The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is one of the most respected nonprofits in the United States. It supports military veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families with mortgage-free homes and other life-changing programs.
Many people want to know how much the CEO earns. Is the money going to help families, or is it going to executive paychecks?
In this detailed guide, we break down the Tunnel to Towers Foundation CEO salary, Frank Siller’s compensation, and how the organization spends every dollar it raises.
Quick Answer (For Fast Readers and AI Summaries)
- CEO & Chairman: Frank Siller (Founder)
- Frank Siller’s Salary from the Foundation: $0 (he takes no personal salary)
- Total Executive Compensation (all officers): Approximately $598,932
- Charity Navigator Rating: 4 out of 4 stars
- Foundation Revenue (2022): Over $295 million in contributions
Who Is Frank Siller? The Man Behind Tunnel to Towers
Frank Siller is the Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. He founded the organization to honor his brother, Stephen Siller.
Stephen was an FDNY firefighter. On September 11, 2001, he ran through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel carrying 60 pounds of gear to reach the Twin Towers.
He never came back.
Frank turned that heartbreak into a mission. He created the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to make sure the families of fallen heroes are never forgotten.
Key Facts About Frank Siller
- Born: November 7, 1960
- Role: Chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers Foundation
- Recognition: Received the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2021
- Education & Career: Successful businessman before dedicating himself full-time to the foundation
- Personal Mission: Honoring his brother Stephen and all who serve
Tunnel to Towers Foundation CEO Salary: The Full Breakdown
This is the part most people are searching for. Let’s look at the actual numbers.
Frank Siller Takes $0 in Salary
According to the foundation’s public financial disclosures and multiple independent reports, Frank Siller receives no personal salary from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
This is a remarkable fact. Most CEOs of nonprofits this size earn six-figure salaries.
Siller has chosen to lead the organization without personal compensation. His motivation is purely mission-driven — honoring his brother and supporting American heroes.
What About Other Executive Compensation?
While Frank Siller takes no salary, the foundation does pay its operational staff and other officers.
According to ProPublica’s nonprofit database, the total executive compensation reported by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is approximately $598,932.
This covers all compensated officers and key employees — not Frank Siller himself.
The foundation’s 2023 Form 990 (the IRS tax return for nonprofits) is publicly available on the Tunnel to Towers website for anyone to review.
Tunnel to Towers CEO Salary & Financial Overview Table
Here is a clear snapshot of the foundation’s leadership compensation and financial health:
|
Detail |
Information |
|
CEO & Chairman |
Frank Siller |
|
Frank Siller’s Salary |
$0 (takes no compensation) |
|
Total Executive Compensation (all officers) |
~$598,932 |
|
Total Contributions (2022) |
$295,583,351 |
|
Program Services Revenue |
$8,855,744 |
|
Investment Income |
$1,088,880 |
|
Total Assets |
$270,290,174 |
|
Total Liabilities |
$61,418,862 |
|
Charity Navigator Rating |
4/4 Stars |
Sources: ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer , Tunnel to Towers Financials Page , Charity Navigator , Form 990 (2023)
How Does Tunnel to Towers Spend Its Money?
One of the biggest concerns donors have is how their money is used. Tunnel to Towers has an excellent track record.
The foundation keeps fundraising and administrative costs at a minimum. Only a small percentage of funds goes to overhead expenses.
Spending Breakdown
- Program expenses: The vast majority of every dollar goes directly to programs that support veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families.
- Fundraising costs: Kept low relative to total revenue.
- Administrative costs: Minimal overhead.
The foundation has earned a 4 out of 4 star rating from Charity Navigator, which is the highest possible score. This rating reflects strong financial health, accountability, and transparency.
What Programs Does Tunnel to Towers Fund?
Understanding where the money goes helps put the CEO salary conversation in perspective.
1) Smart Home Program
The foundation builds mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
These homes are designed for people who have lost limbs or suffered severe injuries in the line of duty. The homes include voice-activated technology, automated doors, and other accessibility features.
2) Fallen First Responder Home Program
When a firefighter, police officer, or other first responder dies in the line of duty, their family often faces financial hardship.
Tunnel to Towers pays off the mortgage on their home so the surviving family never has to worry about losing their house.
3) Gold Star Family Home Program
Gold Star families are those who have lost a loved one during military service.
