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120 EAGLE ROCK AVE STE 100
East Hanover NJ 07936-3147
East Hanover NJ | IRS ruling year: 1998 | EIN: 31-1562134
THE FOUNDATION'S MISSION IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES BY PREPARING THEM FOR THE WORKPLACE, AND CONDUCTING REHABILITATION R ... (More)
THE FOUNDATION'S MISSION IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES BY PREPARING THEM FOR THE WORKPLACE, AND CONDUCTING REHABILITATION RESEARCH. (Less)
Great
This charity's score is 90%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.
This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores: 80% Accountability & Finance, 10% Leadership & Adaptability, 10% Culture & Community. Learn more about our criteria and methodology.
We recognize that not all metrics and beacons equally predict a charity’s success. The percentage each beacon contributes to the organization’s overall rating depends on the number of beacons an organization has earned.
Use the tool below to select different beacons to see how the weighting shifts when only one, two, or three beacons are earned.
Rating histories are available for a growing number of rated organizations. Check back later to see if this organization has a rating history!
The IRS is significantly delayed in processing nonprofits' annual tax filings (Forms 990). As a result, the Accountability & Finance score for Kessler Foundation Inc. is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations. Please check with the charity directly for any questions you may have.
Kessler Foundation Inc. has earned a 88% for the Accountability & Finance beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of a charity's financial health (financial efficiency, sustainability, and trustworthiness) and its commitment to governance practices and policies.
This Accountability & Finance score represents IRS Form 990 data up until FY 2019, which is the most recent Form 990 currently available to us.
Learn more
Charity Navigator looks for at least 3 board members, with more than 50% of those members identified as independent (not salaried).
The presence of an independent governing body is strongly recommended by many industry professionals to allow for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters.
Source: IRS Form 990
An Audit, Review, or Compilation provides important information about financial accountability and accuracy. Organizations are scored based on their Total Revenue Amount:
Total Revenue Amount | Expectation to Receive Credit |
---|---|
$1 million or higher | Expected to complete an audit |
$500,000 - $1 million | Expected to complete an audit, review, or compilation |
Less than $500,000 | No expectation (removed from scoring methodology) |
Source: IRS Form 990
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a conflict of interest policy on the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy protects the organization and by extension those it serves, when it is considering entering into a transaction that may benefit the private interest of an officer, director and/or key employee of the organization.
Source: IRS Form 990
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990 that the organization has this process in place as an accountability and transparency measure.
An official record of the events that take place during a board meeting ensures that a contemporaneous document exists for future reference.
Source: IRS Form 990
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a document retention and destruction policy per the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy establishes guidelines for the handling, backing up, archiving and destruction of documents. These guidelines foster good record keeping procedures that promote data integrity.
Source: IRS Form 990
Charity Navigator looks for the existence of a whistleblower policy per the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency measure.
This policy outlines procedures for handling employee complaints, as well as a confidential way for employees to report financial or other types of mismanagement.
Source: IRS Form 990
Charity Navigator looks for a website on the Form 990 as an accountability and transparency metric.
Nonprofits act in the public trust and reporting publicly on activities is an important component.
Source: IRS Form 990
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990). This ratio is an indicator of an organization’s solvency and/or long-term sustainability.
Liabilities to Assets Ratio | Amount of Credit Received |
---|---|
Less than 50% | Full Credit |
50% - 59.9% | Partial Credit |
60% or more | No Credit |
Source: IRS Form 990
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three 990s). This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver.
Program Expense Percentage | Amount of Credit Received |
---|---|
70% or higher | Full Credit |
60% - 69.9% | Partial Credit |
50% - 59.9% | Zero Points for Program Expense Score |
Below 50% | Zero Points for Both Program Expense AND Liabilities to Assets Scores |
Source: IRS Form 990
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Presented here are up to five of this organization's highest compensated employees. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses, and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. In some cases, these amounts may include compensation from related organizations. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2019
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Activities:
Scientific research (diseases) (BMF activity code: 161)
Foundation Status:
Hospital or medical research organization 170(b)(1)(A)(iii) (BMF foundation code: 12)
Affiliation:
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to search for this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available). Simply enter the organization's name (Kessler Foundation Inc.) or EIN (311562134) in the 'Search Term' field.
This organization was impacted by COVID-19 in a way that effected their financial health in 2020. This normally would have reduced their star rating. Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, we give charities such as this one the opportunity to share the story of COVID's impact on them, and doing this pauses our revision of their rating. Charities may submit their own pandemic responses through their nonprofit portal.
Kessler Foundation Inc. reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
Balance Sheet
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
We applied and received the PPP loan.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
Wherever feasible, our scientists adapted in-person studies for remote participation—many tele-studies are ongoing.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
The spread of COVID-19 prompted sudden and severe restrictions for many, including Kessler Foundation. With the support of our donors, the Foundation resolutely pushed forward, knowing that the work we do is more important than ever. COVID-19 has challenged researchers everywhere to adapt. Early in the pandemic, our research team focused on analyzing data and sharing findings, ensuring that Kessler Foundation research is translated to clinical care in the U.S. and across the globe.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
Now, Foundation scientists have resumed in-person clinical trials, fully prepared with safety protocols and personal protective equipment for their teams and participants. Some are expanding the scope of their research, starting new studies related to the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities caused by autism, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Others are pursuing new opportunities to help people with disabilities meet the challenges of the ongoing pandemic. As our research is adapting, so is our grantmaking. We were able to rapidly respond to the crisis, and disburse emergency grants to disability organizations in dire need, providing crucial services to people with disabilities and their caregivers
Not Currently Scored
Kessler Foundation Inc. cannot currently be evaluated by our Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Learn More
Kessler Foundation Inc. reported its two largest programs on its FY 2019 Form 990 as:
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
RESEARCH CENTER: Kessler Foundation researchers improve the quality of life for people with physical and cognitive disabilities through rehabilitation research in its nine specialized Centers under th ... (More)
RESEARCH CENTER: Kessler Foundation researchers improve the quality of life for people with physical and cognitive disabilities through rehabilitation research in its nine specialized Centers under the leadership of noted research directors. The Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Neuropsychology & Neuroscience, Disability Employment Research, Spinal Cord Injury Research, Stroke Rehabilitation Research, Traumatic Brain Injury Research, Outcomes and Assessment Research, Center for Spinal Stimulations and Rocco Ortenzio Neuroimaging Center. While the staff of each laboratory has expertise in a particular areas, collaboration among Foundation researchers as well as with collaborators from around the US and the world, enhances progress toward finding ways to overcome the obstacles faced by people with disabilities caused by brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and other chronic neurological and orthopedic conditions. The Foundation has the distinction of having the only 3T MRI scanner solely devoted to rehabilitation research in the United States. Since 1998, the Foundation has invested $122 million in research, in addition to $100 million for research funded by federal, state and private sources. In 2019, the Foundation received $14 million in new federal, state, and private grants and contracts. Two federal Model System grants establish Kessler Foundation as a center of excellent for both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) research. Model Systems are comprehensive networks that promote independent and collaborative research that will improve the national standard of care for individuals with these devastating injuries. Model Systems are funded by large, multi-year grants sponsored by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research. Kessler Foundation is one of only six centers to have dual model systems: Northern New Jersey SCI System and Northern New Jersey TBI System. These model systems are collaborative efforts with Rutgers University-NJ Medical School and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. In early 2020, the Foundation completed construction of a 11,000 square foot science building to house staff, laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment at a cost of $6.5 million to expand the research facilities and infrastructure of the organization and to initiate new and promising arears of research in the field of transcutaneous and epidural stimulation to improve function for people with spinal cord injuries. The Board of Trustees has pledged to invest $15 million in incremental funding to launch this program over a five year period. (Less)
Spent in most recent FY
Percent of program expenses
PROGRAM CENTER: Kessler Foundation focuses on increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities through its Signature Employment and Community Employment grantmaking programs which fund ... (More)
PROGRAM CENTER: Kessler Foundation focuses on increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities through its Signature Employment and Community Employment grantmaking programs which fund local and national programs aimed to increase the perce (Less)
Kessler Foundation Inc. has earned a 93% for the Culture & Community beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves.
