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Nonprofit · EIN 27-0924627

DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC

Also known as DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION

Tax-exempt · CHERRY HILL, NJ 08034

Financials

$3.3M$2.2M2023$4.2M$4.3M2024$4.8M$4.8M2025
Revenue Expenses · by fiscal year end
Financials of DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC by year, from its e-filed returns
Year endedFormRevenueExpensesNet incomeTotal assetsLiabilitiesNet assets
December 31, 2025990$4,752,243$4,783,665-$31,422$9,833,611$2,652,358$7,181,253
December 31, 2024990$4,221,622$4,259,172-$37,550$8,536,916$1,560,863$6,976,053
December 31, 2023990$3,257,096$2,163,052$1,094,044$7,509,902$595,166$6,914,736
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025

Revenue

Contributions, gifts and grants
$3,831,992
Program service revenue
$600,050
Investment income
$273,034
Net income from fundraising events
$47,167
Other revenue
$47,167

Expenses

Grants and similar amounts paid
$3,290,753
Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
$499,858
Other salaries and wages
$325,844
Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
$909,231
Professional fundraising fees
$0
Accounting fees
$11,500
Occupancy
$4,284
Travel
$60,237
Depreciation
$2,951
Program services (functional)
$4,073,247
Management and general (functional)
$479,370
Fundraising (functional)
$231,048

Balance sheet and other

Total assets, start of year
$8,536,916
Total assets, end of year
$9,833,611
Total liabilities, end of year
$2,652,358
Net assets, end of year
$7,181,253
Land, buildings and equipment
$8,484
Publicly traded securities
$7,510,107
Net assets without donor restrictions
$6,761,560
Net assets with donor restrictions
$419,693
Gross receipts
$5,169,419
Employees
13
Volunteers
100
Year formed
2009
State of legal domicile
CT

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025, highest compensation first.

NameTitleHours / weekCompensationOther / benefits
Mary Anne MeskisChief Executive Officer
Officer
40$179,356$7,165
Veronica Hood PhDChief Scientific Officer
Key employee
40$174,406$6,967
Jamie Cohen CPAChief Financial Officer
Officer
40$114,984$4,590
Ross NicholasChair
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
Gail Farfel PhDVice Chair
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
Claire CareySecretary
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
Josh GoldmanTreasurer
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
Nathan BattDirector
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
Bill Kirshner MDDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Amanda Prather PA-CDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Mike ChiecoDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Ted Odlaug PhDDirector
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0$0
Joseph Sullivan MDDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
990 for the year ended December 31, 2024: 13 people
NameTitleHours / weekCompensation
Mary Anne MeskisExecutive Director
Officer
40$172,586
Veronica HoodScientific Director
Highest-paid employee
40$165,459
Jamie CohenFinance & Program Director
Officer
40$108,866
Ted Odlaug PhDPresident
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0
Ross NicholasVice President
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0
Claire CareySecretary
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0
Josh GoldmanTreasurer
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0
Nathan BattTrustee
Trustee or director
1$0
Ashley KernsTrustee
Trustee or director
1$0
Joseph Sullivan MDTrustee
Trustee or director
1$0
Bill KirshnerTrustee
Trustee or director
1$0
Gail FarfelTrustee
Trustee or director
1$0
Amanda PratherTrustee
Trustee or director
1$0
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 14 people
NameTitleHours / weekCompensation
Mary Anne MeskisExecutive Director
Officer
40$156,224
Veronica HoodScientific Director
Highest-paid employee
40$154,474
Jamie CohenChief Financial Officer
Officer
40$101,563
Ted Odlaug PhDPresident
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0
Josh GoldmanTreasurer
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0
Ross NicholasVice President
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0
Nathan BattTrustee
Trustee or director
1$0
Claire CareySecretary
Trustee or director, Officer
1$0
Ashley KernsTrustee
Trustee or director
1$0
Joseph Sullivan MDTrustee
Trustee or director
1$0
Bill KirshnerTrustee
Trustee or director
1$0
Gail FarfelTrustee
Trustee or director
1$0
Kate HintzPast President
Former
1$0
Brad GalerPast Trustee
Former
1$0

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)
PO BOX 3026, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08034-0272
In care of
% LORI ODRISCOLL
Principal officer (990 for 2025)
Mary Anne Meskis, PO Box 3026, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Signed the 990
Ross Nicholas, Board Chair
Phone
(203) 392-1955

Mission

The mission of the Dravet Syndrome Foundation is to aggressively raise funds for Dravet syndrome & related epilepsies; support & fund research; increase awareness; & provide support to affected individuals & families. We understand the ongoing need to fund innovative research, the urgency in finding better treatments, the motivation of our donors to make an impact specifically in the fields of Dravet syndrome and related epilepsies, the importance of transparency and accountability of not only our organization, but the researchers that we fund, and the need for global collaboration in order to find a cure.

