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Jett Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$0.8M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
2mo

Jett Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: ~$815,797 in grants (2023); $100,000+ through Emergency Fund alone in 2024
  • Total Impact: Over $4.5 million distributed since 2017
  • Grant Range: Up to $2,500 (Equipment Fund) to $50,000+ (Accessible Vehicle Fund)
  • Geographic Focus: United States only (continental U.S.)
  • Charity Navigator Rating: 97% (Four-Star Rating)
  • Program Expense Ratio: 70.59%

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 2001 by Christine and Stephen McSherry after their five-year-old son Jett was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Jett Foundation has evolved from a research-focused organization into a direct service provider for the Duchenne community. The organization has raised over $16 million for DMD biomedical research since its inception and has shifted its primary focus to direct service programming.

In 2017, Jett Foundation established the Jett Giving Fund, which has since distributed over $4.5 million worth of accessible equipment and emergency assistance to families across the country. The foundation reported total revenue of $5.1 million and total expenses of $3.4 million in fiscal year 2024, with net assets of $6.2 million. The organization earned a 97% score and Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Jett Foundation offers financial assistance through three distinct programs under the Jett Giving Fund:

1. Accessible Vehicle Fund

  • Covers 50% matching for accessible vehicles (families raise half, Jett Foundation matches)
  • Typical vehicle cost: $50,000-$80,000+ (meaning grants can be $25,000-$40,000+)
  • 15 families received accessible vehicles in 2024
  • Annual application cycle with fixed deadline (October-November)

2. Emergency Fund

  • Grants for unexpected hardships: rent, utilities, food, medical care, funeral costs
  • Over $100,000 distributed in 2024
  • 60 families received emergency grants in 2024
  • Rolling applications accepted year-round

3. Equipment Assistance Fund

  • Maximum: $2,500 per family per year
  • Covers: Hoyer lifts, medical beds, respiratory equipment, ramps, assistive technology
  • 20 families received equipment assistance grants in 2024
  • $30,000 distributed in first year of expanded program
  • Rolling applications accepted year-round

Priority Areas

  • Families and individuals with physician-confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosis
  • U.S. citizens residing in the continental United States
  • Documented financial need
  • Equipment and vehicles not covered by insurance

What They Don't Fund

  • Monthly vehicle payments or financing
  • Replacement parts or repairs for previously purchased vehicles
  • Non-DMD related conditions (though Camp Promise serves broader neuromuscular community)
  • Applicants outside the continental United States

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

  • Eric Snyder - President and CEO (Compensation: $208,343)
  • Maura Carroll - Director of Development
  • Allison Caputo - Director of Finance
  • Gabriella Costa - Director of Marketing and Communications
  • Alexa Tinsley - Director of Programs

Program Staff

  • Meghan Houston - Camp Promise Program Director
  • Niki Benfield - Camp Promise Operations Director
  • Julie LeClair - Community Program Coordinator
  • Jessica Campbell - Social Worker
  • Trina Stelly - Resource Specialist

Board of Directors

  • 11 independent board members (100% independent)
  • Christine McSherry (Founder) serves as Executive Board Director
  • Board conducts oversight with audit committee

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All applications are submitted electronically through Jett Foundation's online forms:

  • Accessible Vehicle Fund: Annual application cycle with fixed deadline
  • Emergency Fund: Rolling basis throughout the year
  • Equipment Assistance Fund: Rolling basis throughout the year

Accessible Vehicle Fund Timeline (2026 Cycle)

  • Applications Open: October 1, 2025
  • Deadline: November 21, 2025
  • Decisions Announced: December 19, 2025 at 5 PM ET (via email)

Required Documentation

For Accessible Vehicle Fund:

  • Physician's letter confirming Duchenne diagnosis
  • Completed online application with detailed narrative
  • Two quotes from certified dealerships on official letterhead
  • Documentation of financial need

For Equipment Assistance Fund:

  • Duchenne diagnosis confirmation
  • Description of equipment needed
  • Documentation that insurance doesn't cover the item

For Emergency Fund:

  • Duchenne diagnosis confirmation
  • Description of emergency situation and need

Decision Process

Accessible Vehicle Fund decisions are made by a committee including Jett Foundation staff, community members, and select board members. The committee reviews applications based on:

  • Verified Duchenne diagnosis
  • Documented significant and immediate need
  • Demonstrated motivation to complete fundraising (for vehicle fund)

Reapplication Policy

  • Accessible Vehicle Fund: Eligible applicants may apply once per calendar year
  • Equipment Assistance Fund: One application per family per year with $2,500 maximum
  • Emergency Fund: Contact foundation directly for guidance on reapplication

Application Success Factors

Critical Requirements:

  • Must have physician-confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosis
  • Must be U.S. citizen living in continental United States
  • Must demonstrate documented financial need

For Accessible Vehicle Fund Success:

  • Submit quotes from certified dealers on official letterhead with specific equipment recommendations
  • Show significant and immediate transportation need
  • Demonstrate strong motivation and capacity for fundraising
  • Complete application with detailed personal narrative

For Equipment Fund Success:

  • Clearly explain how the equipment will improve quality of life
  • Document that insurance does not cover or partially covers the item
  • Stay within the $2,500 maximum request

For Emergency Fund Success:

  • Clearly articulate the emergency situation
  • Explain immediate financial impact on family
  • Be specific about how funds will be used

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Duchenne-specific: Jett Foundation exclusively serves families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy - applicants must have a confirmed diagnosis
  • Three funding pathways: Choose the right program based on need - vehicles (matching fund), emergencies (flexible grants), or equipment (up to $2,500)
  • Matching model for vehicles: Families must commit to raising 50% of vehicle costs before Jett Foundation matches - requires fundraising capacity
  • Rolling vs. fixed deadlines: Emergency and Equipment funds accept applications year-round, but Accessible Vehicle Fund has an annual application window (October-November)
  • Documentation is essential: Strong applications include physician verification, detailed quotes, and clear narratives about need
  • Geographic restriction: Only U.S. citizens in the continental United States are eligible
  • High impact organization: With over $4.5 million distributed since 2017 and 97% Charity Navigator rating, this is a well-established, credible funder

References

Information compiled December 2025

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