Funders to approach for Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County Inc

Part III - Organizations Primary Exempt Purpose DSNMCs primary purpose and mission is to empower and support individuals with Down Syndrome, their families and the community through education, information, public awareness, and advocacy. DSNMC supports 400+ families in Montgomery County and the Washington, DC Metro area. DSNMC has been consistently successful in achieving its mission, with many initiatives undertaken throughout 2025. Program Service Accomplishments: The Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County, MD (DSNMC) empowers and supports individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community through education, information, public awareness, advocacy, and opportunities for connection and self-determination. DSNMC serves more than 400 families throughout Montgomery County, Maryland, and the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area. In 2025, DSNMC added 109 new members, welcomed 17 new and expectant families, and provided 152 hours of lifespan programming through 85 educational, social, recreational, and self-advocacy programs. The organization recorded 2,368 program registrations and provided more than 18 hours of parent and caregiver education attended by 266 participants. DSNMC also awarded scholarships to 18 families to help offset the cost of therapies, camps, equipment, and other supports for individuals with Down syndrome. DSNMCs programs include educational workshops, the annual Techniques for Success Educator Conference, parent and caregiver support, Grupo Latino, transitioning youth and adult programming, the Self-Advocate Community Network, social and recreational activities, and outreach to new and expectant families. Through its New Family & Medical Outreach Initiative, DSNMC partners with hospitals, healthcare providers, and early intervention professionals to provide accurate information, peer support, and resources to families receiving a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. DSNMC promotes self-determination and inclusion through leadership development, self-advocacy training, public speaking opportunities, and community engagement. In 2025, self-advocates served in paid and volunteer leadership roles, participated on committees and the Board of Directors, and represented DSNMC through public speaking and advocacy activities, including participation in the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention. DSNMCs annual Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk and Celebration serves as both an awareness event and the organizations primary fundraiser. In 2025, the event engaged 56 teams, 28 sponsors, 87 volunteers, and more than 500 participants, raising nearly $184,000 to support DSNMCs programs, outreach, advocacy, and family support services. DSNMC has an active Listserv and private Facebook Group so parents can connect, ask questions, and share resources. DSNMC has a Grupo Latino which meets monthly in addition to attending regular events. We reach out to families who receive a pre-natal or post-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome and speak to medical professionals. We present new families with a welcome kit and link them with other families. DSNMC fosters advocacy by providing members with action alerts related to people living with Down…