irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $28.22MNEVER 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.
named programs · 6 · from sources
What they call their work
Fallen First Responder Home Program
Delivers mortgage-free homes to the families of first responders who died in the line of duty.
Gold Star Family Home Program
Provides mortgage-free homes to the families of fallen military heroes who died in the line of duty.
Homeless Veteran Program
Provides housing and wraparound services to homeless veterans across the United States.
Never Forget Program
Educational initiative featuring a 9/11 Speakers Bureau and the 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit to teach younger generations about the events of September 11.
Smart Home Program
Builds and delivers mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
Steel Across America
Nationwide tour transporting an authentic World Trade Center steel beam to communities across the U.S. to promote remembrance and service.
activities · 8 groups
What they do
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Disaster and Line-of-Duty Memorialization 2 activities
- Conduct nationwide remembrance and fundraising toursOrganizes the Steel Across America Tour and the 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit tour, transporting authentic World Trade Center steel beams across the country to visit landmark locations, sporting events, and town squares from May through September 2026.
- Deliver 9/11 education and remembrance programsImplements the Never Forget program by providing educational curriculum to schools, operating a 9/11 Speakers Bureau, and touring the 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit nationwide. The foundation has educated over 1 million people through these efforts.
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Volunteer Engagement and Capacity Support 1 activity
- Engage volunteers in service projectsMobilizes a volunteer force of 400,000 associates to support veterans, train skilled tradespeople, and assist disaster-affected communities.
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Supportive and Emergency Housing Services 1 activity
- Eradicate veteran homelessness through housing and supportOperates the Homeless Veteran Program, providing housing and wraparound services to homeless veterans. Since its 2022 launch, the program has assisted 17,500 individuals, including through initiatives like the Veterans Village in Jacksonville, Florida.
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Charity Event Organization 1 activity
- Host signature fundraising eventsOrganizes annual events including the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC, Tower Climb NYC, the Bravest BBQ, and the Celebrity Golf Classic to raise funds and awareness. The Bravest BBQ alone raised over $1 million over 14 years.
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Documentary Film Production 1 activity
- Produce documentary content on 9/11 legacyProduced a one-hour documentary titled "Never Forget: How Baseball Helped New York Heal," which explores the role of baseball in the city's recovery after the 9/11 attacks.
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Affordable Home Construction & Rehabilitation 1 activity
- Provide mortgage-free and specially-adapted smart homesBuilds and donates mortgage-free, fully accessible smart homes to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, as well as to surviving families of fallen military members and first responders. The program includes commitments such as delivering 343 homes in 2026 to honor FDNY heroes lost on 9/11.
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Local High School Scholarship Programs 1 activity
- Support education for children of home recipientsOffers full scholarships for undergraduate and accredited trade school programs to children of families who receive homes through the foundation’s programs.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Accept and leverage independent fundraisingReceives support from independent fundraising initiatives, such as a professional wrestling event in Rahway, New Jersey, that raised $9,000 for the foundation.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$559.39M
Contributions & grants$539.56M96%
Program service revenue$9.92M2%
Investment income$8.49M2%
Other revenue$1.42M
expenses
Total expenses$381.08M
Program expenses88%
Admin / overhead2%
Fundraising10%
Salaries & benefits$31.78M
Grants paid out$173.10M
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$652.83M
Cash$371.00M
Investments$63.08M
Liabilities$151.73M
Net assets$501.11M
Liquid reserves13.7 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +50.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 8
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATTHEW MAHONEY | EXEC VP DEVE | 50 | $399K |
| JEANNA DELLRAGIONE | COO | 50 | $380K |
| LAWRENCE OLSON | EXEC VP MARK | 50 | $286K |
| JOHN PONTE | SR VP, HOME | 50 | $265K |
| GAVIN NAPLES | VP HOMELESS | 50 | $245K |
| JUSTING KIERNAN | VP INTERNAL | 50 | $221K |
| FRANK SILLER | PRESIDENT CH | 50 | $134K |
| MARY SCULLIN | TREASURER AN | 30 | $85K |
board members · 5
- COMMISSIONER SALVATORE CASSANO — DIRECTOR
- GEORGE SILLER — VICE CHAIR
- JANIS HANNAN — VICE CHAIR
- JOHN V LABARBERA — DIRECTOR
- REGINA VOGT — SECRETARY
relationships · 29
Who they work with
- 9/11 Speakers Bureau Partner — Collaborates with the 9/11 Speakers Bureau to share firsthand accounts of heroism and sacrifice as part of the Never Forget educational program.
