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.
Ready to take the next step with The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation?
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 .
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.
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Launa Beuhler Foundation for
BROOKLYN, NY
Assets
$2K
Grants
4
Total Given
$20K
Uw E J Madden Mem Open Hearts Club 10-214880
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$1.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$307K
Hindy's Foundation
BROOKLYN, NY
Assets
$142K
Grants
8
Total Given
$225K
Jeanne & Thomas Hardy Family Foundation
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$3K
Grants
3
Total Given
$3K
Ramsleg Foundation
BRIGHTWATERS, NY
Assets
$543
Grants
1
Total Given
$500
Druckenmiller Foundation
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$1.8B
Grants
58
Total Given
$135.7M
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities