We are excited to offer a new program to individuals with Down syndrome! We will be offering small grants to help cover the cost of programs and activities that help children and adults with Down syndrome be accepted and included for who they are.

This is a pilot program. Here are a few important details along with some Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Individuals with Down syndrome or families who have a child with Down syndrome who live in Alabama can apply.
  • The maximum grant award is $250.
  • Two grant application cycles will run each year: Opening April 1st, Closing April 30th & Opening October 1st, Closing October 31st
  • Funds can only be paid directly to a third party organization and cannot be paid as a reimbursement. Funds will be paid out once approved in November.
  • Grants must be used to pay for programming or educational opportunities that increase connections and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. Some examples include, but is not limited to, the following:
    • Camp ASSCA or other inclusive camp
    • Day Camps
    • Red Barn
    • Miracle League
    • Swim Lessons
    • Job Training
    • Dance Team
    • Cooking Classes
    • Kindermusik
    • Registration expense for the individual with DS to attend the NDSS national conference (not travel or registration for family members)
    • Exceptional Foundation
    • Unless U
    • Talk Tools
    • Handwriting Without Tears materials
    • AMBUCS
    • Camp ASCCA
  • No board member, employee, or officer of the organization can apply for the grant program.
  • Families who receive the benefit must wait 12 months to apply again. If you apply and are not selected, you may apply in the next cycle. Please keep in mind that although your project may appear to fall under the guidelines of what we fund, DSA has a limited amount of funds and cannot award funding to every applicant. We recognize that every application is worthy of funding, but given our limited resources, we must make difficult decisions. If you are not awarded, please apply again!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member of Down Syndrome Alabama to apply or be awarded a grant?

No. You do not have to be a member, but you do have to live in Alabama. Families must be able to produce proof of Down syndrome diagnosis from a medical professional if requested.

How did DSA come up with the grant program?

In 2023, Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group merged with Down Syndrome Alabama. This group, now the River Region satellite, ran a family grants program that was very appreciated and successful. We tweaked the program and intend to grow it to serve a larger group.

Is this grants program needs-based?

Will I have to demonstrate financial need? No. Can the grant go directly to an individual? No, there are no direct donations or grants to individuals. In addition, grants will not be awarded to pay for medical bills, political campaigns and legislative lobbying efforts, building or capital campaigns, or projects that exclusively serve religious purposes.

Who decides which applicants are awarded grants?

The board of DSA will approve a 3-member grants committee consisting of a board member, a community member or DSA junior board member, and a member of the River Region satellite. The Executive Director of DSA will join the committee as a non-voting member.

 

Applications can be found here, by using this link, https://forms.gle/VN7ewJh3Fzbfevoz8, or on our website under “Programs”