Nonprofits/Organizations/02-0554654
Active
501(c)(3)
B82 · Education
Form 990

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation

EIN 02-0554654STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306Founded 2001WebsiteIRS Tax Year 2024 · Period ending December 31, 2024
Mission Statement

THE MISSION OF THE STEPHEN SILLER TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION IS TO HONOR THE SACRIFICE OF FDNY FIREFIGHTER STEPHEN SILLER, AND ALL THOSE WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES TO SAVE OTHERS ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. WE ALSO HONOR OUR MILITARY, AND FIRST RESPONDERS WHO CONTINUE TO MAKE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE OF LIFE AND LIMB FOR OUR COUNTRY.

IRS Tax Year 2024

Period ending December 31, 2024

Total Revenue

$559.4M

+50.0%YoY

Total Expenses

$381.1M

+40.0%YoY

Net Assets

$501.1M

+57.6%YoY

Employees

390

+37.8%YoY

Volunteers

4,000

Grants Paid

$173.1M

Program Expense Ratio

88.0%

Fundraising Efficiency

1434.8%

This nonprofit profile presents IRS Form 990 tax filing data for Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation (EIN: 02-0554654), based on the 2024 tax year annual return filed with the Internal Revenue Service.

Sections below include financial summaries (revenue, expenses, and net assets), program accomplishments, officer and key employee compensation, detailed executive pay breakdowns, governance policies and audit information. All figures are reported in USD as filed.

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RoundPaper IndicatorsTax Year 2024

Financial Health

Revenue grew +50.0% to $559.4M
Program spending ratio of 88.0% — excellent
15.8 months of operating reserves — strong cushion
Expenses increased +40.0% year-over-year

Transparency

Conflict of interest policy adopted
Whistleblower policy in place
Financial statements independently audited
7-member board, 6 independent

Compensation

Top compensation: $398,962 (EXEC VP DEVE)
Top exec pay is 0.1% of total expenses — very modest
Schedule J filed for 6 individuals — detailed disclosure
No executive perks reported

Program Effectiveness

2 programs reported
88.0% of spending goes to programs
1 program generates revenue — self-sustaining activity
$173.1M in grants paid to other organizations
4,000 volunteers engaged

Financial Stability

Debt-to-asset ratio of 23.2% — low leverage
11.7 months cash runway — well positioned
Revenue diversification: concentrated in few sources
Net assets consistently growing over recent filings

Risk Flags

1 business transaction with interested persons
No material diversion or misuse reported
Family or business relationships among officers/directors

Indicators derived from IRS Form 990 data. Not financial advice.

Organization Summary

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in STATEN ISLAND, NY, founded in 2001. It is classified under NTEE code B82 (Scholarships & Financial Aid), within the Education category. The organization has held tax-exempt status since 2003. In its 2024 filing, the organization reported $559.4M in total revenue, a 50.0% increase from the prior year, and $381.1M in total expenses. The organization employed 390 people and engaged 4,000 volunteers. MATTHEW MAHONEY, EXEC VP DEVE, is the highest-compensated individual at $398,962. The organization runs 2 programs, totaling $335.4M in program expenses. 6 of 6 recommended governance policies are in place.

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is classified under NTEE code B82 (Scholarships & Financial Aid), which falls within the Education category. Its foundation type is 15.

Programs(Tax Year 2024)

2 records

Programs Overview

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation operates 2 programs, with total program expenses of $335.4M. Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation's largest program accounts for 92% of total program spending.

