What STARability Foundation does

STARability Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1983 (originally as the Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled, rebranded in 2018) headquartered in Naples, Florida, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Southwest Florida. Its core offerings are organized around Academy Programs — Trailblazer Academy (ages 18+), Jr. Trailblazer Academy (ages 14–22), Virtual Trailblazer Academy, the Music Academy (acquired through a 2024 merger with Southwest Florida Music Education Center), and the THRIVEability Garden — supplemented by Career Services providing job-readiness training and placement. The portfolio also includes two Social Enterprises (STAR Studio artisan goods and the Home Collection upscale resale store) and STAR Connections for classes, recreation, and monthly socials. Virtual delivery runs on Zoom with Instructure Canvas as the LMS.

The organization's revenue model is overwhelmingly donor-funded: 83% of the operating budget comes from philanthropy and no government assistance is received, with 41% of participants on full or partial scholarships. Program tuition is unit-priced (Trailblazer Academy at $100/day full-day or $50 half-day; Jr. Trailblazer Academy at $50/day or $80 for early dismissal; class sessions at $10 each), while Virtual STAR Connections is subscription-based ($35/month or $105/month). Three signature events — the STAR Gala ($3.2M raised in February 2025), STARability Cup ($400K+ in 2026), and Run/Walk/Roll 5K ($90K+) — anchor fundraising. The foundation reports Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, a Four-Star Charity Navigator rating, and operates through an ecosystem of 67+ vocational partners across food service, automotive, and healthcare.

Distribution and GTM are community-led: direct enrollment via website inquiry forms, family and school referrals, an approved Vocational Rehabilitation referral channel through the Florida Department of Education, and a 307-person volunteer workforce (FY 23-24) supporting 5,064+ volunteer hours. As of the latest reporting, 58 participants are enrolled in Trailblazer Academy and 22 in Jr. Trailblazer Academy, with 19 currently employed through vocational services and 38 total jobs filled by Career Services. The organization is currently scaling for a first-of-its-kind inclusive campus via the Opening Doors capital campaign with Connor+Gaskins as builder.

Name

STARability Foundation

Legal name

STARability Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://starability.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

STARability Foundation is a Naples, Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1983 that delivers Academy Programs, Career Services, Social Enterprises, and STAR Connections for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Southwest Florida.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability and Developmental Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (6117), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Youth-to-Adult Transition & Life Skills (Independent Living, Soft Skills) (EDAAAFAN)

Keywords

• Disability services
• Vocational training programs
• Nonprofit social services
• Life skills education
• Community inclusion programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Naples

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Philanthropy and Donations: STARability is a donor-funded organization where 83% of operational budget is sourced from philanthropy. The organization receives no government assistance.
2. Social Enterprise Retail: STAR Studio and Artisan Gifts and STAR Home Collection generate revenue through sale of handmade artisan products (candles, cards, jewelry, tea towels) and upscale resale furniture and home goods. Proceeds benefit STARability's life-transforming programs.
3. Program Tuition: Tuition fees for Academy programs including Trailblazer Academy ($100/day, $50 half-day), Jr. Trailblazer Academy ($50/day, $80 early dismissal), and class sessions ($10 each). Scholarships available.
4. Virtual Program Subscriptions: Virtual STAR Connections subscription-based series: Single Series at $35/month (3 hours/week, 12 sessions), 1-2-3 Series at $105/month (12 hours/week, 36 sessions).
5. Events and Fundraisers: Annual signature events including STAR Gala, STARability Cup golf tournament, and Run Walk & Roll 5K generate fundraising revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

STARability Foundation delivers a comprehensive suite of life-transforming programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Southwest Florida, including day academies (Trailblazer Academy, Jr. Trailblazer Academy, Music Academy, Virtual Trailblazer Academy), Career Services for vocational training and job placement, STAR Connections classes and recreation, the THRIVEability community garden, and social enterprise retail operations (STAR Studio artisan gifts and Home Collection upscale resale). Programs focus on life skills, self-determination, vocational training, socialization, and community inclusion, funded primarily through philanthropy (83% of operational budget) and supplemented by tuition, retail sales, and fundraising events.

Product overview

STARability Foundation is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwest Florida. The core programming consists of Academy Programs (Trailblazer Academy for ages 18+, Jr. Trailblazer Academy for ages 14-22, and Virtual Trailblazer Academy), the Music Academy (Florida's only music development program for neurodiverse adults), and the THRIVEability Garden. Career Services provides vocational training and job placement support. The Social Enterprises include STAR Studio (artisan workshop creating handmade gifts) and Home Collection (upscale resale store), both providing vocational training and employment. STAR Connections offers classes, recreation programs (bowling, baseball, basketball, golf, yoga, tennis, pickleball, soccer), and monthly social events. Virtual STAR Connections provides remote subscription-based programming via Zoom.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Trailblazer Academy: All-day program for adults ages 18+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on life skills, community engagement, socialization, vocational training, independence, and confidence.
• Jr. Trailblazer Academy
• Virtual Trailblazer Academy
• Music Academy
• THRIVEability Garden
• STARability Cup
• Run, Walk & Roll 5K
• STAR Gala

