Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin

What Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin does

Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) is a private, Wisconsin-incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1990 and headquartered in Wauwatosa, with a second program center in Sun Prairie. The organization supports individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with their families, across the entire lifespan — from prenatal diagnosis through aging. It serves more than 5,500 individuals and families annually, against an estimated statewide population of more than 8,000 people with Down syndrome, through a network of eight or more regional chapters and approximately 800 volunteers.

DSAW delivers services through five core pillars: Fraternal Support, Education & Outreach, Employment Services, Life Enrichment, and Virtual Support Groups. Program modules include Parent's First Call for new/expecting parents, the Community Life Skills Hub (18+ day services), DSAW Connects (virtual daily/independent living skills curricula, paid-plus-free), SPARK Connections and Teen Club (youth socio-emotional programming), EXTRAordinary Adventures (summer day program), Community Connections, Dinner and a Movie, Transition Services, and a suite of named virtual support groups (Latino Family, Prenatal Diagnosis, New Parent, Transition to Adulthood, Caregiver Book Club, Aging Caregiver). Signature events include approximately eight annual awareness walks drawing 8,000+ participants and two summer golf outings (Pip & Homer Golf Classic and a Southeastern Wisconsin outing). From a technology standpoint, DSAW operates primarily as a service organization; it uses standard virtual meeting platforms for remote programming and webinars rather than proprietary software.

The business model is a diversified nonprofit funding stack: individual donations (including the Sustain 21 monthly giving program), event-based fundraising, federal pass-through funding (SLFRP0135 award via the Wisconsin Department of Administration / U.S. Department of the Treasury supporting the Think Ability Wisconsin initiative), state-level service contracts through the Wisconsin Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and long-term support programs (IRIS, Family Care) for employment services, and community foundation grants (La Crosse, Greater Green Bay, Eau Claire). Pricing to end users is effectively freemium — most programs and support groups are free, with nominal event participation fees (e.g., $25 per participant for Moms' Night Out) and the DSAW Connects curriculum offering both free and paid components. Revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin

Legal name

Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, Inc.

Website

https://dsaw.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin is a 1990-founded nonprofit serving 5,500+ individuals with Down syndrome and their families annually across Wisconsin through lifespan-spanning programs in education, employment, life enrichment, fraternal support, and virtual support groups, funded by donations, grants, and events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Support Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG), Family & Parenting Support Services (BPAGAEAC), Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare (HSAAAIAC)

Keywords

• Disability support services
• Family support programs
• Employment services
• Life enrichment programs
• Community advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Milwaukee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Philanthropy: Individual and corporate donations support the organization's mission. Monthly giving program called 'Sustain 21' allows donors to pledge recurring monthly gifts.
2. Federal and State Grants: DSAW receives federal funding through the SLFRP0135 award from the U.S. Department of Treasury via Wisconsin Department of Administration. Also partners with Wisconsin Department of Vocational Rehabilitation for employment services.
3. Event-based Fundraising: Revenue generated through events such as golf outings, awareness walks, and community fundraisers where DSAW receives a portion of sales or direct contributions.
4. Community Foundation Grants: Partnership with community foundations including La Crosse Community Foundation, Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, and Eau Claire Community Foundation for specific program funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

DSAW provides comprehensive lifelong support services for individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities across Wisconsin. The organization delivers five core service areas: Fraternal Support, Education & Outreach, Employment Services, Life Enrichment, and Virtual Support Groups. Services are delivered through eight local chapters, in-person programming, and virtual platforms, addressing needs from prenatal diagnosis through aging.

Product overview

Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) is a non-profit service organization offering a comprehensive suite of support programs for individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities across their lifespan. The organization operates as a unified service platform organized around five core service areas: Fraternal Support, Education & Outreach, Employment Services, Life Enrichment, and Virtual Support Groups. These core services are delivered through multiple program modules including day services (Community Life Skills Hub), virtual programming (DSAW Connects), youth enrichment (Teen Club, SPARK Connections, EXTRAOrdinary Adventures), adult social activities (Dinner and a Movie, Community Connections), and specialized support groups (Latino Family, Transition to Adulthood, Prenatal Diagnosis, New Parent, Caregiver Book Club, Aging Caregiver). The organization also hosts signature events including Awareness Walks and Golf Outings. Services are provided through multiple chapter locations across Wisconsin.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Think Ability Wisconsin: A statewide initiative focused on promoting ability, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals with disabilities, supported by federal funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Products and services