1
Program 1Expenses: $307,183,639

IN THE LINE OF DUTY PROGRAMS: 1) SMART HOME PROGRAM: THIS PROGRAM CONSTRUCTS CUSTOM, SPECIALLY ADAPTED SMART HOMES FOR CATASTROPHICALLY INJURED SERVICE MEMBERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS TO RESTORE THEIR ABILITY TO LIVE A LIFE OF INDEPENDENCE. 2) FALLEN FIRST RESPONDER HOME PROGRAM: THE FOUNDATION PROVIDES MORTGAGE FREE HOMES TO FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN LEFT BEHIND WHEN A FIREFIGHTER OR POLICE OFFICER IS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. 3) GOLD STAR HOME PROGRAM: THE FOUNDATION PROVIDES MORTGAGE FREE HOMES TO FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN WHEN A SERVICE MEMBER DIES IN THE LINE OF DUTY. 4) HOMELESS VETERANS PROGRAM - THE FOUNDATION IS COMMITTED TO HONORING THE SACRIFICE OF AMERICAN SERVICE MEMBERS AND HELPING END HOMELESSNESS AMONGST THE VETERAN COMMUNITY. PROVIDING A SAFE AND DIGNIFIED RESIDENCE IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF HELPING VETERANS WHO ARE HOMELESS RECLAIM THEIR LIVES. VETERANS IN THIS PROGRAM RECEIVE THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO HELP THEM ADDRESS ANY OBSTACLES TO LIVING A MORE INDEPENDENT LIFE. IN ADDITION TO DELIVERING HOUSING, WE PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE CARE THROUGH OUR NATIONAL CASE MANAGEMENT TEAM BY CONNECTING VETERANS WHO HAVE ADDITIONAL NEEDS WITH MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING, ADDICTION SERVICES, SKILLS TRAINING AND JOB PLACEMENT.

2
Program 2Expenses: $28,220,151

NEVER FORGET PROGRAMS: 1)NATIONAL TUNNEL TO TOWERS RUNS AND STAIR CLIMB SERIES: THE NEW YORK CITY 5K RUN AND TOWER CLIMB AS WELL AS THE NATIONAL RUNS AND CLIMBS ARE MEMORIAL EVENTS HELD IN HONOR OF STEPHEN SILLER (FDNY), AND ALL WHO PERISHED ON 9/11, AS WELL AS FIRST RESPONDERS AND MILITARY WHO CONTINUE TO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE TO SERVE AND PROTECT OUR NATION. THE FOUNDATION HAS ESTABLISHED THESE MEMORIAL EVENTS TO ENSURE WE NEVER FORGET 2) TUNNEL TO TOWERS 9/11 INSTITUTE: THIS IS OUR SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 EDUCATION PROGRAM. THE FOUNDATION HAS DEVELOPED A CURRICULUM FOR GRADES K- 12 THAT CAN BE ACCESSED BY TEACHERS THROUGHOUT THE NATION TO EDUCATE CHILDREN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF 9/11. THE PROGRAM ALSO INCLUDES A MOBILE EXHIBIT, WHICH SERVES TO EDUCATE AND PAY TRIBUTE TO THE SACRIFICES MADE ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. 3) WINGS OF A HERO: TO HELP LOCAL COMMUNITY CHILDREN IN NEED WHO HAVE LOST A PARENT BY PROVIDING ASSISTANCE FOR SCHOOL, COUNSELING OR OTHER NEEDS. 4)LEGACY AWARDS: TO ASSIST FAMILIES OF MILITARY OR FIRST RESPONDERS AND OTHER CASES WHERE THERE IS IMMEDIATE SPECIAL FINANCIAL NEED.

Total Program Expenses: $335,403,790

Financial Overview(Tax Years 2019–2024)

6 records

Financial Highlights

Over the past 6 years, Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation's revenue has grown from $46.0M to $559.4M, a 1117.2% increase. Program expenses represent 88% of total spending.

Revenue increased 50.0% year-over-year, while expenses grew 40.0%. net assets rose to $501.1M, up 57.6% from the prior year. the organization added 107 employees.

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation derives 96% from contributions and grants, with 2% from program services, with 2% from investment income.

Revenue is heavily concentrated: 96% comes from contributions and grants, indicating limited diversification.

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation allocates 88% to programs, 2% to management and general, 10% to fundraising.

Revenue grew by 50.0% while expenses grew by only 40.0%, suggesting improving operational efficiency.

