Connecting Families
Mini-Grants
The purpose of the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut (DS ACT) Mini-Grant Program is to fund projects that promote opportunity, equity, and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and their families by promoting civil rights for individuals with Down syndrome, promoting positive public awareness of Down syndrome or providing support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families that facilitate meaningful inclusion. Applications are reviewed by the board of directors at least three times per year
DS ACT is especially supportive of the following types of projects:
- Educate parents about their rights and responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the specific procedures to defend those rights through due process
- Improve parent communications or public relations between the school and the community
- Facilitate community-based adult living through direct support, transportation services, or other means
- Provide education and training to parents in effective educational methods or therapies
- Create or enable employment in the community
- Enable participation in community or school social or recreation activities
- Other innovative projects consistent with the DS ACT Mission
Grants are limited to $500 each, and the project must directly benefit an individual or individuals with Down syndrome. A DS ACT member must sponsor the project by submitting a written statement on the importance and need for the project, as well as being responsible for the completion of the project. Any books, equipment, etc. purchased with the funds must display the DS ACT label (provided with the grant).
A project status report is required 12 months after project inception.
Email info@mydsact.org for an application
Camp Grants
DS ACT distributes annual grants of up to $500 to help pay for a summer overnight or day camp experience camp for individuals with Down Syndrome. The grants are available to current members of DS ACT only and are made on a first-come, first-served basis until annually-budgeted funds are exhausted. If funds remain after overnight camp requests are filled, day camp requests will be considered beginning May 1st.
Application period runs from Feb. 15 to July 1st.
Sunshine Grants
Send a Ray of Sunshine to a friend or loved one with Down syndrome who is facing an extended hospital stay!
Send an email to our Sunshine Committee, telling them who is in the hospital, where they are, a brief description of why, along with contact information. We will deliver a gift, a card, or make a visit, depending on the family’s needs.
*We make this benefit available to ANY Connecticut family that lives with Down syndrome, but priority is given to DS ACT members.