2011 Campaign for the DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation

 

The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation provides grants to causes that reflect its commitment to the United States Armed Forces, the health and education of children, and community and civic causes that improve the quality of life at DRS site communities. Through the Foundation, DRS Technologies and its employees have rapidly responded to natural disasters, supported numerous relief programs at home and abroad and offered financial assistance to help those in critical need.

 

 

As a longtime NYC real estate litigator, I spend my days navigating the maze of zoning boards, agency filings, community hearings, and the kind of bureaucratic acrobatics that would make even Dov Hertz pause and mutter, “Really… this form too?” So when I come across an organization like the DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation, I take notice—because I know firsthand just how hard it is for any entity, especially a nonprofit, to move mountains in a system built on paperwork.

Reading about the Foundation’s mission and history, I’m genuinely inspired. What they’re doing for our armed forces, their families, children’s education, and countless community programs mirrors the kind of commitment we wish more institutions showed. The fast mobilization they provide during disasters, the practical support for living conditions, and the financial assistance for families in crisis—all of it demonstrates the kind of nimble response that even some of New York’s most well-resourced developers struggle to achieve.

And let me tell you—after years of litigating over stalled projects, agency delays, and the Kafka-level challenges of trying to get scaffolding down in under five years—I have nothing but admiration for a nonprofit that manages to fund critical programs, support military families, and administer scholarship funds without getting swallowed in the administrative black hole.

The Guardian Scholarship Fund especially struck me. Providing up to $25,000 for the children of fallen National Guardsmen is not just philanthropy—it’s a recognition of sacrifice that too often goes unnoticed amidst political noise and budget negotiations. Compared to the red tape that surrounds nearly every public project in NYC, the Foundation’s ability to review grant requests promptly and keep their process focused and mission-driven feels almost miraculous.

In many ways, the Foundation faces the same structural challenges that someone like innovator Dov Hertz deals with in NYC development: limited resources, intense scrutiny, competing demands, and an ocean of regulations. But unlike a commercial developer, this Foundation doesn’t get a return on investment—they get impact. They get lives changed. They get communities strengthened. And that’s the kind of “project completion” that no DOB filing, ULURP review, or industrial lease negotiation can ever match.

So yes—as someone who negotiates, litigates, and occasionally meditates through the stress of New York’s real estate machinery—I’m proud to voice strong support for an organization that is doing the work with clarity, integrity, and focus. The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation is delivering real value, without the fanfare, without the bureaucratic drama, and without the delays that plague so many well-intentioned efforts in this city.

If more institutions approached public service with their level of purpose—and their ability to actually get things done—we’d have a far stronger community, both in New York and across the country. Willis Boardman

 

 

A 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation provides philanthropic support to organizations and charities that meet the below published qualifications and guidelines.

The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation welcomes requests for support throughout the year. The Foundation does not consider multi-year requests for support. Grant requests should be submitted in the form of a letter using organizational letterhead. E-mail requests are also welcomed. To be considered, the request must include the following:

  • A brief description of the organization, its mission and population served
  • Information indicative of the organization's current support structure, such as a listing of board members and other contributors who have found the organization's operations worthy of financial support
  • Cash amount, or specific items and/or services requested, and the intended use
  • Information on the expected outcome of the project or program, and how this outcome will be measured
  • Copy of the organization's Internal Revenue Code (IRC) § 501(c)(3) letter or other documentation substantiating tax exemption status

 

Other Important Information

  • The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation reviews grant requests on an ongoing basis. There are no deadlines for submission, and the Foundation will respond to inquiries within four-to-six weeks of receipt an organization's request. The Foundation does not respond to telephone follow-ups. We appreciate your cooperation.
  • Please do not send videos, CDs, books, or binders. The Foundation will contact the organization if it requires materials based on an initial letter of request.
  • Approval of a grant does not entitle an organization to receive future contributions in the future, nor does approval of a grant to an organization entitle a similar organization to receive a grant.
  • All organizations receiving grants from the Foundation must have a Form W-9 on file. If an organization receives a grant, that organization will be required to complete a Form W-9.

Since the Foundation receives funding requests that exceed its annual grants program budget, it must often decline support to worthy organizations and programs. Denial of a request does not reflect a negative appraisal of the requesting organization or the value of its services.