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation distributed $173.1M in grants to other organizations and individuals, representing 45% of total expenses.

Over 6 filings from 2019–2024, Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation grew revenue from $46.0M to $559.4M (+1117.2%) while maintaining a program expense ratio of 88%. During this period, the organization grew from 61 to 390 employees.

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation holds $652.8M in total assets against $151.7M in liabilities (debt-to-asset ratio of 23%). The organization has 15.8 months of operating reserves. Cash and equivalents of $371.0M cover approximately 11.7 months of expenses.

Revenue

YearTotal RevenueContributionsGov't GrantsProgram RevenueInvestment
2024$559.4M$539.6M$0$9.9M$8.5M
2023$373.0M$359.4M$0$7.2M$5.1M
2022$305.3M$295.6M$0$8.9M$654K
2021$264.0M$258.0M$954K$5.0M$239K
2020$113.7M$112.3M$0$1.3M$72K
2019$46.0M$40.0M$0$5.6M$51K

Expenses

YearTotal ExpensesProgramManagementFundraisingGrants Paid
2024$381.1M$335.4M$8.1M$37.6M$173.1M
2023$272.2M$246.1M$5.0M$18.1M$137.6M
2022$286.8M$267.7M$5.0M$14.1M$157.0M
2021$147.6M$140.2M$3.2M$4.1M$56.6M
2020$57.3M$54.5M$1.1M$1.7M$17.2M
2019$34.6M$32.4M$736K$1.5M$8.7M

Program Expense Ratio

88.0%

Admin Expense Ratio

2.1%

Fundraising Efficiency

1434.8%

Operating Reserve

15.8 mo

People & Compensation(Tax Year 2024)

13 records

Compensation Summary

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation reported compensation for 13 officers and key employees. Total officer compensation was $2.0M, representing 0.5% of total expenses.

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation's highest-compensated individual received $399K in total compensation. Total officer compensation of $2.0M represents 0.5% of total expenses.

NameTitleTypeHours/wkComp from OrgRelated OrgsTotal
MATTHEW MAHONEYEXEC VP DEVE
Highest Comp
50.00$350,012$0$398,962
JEANNA DELLRAGIONECOO
Officer
50.00$350,000$0$380,021
LAWRENCE OLSONEXEC VP MARK
Highest Comp
50.00$259,616$0$286,022
JOHN PONTESR VP, HOME
Highest Comp
50.00$222,538$0$265,016
GAVIN NAPLESVP HOMELESS
Highest Comp
50.00$229,295$0$245,316
JUSTING KIERNANVP INTERNAL
Highest Comp
50.00$213,097$0$220,965
FRANK SILLERPRESIDENT CH
OfficerDirector
50.00$100,000$0$133,576
MARY SCULLINTREASURER AN
OfficerDirector
30.00$24,000$0$85,335
JANIS HANNANVICE CHAIR
OfficerDirector
5.00$0$0$0
GEORGE SILLERVICE CHAIR
OfficerDirector
5.00$0$0$0
REGINA VOGTSECRETARY
OfficerDirector
5.00$0$0$0
COMMISSIONER SALVATORE CASSANODIRECTOR
Director
5.00$0$0$0
JOHN V LABARBERADIRECTOR
Director
5.00$0$0$0

Compensation Breakdown

Schedule J detail — base, bonus, benefits, and executive perks

MATTHEW MAHONEY

Base Salary

$350,012

Bonus

Other Reportable

Retirement/Deferred

Nontaxable Benefits

$48,950

JEANNA DELLRAGIONE

Base Salary

$350,000

Bonus

Other Reportable

Retirement/Deferred

$14,000

Nontaxable Benefits

$16,021

LAWRENCE OLSON

Base Salary

$259,616

Bonus

Other Reportable

Retirement/Deferred

$10,385

Nontaxable Benefits

$16,021

JOHN PONTE

Base Salary

$210,400

Bonus

$12,138

Other Reportable

Retirement/Deferred

$8,902

Nontaxable Benefits

$33,576

GAVIN NAPLES

Base Salary

$220,805

Bonus

$8,490

Other Reportable

Retirement/Deferred

Nontaxable Benefits

$16,021

JUSTING KIERNAN

Base Salary

$205,205

Bonus

$7,892

Other Reportable

Retirement/Deferred

$6,393

Nontaxable Benefits

$1,475

Governance & Compliance(Tax Year 2024)

