The RJS Foundation

What The RJS Foundation does

The RJS Foundation is a private nonprofit charitable organization founded in 2015 by Robert and Cynthia Scannell and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It addresses community, housing, and educational needs in marginalized populations through a partner-led model, directly operating the Butterfly House transitional housing program for single mothers and their children (first location 2017 in Westfield, second 2024 in Hendricks County) while funding and collaborating with a curated network of eight nonprofit partners. These partners span domestic housing and family services (Family Promise of Hendricks County, Brookside Community Development Corporation, The O'Connor House), education and youth (Shepherd Community Center, Boys and Girls Club of Noblesville), disability and therapeutic services (Agape Unbridled Hope, Mephibosheth Ministries), and international development (World Vision in Ghana, Nicaragua Resource Network in Nicaragua, plus projects in India, Cambodia, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Uganda, and El Salvador).

The foundation does not develop proprietary technology; its core deliverables are financial grants, volunteer coordination, capacity-building, and direct housing operations. The Butterfly House program provides a supportive residential environment where residents work on personal budgets, savings accounts, and foundations for independent living. RJS employs a 'boots on the ground' engagement model, conducting site visits, joint activities, and collaborative projects with partners, and serves as a connector that facilitates cross-partner learning and resource sharing (for example, linking Mephibosheth Ministries with Agape for mini horse therapy visits).

The foundation is funded primarily through charitable donations, with the Scannell family and Scannell Properties/Development serving as the principal benefactors. The board overlaps substantially with Scannell Properties leadership (Robert Scannell as Chair, Doug Snyder as Vice Chair, Jim Carlino as Secretary, Ralph Shiley as Treasurer). Operations are lean, supported by two paid staff members (Executive Director Jennifer Dotzert and Program Assistant Angel Richardson) following the April 2026 passing of co-founder and former Executive Director Cynthia Scannell. Distribution is handled through direct grants to partner organizations and hands-on program delivery via the Butterfly Houses, with awareness driven through the foundation's website, partner cross-promotion, and community events.

Name

The RJS Foundation

Legal name

RJS Foundation

Website

https://rjsfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The RJS Foundation is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit founded in 2015 that operates the Butterfly House transitional housing program and partners with eight nonprofit organizations to address housing, education, and community needs for marginalized populations domestically in Indiana and internationally in countries including Ghana, Nicaragua, India, and Cambodia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Charitable Foundation Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Child and Youth Services (62411), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA)

Keywords

• Nonprofit foundation grants
• Transitional housing services
• Community development programs
• International humanitarian aid
• Charitable partnership services

Headquarters

HQ city

Indianapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation Operations: The foundation operates through charitable donations and grants to support partner organizations. Robert Scannell, Co-founder, is a prominent real estate developer (Scannell Development Company) who provides financial support. The foundation uses these resources to fund Butterfly Houses, partner organization support, and international projects in India, Nicaragua, Ghana, and Cambodia.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

RJS Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation that provides grants, supportive housing, and partnership-based program support to address community, housing, and educational needs. The foundation directly operates the Butterfly House transitional housing program for single mothers and their children, and partners with 8 nonprofit organizations domestically and internationally.

Product overview

The RJS Foundation operates as a nonprofit charitable organization offering community development and housing support programs. Its primary offering is the Butterfly House Program, a transitional housing initiative for single mothers and their children. The organization partners with various nonprofit organizations to address critical community, housing, and educational needs, particularly in areas inhabited by marginalized populations. The foundation also supports international initiatives including clean water projects, medical assistance, and educational sponsorships through its partner network.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Butterfly House: Transitional housing program for single mothers and their children

Products and services

• Butterfly House Program Transitional housing program for single mothers and their children, providing a supportive home environment where residents work on personal budgets, savings accounts, and building foundations for independent living. Directly operated by RJS Foundation in Westfield and Hendricks County, Indiana.
• Nonprofit Partner Grant and Capacity-Building Program Financial grants, program development assistance, volunteer coordination, and capacity-building support provided to a network of 8 nonprofit partner organizations working in housing, education, disability services, community development, and international aid. Includes site visits, joint activities, collaborative events, and cross-partner connections.
• International Outreach Programs International humanitarian programs delivered through partner organizations including clean water access in Ghana (target: 700,000 people across 23 districts by 2032 with World Vision), education sponsorship for 270+ students in Nicaragua (Nicaragua Resource Network), hospital support in India, and clean water projects in Cambodia.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 570 women and children served through partner The O'Connor House in 20 years
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• World VisioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership established late 2025 focused on clean water access in Ghana. World Vision's 'Finish the Job' plan aims to reach 700,000 people in 23 districts with clean water by 2032. RJS plays a role in bringing clean water to Ghana communities.
• Agape Unbridled HopecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTherapeutic riding center providing equine-assisted services for individuals with disabilities. RJS supports their programs, facilitates connections with other partners, and participates in their events. Agape is celebrating 40 years of service.
• Brookside Community Development CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity development organization serving the Near Eastside of Indianapolis with re-entry programs, food pantry (200+ individuals), PLAY programs, housing, and refugee center. RJS has partnered since early 2020.
• The O'Connor HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChristian home for single, pregnant, homeless women. Served over 570 women, children and infants in 20 years. Inspired the creation of RJS Butterfly Houses. RJS provides ongoing support and collaboration.
• Family Promise of Hendricks CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHomeless services organization operating Almost Home emergency shelter and Butterfly House-Hendricks. RJS partnered on Scannell Lane project creating 12 homes. New CEO Jenni Crago leading organization.
• Shepherd Community CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation-focused community center serving children Pre-K to 5th grade, celebrating 40 years. RJS volunteers in classrooms, supports Warrick Place housing project. Located on Indy's east side.
• Mephibosheth Ministries (Empowered Abilities)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization serving individuals with disabilities, rebranding to Empowered Abilities. RJS provides fitness activities, health lessons, and connects them with other partners like Agape for mini horse visits.
• Nicaragua Resource NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational education and medical support in Nicaragua. RJS sponsors 270+ students, provides medication funding for Agape special needs program students, supports college sponsorships with laptops.
• Boys and Girls Club of NoblesvilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth development organization, one of RJS's most recent partners. Celebrating 75 years. RJS visits summer programs and supports their initiatives.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Market position

Strengths4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/rjsfoundation
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC6528686cd5f9c21bfc364fa8
• Facebookfacebook.com/rjsfoundationinc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rjs-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/rjsfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The RJS Foundation