Learn more
This organization reported that it is collecting feedback from the constituents and/or communities it serves. However, it did not respond to one or more survey questions, and therefore is not eligible for a score on this metric. (View our beacon methodology.) Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations that engage in inclusive practices, such as collecting feedback from the people and communities they serve, may be more effective.
Who are the people you serve with your mission? Describe briefly.
Kessler Foundation researchers seek new ways to improve mobility and cognition for people with disabilities caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain and spinal cord injury, and chronic neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. Our researchers also investigate how disabilities affect employment and ways to optimize outcomes. We help people regain independence to lead full and productive lives.
How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.), Paper surveys, Constituent (client or resident, etc.) advisory committees, Suggestion box/email
How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve
With whom does your organization share the feedback you got from the people you serve?
Note: The organization responded that it does not share feedback.
What challenges does your organization face in collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Note: The organization reported no challenges faced.
Briefly describe a recent change that your organization made in response to feedback from the people you serve.
Note: The organization did not respond to this question.
100% of beacon score
This organization's score of 93 is a passing score. The organization reported that it is implementing 8 Equity Practices. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations implementing effective equity policies and practices can enhance a nonprofit's decision-making, staff motivation, innovation, and effectiveness.
Equity Practices (3/7) | |
---|---|
We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race. | |
We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and/or portfolios. | |
We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization/'s programs, portfolios, and the populations served. | |
We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support. | |
We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders. | |
We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured | |
We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. |
Equity Policies and Procedures (5/7) | |
---|---|
We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity. | |
We have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions. | |
We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization. | |
We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board. | |
We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability. | |
We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team. | |
We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization. |
Kessler Foundation Inc. has earned a 100% for the Leadership & Adaptability beacon. See the metrics below for more information.
This beacon provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
Learn more
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization's mission
Kessler Foundation drives positive change for adults and children with disabilities. We conduct groundbreaking rehabilitation and disability employment research and fund initiatives to provide access to job opportunities. Kessler Foundation researchers seek new ways to improve mobility, cognition, and employment for people with disabilities caused by chronic neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. Our grantmaking helps people with disabilities find meaningful work and gain independence.
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
Kessler Foundation envisions a world where people with disabilities can achieve maximum independence, pursue competitive, integrated employment, and live with dignity within our communities.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: Our researchers seek new ways to improve the lives of people with mobility and cognitive disabilities.
Goal Type: New program(s) based on observed changes in needs among our constituencies/communities served.
Goal Two: To grow we will present innovative research ideas that have the potential to create improved medical interventions.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Three: Kessler Foundation grantmaking will support innovative employment initiatives for people with disabilities as defined by the ADA to provide economic self-sufficiency and community integration.
Goal Type: This goal reflects our commitment to further our advocacy work for our organization and or cause area.
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Foundation leaders and staff are requested to participate in seminars, podcasts, and other events to share knowledge in their fields.
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Thought Leadership
Raising Awareness
Community Building
Kessler Foundation promotes its research and projects nationally and internationally through conference presentations, speaking engagements, media appearances, and other external activities and events.
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
The spread of COVID-19 prompted sudden and severe restrictions for many, including Kessler Foundation. With the support of our donors, the Foundation resolutely pushed forward, knowing that the work we do is more important than ever. COVID-19 has challenged researchers everywhere to adapt. Early in the pandemic, our research team focused on analyzing data and sharing findings, ensuring that Kessler Foundation research is translated to clinical care in the U.S. and across the globe. Wherever feasible, our scientists adapted in-person studies for remote participation. Now, Foundation scientists have resumed in-person clinical trials, fully prepared with safety protocols and personal protective equipment for their teams and participants. Some are expanding the scope of their research, starting new studies related to the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities caused by autism, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Others are pursuing new opportunities to help people with disabilities meet the challenges of the ongoing pandemic. As our research is adapting, so is our grantmaking. We were able to rapidly respond to the crisis, and disburse emergency grants to disability organizations in dire need, providing crucial services to people with disabilities and their caregivers
Impact & Results
Accountability & Finance
Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
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