Governance Snapshot

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation has 6 of 6 recommended governance policies in place, including conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention. Its board has 7 members, 6 of whom are independent.

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation's financial statements are audited, an audit committee oversees the process, accounting follows GAAP standards.

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation has family or business relationships among officers, directors, or key employees.

Policies & Oversight

Conflict of interest policy
Whistleblower policy
Document retention policy
CEO compensation review process
Other officer compensation review
990 provided to governing body
Board members7
Independent members6

Audit & Financial Oversight

Financial statements audited
Independent audit
Audit committee
Federal grant audit required
Accounting standardGAAP

Insider Transactions(Tax Year 2024)

1 record

Business Transaction

Unknown personPRES CHAIR CEO

Amount: $237,192

Grants Awarded(Tax Year 2024)

52 records

Grantmaking Summary

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation awarded $16.4M across 44 grants to organizations. Top recipients include SEMPER FI & AMERICA'S FUND (OCEANSIDE, CA) — $6.0M for support; VETERANS MATTER (TOLEDO, OH) — $3.1M for support; CHILDREN OF FALLEN PATRIOTS FOUNDAT (RESTON, VA) — $2.5M for support. The organization also provided grants to individuals (5,649 recipients) totaling $156.6M, including mortgage payments, home purchases and renov, financial assistance, legacy awards, disaster relief, rental assistance, russell f. memorial schol, wings of a hero.

Organization Grants

RecipientLocationAmountPurpose
SEMPER FI & AMERICA'S FUND260086305OCEANSIDE, CA$6.0MSUPPORT
VETERANS MATTER262052237TOLEDO, OH$3.1MSUPPORT
CHILDREN OF FALLEN PATRIOTS FOUNDAT470902295RESTON, VA$2.5MSUPPORT
VETERANS MATTER262052237TOLEDO, OH$1.0MSUPPORT
TRAVIS MANION FOUNDATION412237951DOYLESTOWN, PA$1.0MSUPPORT
KID SAVE INTERNATIONAL INC911887623CULVER CITY, CA$500KSUPPORT
A SOLDIERS JOURNEY HOME474307235CHATTANOOGA, TN$425KSUPPORT
RICHMOND UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER743177454STATEN ISLAND, NY$250KSUPPORT
MEDAL OF HONOR FOUNDATION251828488MT PLEASANT, NC$250KSUPPORT
GUARDIAN REVIVAL INC843585765STORMVILLE, NY$200KSUPPORT
THE THOMAS R ELSASSER MEMORIAL SCHO133661508NEW YORK, NY$198KSUPPORT
YOU WERE WORTH IT FOUNDATION923798079IRVINE, CA$108KSUPPORT
VARIOUS UNDER 5000 EACH$105KSUPPORT
THE ANTHONY M VARVARO BELIEVE FOUN880916964STATEN ISLAND, NY$70KSUPPORT
LONG BEACH WATERFRONT WARRIORS264814117LONG BEACH, NY$63KSUPPORT
HOPE IGNITES NEW YORK132990982BROOKLYN, NY$56KSUPPORT
TEAM AMERICAN FREEDOM CO931610257PETERSBURG, FL$50KSUPPORT
GREY BULL RESCUE FOUNDATION CORP993229728TAMPA, FL$50KSUPPORT
LUPUS RESEARCH ALLIANCE582492929NEW YORK, NY$50KSUPPORT
CAPITAL AREA GREENBELT ASSOCIATION251687474HARRISBURG, PA$30KSUPPORT

Showing 20 of 44 grants.