990 for the year ended December 31, 2025

Program accomplishments

  • DSF funds research for better treatments and a cure for Dravet syndrome and related epilepsies by awarding research grants to qualified scientists and clinicians. These grants fund initial research hypotheses that have not been fully explored. The results extracted from this type of research will help bring untested research to the point that it can qualify for larger governmental funding. Since 2009, DSF has awarded over $14.1 million to 84 research endeavors. Research areas include SUDEP, gene therapy, drug discovery, screening, treatments, genetics, epidemiology and neuronal networks. DSF has also supported the development of a commercial line of iPSC cells for researchers and the biotechnology industry. DSF's Chief Scientific Officer serves as the liaison between the medical/scientific community and DSF, developing strategies to support research, manage DSF's involvement in projects, and move projects forward with assistance in project management, manuscript preparation, and other writing opportunities. The Chief Scientific Director acts as a representative of DSF to other institutions including NIH, FDA, pharma and biotechnology companies.
    Expenses $3,444,887 · grants $3,262,635
  • Receiving a diagnosis of Dravet syndrome (DS) can be overwhelming, leaving families with many unanswered questions. To support our patient community, DSF provides a variety of educational, advocacy, and support resources: These initiatives are part of DSF's commitment to providing vital resources and fostering a strong, supportive community for those affected by Dravet syndrome. DSF Family Network: Open to any parent, legal guardian, or sibling interested in our advocacy services and programs, the Family Network keeps members informed about new advocacy tools, clinical trials, educational opportunities, and fundraising events. It also includes moderated private Facebook support groups for parents and caregivers of individuals with Dravet syndrome. Membership is limited to those legally responsible for making medical decisions for the patient. In 2025, 280 people joined the Family Network. Newly Diagnosed Kits: DSF provides newly diagnosed families with a kit that includes a guidebook for navigating life after diagnosis, a medication bag, and other materials to ensure they have the knowledge and tools needed for their child's care. In 2025, DSF distributed 115 kits. Patient Assistance Grants: The DSF Patient Assistance Grant Program offers financial support to patients with Dravet syndrome and related SCN1A epilepsies for medical equipment, therapy devices, and educational aids not covered by private insurance or other programs. This program is available to all patients worldwide who are members of the DSF Family Network. Since 2009, DSF has awarded $306,000 to 265 families. Birthday Buddies: Families can register their loved one with Dravet syndrome to receive a birthday card and small gift from DSF's mascot, Aurora, around their birthday. In 2025, DSF sent 677 gifts. Super Siblings Club: DSF provides a day camp at our biennial conference and annual Day of Dravet workshops for siblings of individuals with Dravet syndrome. These events offer a fun and supportive environment for siblings to connect, express their feelings, and bond with others facing similar challenges. Bereavement Support: Losing a loved one, especially a child, is profoundly painful. DSF offers resources for coping with grief, including a Bereavement Support Group and Remembrance Wall. Legislative Advocacy Program: We are committed to keeping our patient community informed about legislative actions affecting Medicaid and rare disease research, which are essential for maintaining access to care and driving advancements in treatment for Dravet syndrome. By ensuring our constituents have accurate and nonpartisan information, they can advocate for their loved one and family effectively. Biennial Conference: This 3-day event brings together families, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical professionals to collaborate on improving the lives of those with Dravet syndrome. The conference features presentations on the latest research and patient care, fostering new relationships and collaborations. Over 500 people attended the 2024 conference. Day of Dravet Workshops: Held in alternating years from the biennial conference, these workshops offer families the opportunity to learn about research, treatment options, and connect with others. Sessions are led by community experts, including fellow parents. The workshops also include our VIP Sib Camp and activities for patients. In 2025, 470 attendees, representing 123 families participated at workshops in Texas (San Antonio), Tennessee (Sevierville), Washington (Tacoma), Illinois (Gurnee), and Pennsylvania (Hershey).
    Expenses $459,959 · grants $28,118 · revenue $414,125
  • DSF produces an annual research roundtable meeting to provide opportunity for researchers and clinicians to collaborate and discuss better treatment options and a roadmap toward a cure and how to best facilitate both. This meeting started in 2010 as a brainstorming session for the few researchers working on Dravet syndrome. DSF hosted its 16th annual Research Roundtable with nearly 190 participants.
    Expenses $168,401 · revenue $185,925

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

Tax yearYear endedDueIRS public records
2025December 31, 2025May 15, 2026990 on file
2024December 31, 2024May 15, 2025990 on file
2023December 31, 2023May 15, 2024990 on file

IRS record

EIN
27-0924627
Tax-exempt status
501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
Foundation status
Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))
Donations deductible (Pub 78)
Public charity, 50% deduction limit
Exempt since
2010
Accounting year ends
December
Files
Form 990 or 990-EZ
Assets (IRS master file)
$9,833,611
Income (IRS master file)
$5,169,419

Filing history

FormYear endedRevenueExpensesAssetsReturn
990December 2025$4,752,243$4,783,665$9,833,611IRS
990December 2024$4,221,622$4,259,172$8,536,916XML
990December 2023$3,257,096$2,163,052$7,509,902XML
990December 2022$2,515,782$2,028,839$6,249,148IRS
990December 2021–––IRS
990December 2020–––IRS

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 27-0924627).

Questions about DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC

What is the EIN of DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC?
The employer identification number (EIN) of DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC is 27-0924627.
Is DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC tax-exempt?
Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 2010.
Are donations to DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC tax-deductible?
Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
Which annual return does DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC file?
Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
When is the next return of DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC due?
The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending December 31, 2026) is due May 17, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
When did DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC last file with the IRS?
The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2025.
Who is the principal officer of DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC?
The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 names Mary Anne Meskis.
Who are the officers and directors of DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC?
The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 lists 13 people; 3 received compensation from the organization, the highest $179,356 (Mary Anne Meskis, Chief Executive Officer).
How much revenue does DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION INC have?
On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $4,752,243, expenses of $4,783,665 and total assets of $9,833,611 at year end.

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