The foundation provides mortgage-free homes to these families as a way of honoring their sacrifice.
4) Season of Hope
Frank Siller personally leads the “Season of Hope” initiative, which delivers mortgage-free homes to families of fallen heroes during the holiday season.
This program has become one of the foundation’s most visible and emotional efforts.
How Does Frank Siller’s $0 Salary Compare to Other Nonprofit CEOs?
Frank Siller’s decision to take no salary is extremely rare among leaders of major nonprofits.
Here is how his compensation compares:
|
Nonprofit Leader |
Organization |
Annual Salary |
|
Frank Siller |
Tunnel to Towers Foundation |
$0 |
|
Michael J. Nyenhuis |
UNICEF USA |
~$620,000 |
|
Gail McGovern |
American Red Cross |
~$694,000+ |
|
Janti Soeripto |
Save the Children USA |
~$500,000–$600,000 |
Most nonprofit CEOs earn competitive salaries because they manage large, complex organizations. Frank Siller’s choice to forgo compensation entirely sets him apart in the nonprofit world.
Frank Siller’s Net Worth
While Frank Siller takes no salary from the foundation, he does have personal wealth from his business career before founding Tunnel to Towers.
According to multiple reports, his estimated net worth is between $10 million and $20 million as of 2025.
Key sources of his personal wealth include:
- Prior business ventures before dedicating himself to the foundation
- Personal investments and real estate
- Speaking engagements and media appearances
It’s important to note that none of this wealth comes from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. His personal finances are completely separate from the charity’s funds.
Why Transparency Matters for Tunnel to Towers
Tunnel to Towers goes above and beyond when it comes to financial transparency.
Public Tax Filings
The foundation’s Form 990 tax returns are published on their official website every year. Anyone can download and review them. The most recent filing (2023) is available as a signed PDF directly from the foundation.
Independent Audits
Charity Navigator independently evaluates the foundation’s finances, governance, and accountability. Tunnel to Towers consistently earns the highest possible rating of 4 stars.
Open Financial Page
The foundation maintains a dedicated financials page on their website (t2t.org/financials) where donors can review annual reports, 990 filings, and audit results.
This level of openness is one reason why the foundation has earned the trust of millions of American donors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Frank Siller get paid by Tunnel to Towers?
No. Frank Siller takes $0 in salary from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. He leads the organization on a purely volunteer basis.
How much does Tunnel to Towers raise each year?
In 2022, the foundation received over $295 million in contributions, plus additional revenue from program services and investments.
Is Tunnel to Towers a legitimate charity?
Yes. It holds a 4/4 star rating from Charity Navigator and publishes all financial records publicly.
Who was Stephen Siller?
Stephen Siller was an FDNY firefighter who died on September 11, 2001, after running through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel to reach the World Trade Center. The foundation was created in his memory.
Key Takeaways
Before we wrap up, here are the most important points from this post:
- Frank Siller, the CEO and Chairman of Tunnel to Towers, takes $0 in salary from the foundation. He is one of the few major nonprofit CEOs who receives no personal compensation.
- The foundation’s total executive compensation for all officers is approximately $598,932, which is a tiny fraction of the $295+ million raised annually.
- Tunnel to Towers holds the highest 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for financial health, transparency, and accountability.
- The foundation’s Form 990 tax filings are publicly available on their website for full transparency.
- Frank Siller’s personal net worth (estimated $10–$20 million) comes from his business career, not from the foundation.
- The vast majority of every dollar raised goes directly to programs that support veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families.
Conclusion
If you searched for “Tunnel to Towers Foundation CEO salary,” the answer is simple and powerful.
Frank Siller earns $0 from the foundation he created.
He built Tunnel to Towers to honor his brother Stephen, who gave his life on 9/11. And he continues to lead it without taking a single dollar in personal compensation.
The foundation raises hundreds of millions of dollars each year. It delivers mortgage-free homes to families who have lost everything. And it does all of this with top-tier financial transparency and accountability.
In a world where nonprofit CEO pay often makes headlines for the wrong reasons, Frank Siller’s story is a refreshing reminder that some leaders truly put mission before money.
If you want to verify any of these numbers yourself, the foundation’s Form 990 filings and Charity Navigator profile are just a click away.
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