The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation
The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable trust established in 1943 to provide financial relief and assistance to needy members of the Thoroughbred racing industry and their families. Located in New York, NY, the Foundation operates on a confidential basis and is maintained under the auspices of The Jockey Club. The organization was founded on the heels of the Great Depression with donations from five distinct New York racetracks: Aqueduct, Belmont, Empire City, Jamaica, and Saratoga.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$15.9M
+14.2% YoY
Revenue
$1.2M
+188.4% YoY
Net Investment Income
$954K
+562.7% YoY
Expenses
$531K
-18.1% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation's mission is to provide financial relief and assistance to needy individuals in the Thoroughbred industry and their families on a confidential basis.
Assistance provided includes:
- Financial aid
- Medication costs
- Surgical and hospital costs
- Therapeutic equipment
- Voice-recognition computers for quadriplegics
- Wheelchair-accessible vans
- Other needs as determined
The Foundation serves recipients from virtually every facet of the Thoroughbred industry, including jockeys, trainers, exercise riders, grooms, office personnel, and other employees of racetracks, racing organizations, and breeding farms.
Grantmaking
The Foundation operates a Monthly Assistance Program in which recipients receive grants on a monthly basis to help cover ongoing expenses such as rehabilitation services, home health care aides, prescription medications, and basic needs. Each case is re-evaluated periodically to update the health and financial status of program participants.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation operates throughout the United States, with primary focus on the Thoroughbred racing industry.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023 (Form 990-PF):
- Total Assets: $13,932,100
- Total Giving: $426,642
- Revenue: $414,000
- Expenses: $648,000
- Total Liabilities: $23,300
Tax-exempt status: January 1945 (EIN: 13-6124094)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $15,904,695 | $13,932,100 | $11,719,242 |
| Revenue | $1,194,834 | $414,280 | $681,243 |
| Expenses | $530,668 | $647,778 | $750,083 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | $636,618 | $739,916 |
| Net Investment Income | $953,932 | $143,943 | $330,280 |
| Distributable Amount | — | $628,125 | $635,164 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 0 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
200 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for 2024.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The Foundation is guided by a three-member Board of Trustees, all of whom are members of The Jockey Club. The original trustees were George D. Widener, Theodore J. Knapp, and John A. Morris.
Shannon Kelly serves as Executive Director.
Daily activities are managed in The Jockey Club's New York office.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHANNON KELLY | SECRETARY/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $108,992 |
| LAURA BARILLARO | TREASURER | 2 | — |
| C STEVEN DUNCKER | MANAGING TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| HELEN ALEXANDER | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| SHANNON ARVIN | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Foundation welcomes and encourages individual and corporate contributions and bequests. The organization hosts occasional special events, such as industry galas, which serve to raise funds for continued assistance while also widening knowledge and appreciation of the Foundation's philosophy, practices, and goals.
All communication with and assistance to needy individuals is conducted in a confidential manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation fund?
The Foundation's mission is to provide financial relief and assistance to needy individuals in the Thoroughbred industry and their families on a confidential basis. Assistance provided includes: • Financial aid • Medication costs • Surgical and hospital costs • Therapeutic equipment • Voice-recognition computers for quadriplegics • Wheelchair-accessible vans • Other needs as determined The Foundation serves recipients from virtually every facet of the Thoroughbred industry, including jockeys, t…
How do I apply for a grant from The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation?
The Foundation operates a Monthly Assistance Program in which recipients receive grants on a monthly basis to help cover ongoing expenses such as rehabilitation services, home health care aides, prescription medications, and basic needs. Each case is re-evaluated periodically to update the health and financial status of program participants. Since 1985, the Foundation has provided more than $19 million in assistance to individuals and their immediate families.
Where does The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation make grants?
The Foundation operates throughout the United States, with primary focus on the Thoroughbred racing industry.
What is The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation's EIN?
The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-6124094. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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