- API Group, Inc. Partner — Supplies fire protection and life safety sprinkler systems for each smart home.
- All Elite Wrestling Partner — Participated in a fundraising wrestling event benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
- American Airlines Partner — Major airline supporting the Foundation through community engagement and transportation services.
- American Express Partner — Global payments and lifestyle brand supporting the Foundation’s mission through community engagement and giving.
- Carpet One Floor & Home Partner — Exclusive flooring supplier for the Smart Homes program, providing floor coverings and contributing a portion of sales.
- Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation Partner — Supports efforts to serve veterans, fallen first responders, and Gold Star families through funding and partnership.
- FOX 5 Partner — Broadcasts the Tower of Heroes NYC TV special in conjunction with the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb NYC event.
- Fox News Partner — Media supporter promoting the Foundation’s mission and fundraising through television, radio, and online outlets.
- GMC Partner — Exclusive national charity partner since 2014, supporting the Foundation’s mission to serve military and first responders.
- Lenco Armored Vehicles Partner — Manufacturer of armored vehicles providing grant funding and safety support for military and public safety professionals.
- MasterBrand Partner — Builds and donates kitchen cabinets valued at $20,000 per smart home.
- Mission BBQ Partner — BBQ restaurant chain dedicated to honoring military, veterans, and first responders, supporting the Foundation’s mission.
- Mohawk Partner — Provides high-quality flooring products for each smart home built by the Foundation.
- NY Giants Partner — Community-focused NFL team partnering with local charities, including the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
- New York Jets Partner — Supported construction of four smart homes for injured service members through leadership and advocacy.
- Proper No. Twelve Partner — Irish whiskey brand that has donated $1.2 million to support families of fallen first responders.
- PuroClean’s PuroVet Partner — National program supporting veterans in owning property restoration franchises and contributing to the Foundation’s mission.
- Siller Family Partner — Family associated with the Foundation's leadership and public communications, extending gratitude on behalf of the organization.
- T-Mobile Partner — Wireless and broadband provider offering funding, in-kind services, and employee volunteer programs in support of the Foundation.
- The Home Depot Foundation Partner — Top corporate partner since 2012, providing funding, volunteer support, and resources for veteran and disaster relief programs.
- Total Nonstop Action Partner — Participated in a fundraising wrestling event benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
- Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Institute Network — Subsidiary or affiliated program responsible for educating over 1 million people about 9/11.
- TurnPoint Services Group Partner — Service contractor network committed to mission-driven service and supporting the Foundation’s goals.
- United Rentals Partner — World’s largest equipment rental company supporting the Foundation’s construction efforts.
- Waypoint Partner — Agency responsible for designing and maintaining the Tunnel to Towers Foundation website.
- Willow Bridge Property Company Partner — Rebranded residential division of Lincoln Property Co., first sponsor of the NYC Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk.
- World Wrestling Entertainment Partner — Participated in a fundraising wrestling event benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
- independent organizations Partner — Organizations that propose to hold fundraising events benefiting the Foundation must receive written approval to use the Foundation's name and logo.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Housing as a Living Memorialmethodology: living_memorialBy delivering mortgage-free homes, we honor the sacrifice of fallen first responders and support injured veterans, because linking tangible support to remembrance transforms grief into action and ensures that 9/11 is memorialized through ongoing service.
- Smart Homes for Independencemethodology: smart_home_independenceBy building adaptive smart homes equipped with technology, we enable severely injured veterans and first responders to live independently, because removing physical barriers restores autonomy and dignity as a foundation for recovery.
- Stability for Grieving Familiesmethodology: housing_security_for_grieving_familiesBy eliminating housing insecurity through mortgage-free homeownership, we provide emotional healing and long-term stability to Gold Star families, because financial relief after loss allows space for recovery and preserves the legacy of the fallen.