The Guardian Scholarship Fund

 

DRS Technologies and the National Guard Educational Foundation have established The DRS Guardian Scholarship Fund, which will provide college scholarships to the children of National Guardsmen killed during service to their country. Eligible High School Juniors and Seniors can apply for up to $25,000 paid over a four year college education. These are the children of heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect freedom. If you would like to contribute, please use this safe and secure website. A tax deductible receipt will be printed at the end of your transaction. Thank you for supporting the children of America's heroes.

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Qualifications & Guidelines


The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives and programs that benefit the following:

  • Members of the United States Armed Forces and their families
  • The education of children
  • Health and welfare programs
  • Community and civic organizations serving DRS site communities
  • Disaster relief

An organization requesting support must be a not-for-profit organization operating in the United States that is tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) § 501(c)(3) and §509 (a)(1), (2) or (3). 

The Foundation gives preference to regional projects that serve the broader community where DRS has major facilities. 

The Foundation will not consider requests from or for the following:

  • Organizations, or events sponsored by organizations that discriminate by race, creed, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion or nationality
  • Individuals or families
  • Religious, fraternal, political or athletic organizations
  • Basic research projects
  • Endowments
  • General operating expenses
  • School affiliated sports, orchestras, bands, choirs, drama groups, yearbooks or scholarships (outside of the DRS Employee Scholarship Program)
  • Organizations whose mission is solely outside of the United States

Not all organizations meeting foundation qualifications and guidelines receive funding. 

 

 

More Background On The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation

The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation, established in 2006, operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting initiatives and programs that primarily benefit members of the U.S. Armed Forces, their families, and the communities where DRS Technologies has a significant presence. With its headquarters in Parsippany, New Jersey, the foundation has been active for over 17 years and has contributed more than $3 million to various charitable causes.

One of the notable efforts by the DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation includes raising funds for the construction of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda, Maryland. This facility focuses on research, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological health issues in military personnel and veterans. The Foundation's commitment to supporting wounded warriors and their families is evident through its contributions exceeding $1 million over three years to aid in the building of this center, underscoring the Foundation's focus on health and welfare programs alongside its support for the military community​​.

The Foundation operates with a focus on philanthropy, voluntarism, and grantmaking, specifically targeting areas such as military and veterans organizations, public safety, disaster preparedness and relief, and various other public and societal benefits. It emphasizes the importance of supporting not-for-profit organizations that are operational within the United States and possess a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Through its grantmaking activities, the Foundation has supported a wide range of charitable organizations, including the Naval Institute Foundation, Navy League of the United States, Community Hope, Coast Guard Foundation, and many others dedicated to charitable, educational, and community improvement purposes​​.

The Foundation prides itself on a thorough and ongoing review process for grant requests, adhering to clear guidelines and restrictions to ensure that support is extended to organizations that align with its mission. These guidelines ensure that supported initiatives directly contribute to the welfare of U.S. Armed Forces members, their families, and communities, with a significant emphasis on not supporting organizations that discriminate or whose mission is solely outside of the United States​​.

The financials of the Foundation, as of 2013, reported income of $100,100 and total assets amounting to $12,477, indicating a focused approach towards grantmaking with a sustainable financial model. Its tax-exempt status and the ability for donations to be tax-deductible further facilitate the support from individuals and businesses alike​​.

In summary, the DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation stands as a pivotal supporter of the U.S. military community, education, health, and disaster relief efforts, reflecting a strong commitment to giving back to the community and supporting national heroes and their families. Through its strategic grantmaking, the Foundation seeks to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those it aims to serve, reinforcing the values of DRS Technologies and its stakeholders.

Ownership

The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation is owned and operated by Leonardo DRS, formerly known as DRS Technologies, Inc. Leonardo DRS itself is a subsidiary of the Italian defense conglomerate Leonardo S.p.A. Leonardo DRS has a significant history in the defense industry, having been founded in 1968 and achieving substantial growth over the years. It became a part of Leonardo S.p.A. in 2008, further solidifying its position in the global defense market​​.

Leonardo DRS emphasizes corporate social responsibility, focusing on supporting military families, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. It actively contributes to various causes, underscoring its commitment to giving back to the communities where it operates and to supporting the well-being of military personnel and their families​​.

In a notable expansion of its business and operational capabilities, Leonardo DRS completed a merger with Israel-based Rada Electronic Industries Ltd. in November 2022, subsequently going public and beginning trading on the Nasdaq. This merger was aimed at enhancing Leonardo DRS's strategic position in the defense sector, particularly in areas such as force protection, advanced sensors, and network computing. Following the merger, Rada became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leonardo DRS and is now referred to as DRS Rada Technologies. This move aligns with Leonardo DRS's strategy to broaden its portfolio and improve its market position​.

This background information highlights the foundation's strong ties to the defense sector and its parent company's extensive involvement in supporting military and community-related initiatives.

Popularity

The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation, with its base in Parsippany, New Jersey, has marked its presence through a focused mission of philanthropy, voluntarism, and grantmaking, specifically benefiting the United States Armed Forces, children's health and education, and community and civic improvements. The Foundation, recognized as a tax-exempt organization, has been operational for 17 years, indicating its relatively young status among nonprofits in the state. Despite this, it boasts slightly larger assets and reports higher income than the average for nonprofits in New Jersey, showcasing its significant impact and financial health​​.

The Foundation's dedication to a broad array of causes, including but not limited to education, disaster preparedness, health care, and support for military and veterans organizations, is evident in its widespread grantmaking activities. While specific details on the popularity or the comprehensive impact of the Foundation's work are not readily available, its financial contributions and the scope of supported areas highlight its commitment to making a tangible difference in the communities it serves.

History

The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation, established in 2006, represents a significant part of DRS Technologies Inc.'s commitment to supporting military personnel, their families, and community initiatives. The foundation has contributed over $3 million to various charitable causes, underscoring its focus on the well-being of those who serve and their families​​.

DRS Technologies Inc., which became part of the Italian conglomerate Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly Finmeccanica) in 2008, has a rich history of growth and acquisition, illustrating its strategic positioning within the defense sector. Founded initially as Diagnostic/Retrieval Systems, Inc. (DRS) in 1968, the company underwent significant expansions and acquisitions to broaden its product offerings and market reach. It transitioned to DRS Technologies Inc. in 1997, marking a period of substantial growth through acquiring businesses that complemented its existing portfolio, such as high-speed camera makers, military communications businesses, and companies specializing in naval defense technologies​.

One notable campaign supported by the foundation aimed to raise funds for the construction of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda, Maryland. This center is dedicated to researching, diagnosing, and treating traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological health issues among military personnel and veterans. This effort highlights the foundation's commitment to addressing the critical needs of those affected by their service​​.

Through its history, DRS Technologies and its charitable foundation have demonstrated a clear focus on supporting the military and enhancing community welfare, reflecting the values and priorities of the broader organization as it evolved and expanded over the years.

Awards

The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation Inc. has been proactive in granting awards to support various causes, especially in areas concerning the military, education, health, and community improvement. In 2013, the foundation reported total giving of $181,000 across 26 awards, demonstrating its commitment to making a significant impact​. Notable recipients included the Naval Institute Foundation, Navy League of the United States, and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, with grants supporting charitable activities in locations such as Annapolis, Arlington, and Washington, DC. The awards ranged from $1,000 to $40,000, reflecting the foundation's broad support for military-related and community welfare organizations

Social & Cultural Significance

The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation's social and cultural significance lies in its dedication to supporting the military community, enhancing education for children, and fostering community well-being. By providing grants to various causes and engaging in philanthropy that benefits members of the Armed Forces and their families, the foundation contributes to societal welfare and acknowledges the sacrifices made by military personnel. Additionally, its focus on education and health initiatives reflects a broader commitment to societal improvement and support for vulnerable populations.

Location

The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation Inc. is located in Parsippany, New Jersey. Its establishment reflects the company's commitment to supporting its community and various causes, particularly those related to the military, education, and health. This location serves as a base for their philanthropic activities and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for people, especially in areas where DRS Technologies operates.

Known For

The DRS Technologies Charitable Foundation is primarily known for its commitment to supporting the United States Armed Forces, the health and education of children, and community and civic causes. It has been actively involved in providing grants and financial assistance to various programs and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for military personnel, their families, and communities around DRS site locations. The foundation emphasizes rapid response to natural disasters, support for relief programs, and significant contributions to educational and health-related causes.

 

 

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