Dravet Syndrome Foundation Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
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.
- Income
- $4.8 million
- Spending
- $4.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- 16.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 81%
- Employees
- 13
- Volunteers
- 100
- Highest pay
- $186,521, chief executive officer
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 89 out of 100. Higher than 62% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 16.9 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 27% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 13% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $3.4 million spent. 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.
- $459,959 spent. 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).
- $168,401 spent. 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.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 2010.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.