Grants to Individuals

TypeRecipientsAmount
MORTGAGE PAYMENTS311$76.6M
HOME PURCHASES AND RENOV288$64.2M
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE3,856$12.4M
LEGACY AWARDS854$1.3M
DISASTER RELIEF250$1.1M
RENTAL ASSISTANCE60$971K
RUSSELL F. MEMORIAL SCHOL10$98K
WINGS OF A HERO20$29K

Fundraising & Events(Tax Year 2024)

Fundraising Overview

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation held fundraising events including Golf outings ($4.1M) and Gala ($825K). Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation uses 2 professional fundraisers. Fundraisers retained $612K, with $113.5M going to the organization. Firms include VERA DATA, NEW RIVER DIRECT LLC.

Named Events

golf outings

Gross: $4,146,425

gala

Gross: $825,405

Professional Fundraisers

FirmActivityRetainedNet to Org
VERA DATADIRECT RES$550K$102.1M
NEW RIVER DIRECT LLCDIRECT RES$61K$11.4M
Professional fundraisers: Yes

Supplemental Financial Data(Tax Year 2024)

Schedule D Highlights

The endowment stands at $75.4M, with $12.9M in new contributions.

Filing History(Tax Years 2003–2024)

6 records

Showing the 6 Form 990 filings currently in our system.

Tax YearFormPeriodRevenueExpensesNet Assets
2024
990
2024-01-01 – 2024-12-31$559.4M$381.1M$501.1M
2023
990
2023-01-01 – 2023-12-31$373.0M$272.2M$317.9M
2022
990
2022-01-01 – 2022-12-31$305.3M$286.8M$208.9M
2021
990
2021-01-01 – 2021-12-31$264.0M$147.6M$195.4M
2020
990
2020-01-01 – 2020-12-31$113.7M$57.3M$78.1M
2019
990
2019-01-01 – 2019-12-31$46.0M$34.6M$21.4M
2003–2018No filings acquired yet

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation do?

THE MISSION OF THE STEPHEN SILLER TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION IS TO HONOR THE SACRIFICE OF FDNY FIREFIGHTER STEPHEN SILLER, AND ALL THOSE WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES TO SAVE OTHERS ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. WE ALSO HONOR OUR MILITARY, AND FIRST RESPONDERS WHO CONTINUE TO MAKE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE OF LIFE AND LIMB FOR OUR COUNTRY.

How much revenue does Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation have?

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation reported $559,392,887 in total revenue for tax year 2024, up 50.0% from the prior year.

Who is the highest-paid executive at Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation?

MATTHEW MAHONEY, EXEC VP DEVE, received $398,962 in total compensation as of tax year 2024.

Is Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation a 501(c)(3)?

Yes, Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is classified as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Where is Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation located?

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is headquartered in STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306.

How many employees does Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation have?

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation has 390 employees and 4,000 volunteers as of tax year 2024.

What type of nonprofit is Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation?

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is classified under NTEE code B82 (Scholarships & Financial Aid), within the Education category. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Is Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation audited?

Yes, Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation's financial statements are audited, and the organization has an audit committee.

How much does Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation spend on fundraising?

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation reported $37,605,686 in fundraising expenses for tax year 2024, which represents 9.9% of total expenses.

Does Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation give grants?

Yes, Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation distributed $173,102,802 in grants to other organizations and individuals in tax year 2024. Top recipients include SEMPER FI & AMERICA'S FUND, VETERANS MATTER, CHILDREN OF FALLEN PATRIOTS FOUNDAT.

Does Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation hold fundraising events?

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation reports fundraising event activities. It uses 2 professional fundraisers.

Data Source

Prepared by: DESANTIS KIEFER SHALL & SARCONE LLP, STATEN ISLAND, NY

IRS Form 990 electronic filings via the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File. All financial figures are as reported in USD.

Publicly available IRS data
Verified filing records
Updated quarterly
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