About JDRF

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
Greater Bay Area Chapter
49 Stevenson Street, Suite 1200
San Francisco, CA 94105
[directions]

Phone: (415) 977-0360
Fax: (415) 977-0355

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) is a leader in setting the agenda for diabetes research worldwide, and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of type 1 research. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, and can be fatal. Until a cure is found, people with type 1 diabetes have to test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin injections multiple times or use a pump - each day, every day of their lives. And even with that intensive care, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications, which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation.

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.3 billion to diabetes research, including more than $156 million in FY2008. The Foundation funds more than 1,000 centers, grants in laboratories, hospitals, and industry, and fellowships in 22 countries.

Interview with JDRF's CEO.

JDRF Facts and Figures

FY2008 JDRF revenue:  $232 million
Percent of expenditures directly supporting research and research related education:  more than 85%
JDRF rating from Charity Navigator:  4-stars
JDRF grade from the American Institute of Philanthropy:  A
JDRF efficiency rating from Forbes Magazine:  92 out of 100
Year JDRF was founded:  1970
Number of participants in the Bay Area Walks to Cure Diabetes::  7,000 at 5 locations

The JDRF international board of directors and its committees, working together with JDRF national staff, develop national programs, set direction, and provide support. Locally the chapter boards and staff implement programs as well as develop and manage local fundraising programs. Implementation of these programs at the local chapter level generates funds to support internationally-funded medical research that delivers treatments and cures to improve the lives of people with diabetes.

Volunteers serving on the Chapter Executive Board, working in accordance with JDRF governance guidelines and directives, set the Greater Bay Area Chapter’s direction and vision and allow the senior staff the opportunity to manage the chapter activities.  Working through three distinct branch boards, board members and staff capitalize on the resources the board brings to JDRF and maximize volunteer involvement, thus realizing success for the chapter and JDRF’s efforts to fund a cure. 

People with a connection to type 1 diabetes have a direct say in where we focus our research funding.  Our research review process not only includes leading scientists, but reviewers who either have type 1 diabetes or have family members with type 1 diabetes.  Know as peer reviewers, volunteers look at each proposal we receive and decide which grants they will recommend for funding based on the quality of the science, what impact it will have, and its relevance to our mission to find a cure.  This process ensures that donations are used to fund the most promising science that will accelerate progress towards a cure.

JDRF volunteers may be found throughout the chapter territory.  The entire organization is a largely volunteer driven at both the national and chapter level.  Volunteers help newly diagnosed individuals connect with JDRF support services.   Volunteers connect JDRF to donors and provide most of the manpower for each fundraising event. Staff support (not replace) volunteers in their fundraising efforts.

The Greater Bay Area Chapter serves the western most counties in California extending south from the Oregon Border to the Monterey Bay.  Our chartered chapter territory includes Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Del Norte County, Humboldt County, Lake County, Marin County, Mendocino County, Modoc County, Monterey County, Napa County, San Benito County, San Francisco County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County, Siskiyou County and Sonoma County. 

Every day the Greater Bay Area Chapter reaches out to the many communities within our territory to welcome people living with type 1 diabetes and those with a connection to the disease to the chapter.   As we support those who are living with a type 1 diagnose, we build the base of support for JDRF’s mission.  This translates to an unrelenting commitment to finding a cure through the support of research.  Volunteer opportunities exist throughout every aspect of our business.   Our need for volunteers is constant.