Kessler Foundation

What it reported doing in 2025

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 postdoctor

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 79.3%; rating input score 79
• Fundraising efficiency: $21.49 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 57; 57th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 94.4%; rating input score 94; 25th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 6 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Pass
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Pass
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 98.5%; rating input score 99; 40th percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 95.7%; rating input score 96; 25th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 0.5%; rating input score 26; 26th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 9.12; rating input score 84; 84th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.07; rating input score 72; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 10.8%; rating input score 21; 21st percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 6.2% per year; rating input score 100; 48th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 4.8% per year; rating input score 100; 39th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 2.1% per year; rating input score 100; 14th percentile among comparable filings