Highest-paid employee | 40 | $228,965 | $43,660 |
| ANNE AMMONS | ADVISOR TO PRESEIDENT Highest-paid employee | 40 | $225,557 | $43,045 |
| MICHAEL A SAFFER | CHAIR - TRUSTEE Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| C WILLIAM WEISSER | VICE CHAIR - TRUSTEE Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| LISA PETERSON | SECRETARY - Trustee Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MICHAEL P DAVIS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| M JOHN GERMAIN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| ALYCE HALCHAK | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| GUY TUFO | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DIANE ZEZZA | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MARY ROSE MIGLIAZZA | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| SAUL SIMON | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| WILLIAM GILMAN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DAVID MARGOLIS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| ELLEN SALSBURG | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MICHAEL HERZ | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| THOMAS M VENINO JR | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| BRIAN CRAWFORD | TRUSTEE - AD HOC NON VOTING Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| GEORGE H JACOBS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DAVID SCHONBRAUN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| LARRY GELBERG | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| TERRI GOLDBERG | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| NEIL GREENSTEIN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MIKE HAYDINGER | TRUSTEE - AD HOC NON VOTING Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DARA SBLENDORIO | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| HELEN MAZARAKIS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 32 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RODGER L DEROSE | PRESIDENT AND CEO - TRUSTEE Trustee or director, Officer | 40 | $935,872 | $51,400 |
| JOHN DELUCA | SR. VICE PRESIDENT - RESEARCH Key employee | 40 | $567,599 | $51,400 |
| GUANG YUE | LAB DIRECTOR Key employee | 40 | $392,059 | $51,400 |
| NANCY CHIARAVALLOTI | LAB DIRECTOR Key employee | 40 | $360,471 | $51,400 |
| MICHELE PIGNATELLO | VP & CDO Highest-paid employee | 40 | $282,189 | $47,492 |
| Trevor Dyson-Hudson | LAB DIRECTOR Highest-paid employee | 40 | $277,170 | $47,406 |
| JOHN O'NEILL | LAB DIRECTOR Highest-paid employee | 40 | $276,738 | $47,625 |
| ELAINE KATZ | SR. VP GRANTS & COMMUNICATIONS Highest-paid employee | 40 | $270,850 | $46,121 |
| GAIL FORREST | DIRECTOR Highest-paid employee | 40 | $238,181 | $44,219 |
| MICHAEL A SAFFER | Chair - TRUSTEE Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| C WILLIAM WEISSER | VICE CHAIR - Trustee Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| BRUCE SCHNELWAR | SECRETARY - Trustee Trustee or director, Officer | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MICHAEL P DAVIS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| M JOHN GERMAIN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DAVID LEGOW | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| GUY TUFO | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DIANE ZEZZA | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| BRIAN CRAWFORD | TRUSTEE - AD HOC NON VOTING Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DAVID MARGOLIS | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DAVID SCHONBRAUN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MARY ROSE MIGLIAZZA | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| SAUL SIMON | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| DEBORAH MELLEN | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| ELLEN SALSBURG | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| JOSH AVIDAN | TRUSTEE -Ad Hoc Non Voting Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| TERRI GOLDBERG | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| ALYCE HALCHAK | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| MICHAEL HERZ | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| LISA PETERSON | TRUSTEE Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| William Gilman | Trustee Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| Neil Greenstein | Trustee Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
| Dara SBLENDORIO | Trustee Trustee or director | 3 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 120 EAGLE ROCK AVE STE 100, EAST HANOVER, NJ 07936-3147
- In care of
- % RODGER DEROSE
- Principal officer (990 for 2025)
- RODGER L DEROSE, 120 Eagle Rock Ave Suite 100, East Hanover, NJ 07936
- Signed the 990
- Sharon Cross, VP of Finance
- Phone
- (973) 324-8364
- Website
- WWW.KESSLERFOUNDATION.ORG
- Return prepared by
- WithumSmithBrown PC
Mission
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.
Program accomplishments
- 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.Expenses $27,703,019 · revenue $238,228
- 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.Expenses $204,000 · grants $204,000
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 31, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | 990 on file |
| 2024 | December 31, 2024 | May 15, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | December 31, 2023 | May 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 31-1562134
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Hospital or medical research organization
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1998
- Accounting year ends
- December
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Human services (P20)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $320,815,227
- Income (IRS master file)
- $64,889,340
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | December 2025 | $35,338,254 | $35,172,062 | $320,815,227 | XML |
| 990 | December 2024 | $32,355,977 | $35,996,524 | $289,601,125 | IRS |
| 990 | December 2023 | $33,534,975 | $34,093,857 | $283,320,723 | XML |
| 990 | December 2022 | $15,971,386 | $31,512,001 | $261,472,215 | IRS |
| 990 | December 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2018 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2017 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 31-1562134).
Questions about KESSLER FOUNDATION INC
- What is the EIN of KESSLER FOUNDATION INC?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of KESSLER FOUNDATION INC is 31-1562134.
- Is KESSLER FOUNDATION INC tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1998.
- Are donations to KESSLER FOUNDATION INC tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does KESSLER FOUNDATION INC file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of KESSLER FOUNDATION INC due?
- The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending December 31, 2026) is due May 17, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did KESSLER FOUNDATION INC last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of KESSLER FOUNDATION INC?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 names RODGER L DEROSE.
- Who are the officers and directors of KESSLER FOUNDATION INC?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 lists 31 people; 9 received compensation from the organization, the highest $839,267 (RODGER L DEROSE, PRESIDENT AND CEO).
- How much revenue does KESSLER FOUNDATION INC have?
- On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $35,338,254, expenses of $35,172,062 and total assets of $320,815,227 at year end.
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