Products and services

• Trailblazer Academy All-day community-based program for adults ages 18+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing life skills development, community engagement, socialization, vocational training, and independence building.
• Jr. Trailblazer Academy After-school program for students ages 14-22 to facilitate successful transition as they age out of traditional school programming, offering employment readiness, life skills, art, recreation, and community connections.
• Virtual Trailblazer Academy Remote learning program enabling individuals to engage in meaningful classes, activities, and workshops via Zoom from anywhere, mirroring the in-person Trailblazer Academy curriculum.
• Music Academy The only music development program of its kind in Florida, providing individualized music education for neurodiverse adults with an interest in music, including performance skills, music theory, and community engagement.
• THRIVEability Garden 2,000-square-foot collaborative community garden project teaching life skills to participants, providing therapeutic, recreational, inclusive, and vocational experiences.
• Career Services Vocational services program helping participants learn job skills, explore career opportunities, and find employment through job readiness training, job placement, and on-the-job coaching. Operates as an approved Florida Department of Education Vocational Rehabilitation provider with 67+ employer partner network.
• STAR Studio Inclusive artisan workshop providing vocational training, paid employment, and recreational art programming where participants create handmade gifts including candles, cards, jewelry, and tea towels.
• Home Collection Upscale resale store providing vocational training and employment opportunities while selling donated furniture, decor, and home goods.
• Virtual STAR Connections Subscription-based virtual programming via Zoom offering continuing education, art, health and wellness, and life enrichment activities for participants.
• STAR Connections Classes Weekly classes including Music Explorers, Art Class, Cooking Class, Improv and Musical Theater, Garden Club, Career Explorations, and Life Enrichment for enrolled participants.
• Monthly Socials Monthly celebrations bringing participants and their families together with food, entertainment, and opportunities to share stories, often totaling over 150 attendees.

Quantifiable outcome

• 19 participants currently employed through Trailblazer Academy vocational services
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Winfield Street CoffeecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Vocational partner since March 2022 providing employment opportunities for STAR participants. Co-owner Jeanette Donatti expressed pride in enabling STARs like Dago and Alexis to contribute to the community through customer service, maintenance, and merchandise organization. STAR Award recipient.
• Trailblazer Academy Vocational Site PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Over 67 vocational partners providing job training sites and employment opportunities for STAR participants. Includes employers in food service, retail, automotive, healthcare, and more. Participants gain exposure to work world through community-based vocational training.
• The Naples PlayerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing space and instruction for Improv & Musical Theater class. Led by Craig Price, award-winning director of community education and wellness. Class held weekly at their facility.
• Florida Department of Education Vocational RehabilitationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerApproved VR provider offering job readiness services and connecting individuals with local employers and job training sites. VR certified Vocational Services Manager provides comprehensive services including skill assessments, resume building, job placement, and on-the-job coaching.
• Mister O1 PizzacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational partner where STAR participants work on pizza boxes and other tasks as part of vocational training. STAR Award recipient.
• Outback SteakhousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational partner where STAR participants work on cleaning silverware and other tasks as part of vocational training. STAR Award recipient.
• Germain Automotive PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational partner providing job training site at Germain Toyota of Naples. STAR Award recipient for commitment to inclusive employment.
• Golisano Children's Museum of Naples (CMON)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRetail partner location for STAR Studio artisan products. STAR Award recipient. Vocational partner site as well.
• Naples Art InstitutecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRetail partner location for STAR Studio artisan products.
• Naples Zoo at Caribbean GardenscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRetail partner location for STAR Studio artisan products.
• City of NaplescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in THRIVEability Garden project. Collaborative project centered on revitalizing River Park's 2,000-square-foot garden for therapeutic, recreational, inclusive and vocational experiences.
• River Park Community CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in THRIVEability Garden project. Hosts the garden and provides space for community engagement.
• Paragon TheaterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational partner and STAR Award recipient. Provides inclusive employment opportunities for STAR participants.
• Stofft Cooney ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational partner and STAR Award recipient. Provides inclusive employment opportunities.
• Connor+GaskinscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected as builder for STARability's first-of-its-kind innovative and inclusive new campus. STAR Award recipient.
• TwinEagles Country ClubmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for STARability Cup annual golf tournament. Raised over $400,000 in 2026.
• The Ritz-Carlton Naples TiburonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Annual STAR Gala, the organization's largest benefit event.
• Structure MedicalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational partner and STAR Award recipient. Dedicated partner committed to employing people with disabilities.
• Naples Therapeutic Riding CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational partner providing therapeutic riding opportunities and inclusive programming for STAR participants.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: Large national nonprofit providing disability services including vocational rehabilitation, autism services, and adult day programs across a broader portfolio. Comparable to STARability's Career Services and Academy Programs but at significantly greater scale and geographic breadth.

Emerging players

• Special Olympics International: Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Overlaps with STARability's Recreation Programs (bowling, baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, yoga) but focuses specifically on competitive sports rather than full vocational/social programming.
• GiGi's Playhouse: National network of Down syndrome achievement centers offering educational, therapeutic, and career development programs free to families. Comparable in delivering free/scholarship programming and therapy-led services for IDD, though focused specifically on Down syndrome.

Direct peers

• Goodwill Industries International: Operates social enterprise retail stores whose proceeds fund vocational training and employment services for people with disabilities and other barriers. Directly comparable to STARability's STAR Studio + Home Collection social enterprise model paired with Career Services.
• The Arc of the United States: National organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with local chapters providing employment, housing, and community programs. Directly comparable mission to STARability's IDD focus.
• Best Buddies International: National nonprofit providing one-to-one friendship, integrated employment, and leadership development programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Closest peer given STARability's focus on IDD vocational placement, life skills, and social inclusion.

Regional players

• Family Initiative Inc. Southwest Florida nonprofit providing applied behavior analysis, early intervention, and family support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Direct regional peer in the same SW Florida service area with overlapping IDD client base.
• Inclusion Florida: Florida statewide advocacy and support network for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Operates in the same state as STARability but focuses on systems advocacy and family support rather than direct vocational/academic programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/STARabilityFdn
• Facebookfacebook.com/STARabilityFdn
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/starabilityfdn
• Instagraminstagram.com/starabilityfdn

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles30 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about STARability Foundation