• Fraternal Support Support services for loved ones and family members of individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities, providing resources and community connection across the family unit.
• Education & Outreach Educational resources including webinars, conferences, peer sensitivity training, and the Parent's First Call program to help families, medical professionals, and the public understand Down syndrome and intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Employment Services Job development and support services including skills training, job preparation, internship, job coaching, and supported employment for individuals with disabilities, delivered in partnership with Wisconsin Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Life Enrichment Comprehensive services supporting individuals with disabilities across their lifespan including Day Services, Community Connections, DSAW Connects virtual services, Independent Living, youth programs, and social activities.
• Virtual Support Groups Free virtual family support groups across Wisconsin covering specialized topics including Latino Family Support, Transition to Adulthood, Prenatal Diagnosis, New Parent, Caregiver Book Club, and Aging Caregiver support.
• Community Life Skills Hub (CLSH) 18+ Day services program for adults 18+ providing community exploration, independence building, decision-making skills, and social connections through small group and one-to-one support.
• DSAW Connects Premier online program offering both paid and free curricula and activities for individuals with disabilities, including virtual daily living and independent living skills training.
• SPARK Connections After-school and summer small group program targeting socio-emotional skill building for youth, focusing on emotional and physical wellness, friendship skills, and coping strategies.
• Teen Club Free hangout program for ages 10-17 providing a space to connect with friends, engage in games, and try new activities.
• EXTRAOrdinary Adventures Summer day program for ages 8-17 with hands-on learning activities and community outings, teaching skills like following rules, communication, coping skills, team building, and sportsmanship.
• Dinner and a Movie (18+) Monthly program at DSAW locations where adults can enjoy time with peers sharing a meal and watching cinema classics.
• Community Connections Weekend and weekday evening gatherings for peer activities including dinner and movies, waterpark visits, bowling, local plays, and community exploration.
• Latino Family Support Group Spanish-speaking virtual support group for families with children or adults with Down syndrome, meeting third Tuesday of each month at 10:00am.
• Transition to Adulthood Support Group Virtual support group for parents and caregivers with loved ones transitioning to adulthood (approximately ages 15-25), meeting last Tuesday of each month at 7pm.
• Prenatal Diagnosis Support Group Monthly non-judgmental virtual support group for women who have recently received a Down syndrome diagnosis, meeting second Wednesday of the month at 8pm.
• New Parent Support Group Monthly virtual support group for new parents with children ages 0-3, hosted by DSAW parent volunteers.
• Caregiver Book Club Monthly virtual book club for DSAW caregivers meeting third Thursday of the month at 7pm, reading varied fiction and nonfiction genres.
• Aging & Down Syndrome Caregiver Support Group Monthly virtual support group for those caring for aging loved ones with Down syndrome, partnered with the Alzheimer's Association, meeting third Wednesday of the month at 5pm.
• Awareness Walks Approximately eight Down syndrome awareness walking events held annually across Wisconsin, drawing more than 8,000 walkers, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and partners.
• Play With Purpose Golf Outings Two summer golf outings held in Southeastern and South Central Wisconsin, including the Pip & Homer Golf Classic, supporting impactful programs for individuals with Down syndrome.
• Parent's First Call Program providing resources and support to families after receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis, connecting them with parent mentors and helping navigate medical and early intervention services.
• Transition Services School-based transition programs providing group and individual instruction, work readiness training, pre-vocational skills, and industry tours in partnership with area schools.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 5,500 individuals and families served annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 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, major and moderate.

• Wisconsin Department of Vocational RehabilitationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAW is a service provider with the Wisconsin Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, offering employment services including job development, job coaching, and supported employment for individuals with disabilities.
• IRIS and Family CarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAW works with long-term support providers IRIS and Family Care to continue providing job coaching for Supported Employment consumers.
• United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha CountymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerUnited Way partnered with DSAW to capture participant stories and has been a supporter of employment programs.
• Alzheimer's AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAW partners with the Alzheimer's Association to host a monthly virtual support group for those caring for aging loved ones with Down syndrome, providing emotional support and education.
• Waisman CentermoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Waisman Center at UW-Madison for educational programming and Day of the Experts events.
• Children's Theater of MadisonmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAW partners with Children's Theater of Madison for rehearsals and theater experiences for participants.
• GRIT920moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreen Bay fitness studio that partners with DSAW for Fun Fit Friday inclusive fitness events.
• FRC (Fox River Classic Youth Football)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAW partnered with FRC for flag football events for individuals with Down syndrome.
• Special OlympicsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSAW partners with Special Olympics to explore inclusive sports opportunities and hosts Special Olympics Fair events.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dsawisconsin
• Facebookfacebook.com/dsawisconsin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/down-syndrome-association-of-wisconsin

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin