Ken Anderson Alliance

What Ken Anderson Alliance does

Ken Anderson Alliance (KAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered at 6940 Plainfield Road in Cincinnati, Ohio, that serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Greater Cincinnati. Founded in 2014 by former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson initially as the Ken Anderson Foundation, the organization was reconstituted in 2016 through a merger with Lighthouse Landing and further expanded in 2021 through a merger with Melodic Connections. KAA delivers services through three programmatic pillars: Creative Arts (music therapy, Common Chords band program, Colorful Connections art, Community Callings volunteer initiatives, Hero Radio podcast, Urban Soundscapes); Work & Job Readiness (a three-phase WORK Program covering Explore, Connect, and Thrive); and Community Integration (Adult Day Services, Out & About outings, Night Out evening programs). The organization serves 270+ adults monthly and operates with 11-50 employees plus 100+ volunteers.

The underlying service model relies on licensed clinical staff (three Licensed Professional Music Therapists plus a Director of Creative Arts), certified Ohio DODD/OOD provider status, and a network of 12+ employer partners across retail, food service, healthcare, fitness, entertainment, and nonprofit sectors where KAA participants are placed and supported. Specialized program components include adaptive music learning with adapted instruments, community music therapy emphasizing real-world performance experiences, and an inclusive podcast (Hero Radio) producing nearly 80 episodes. Program access is funded primarily through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers administered by Ohio DODD, with private pay and OhioRise/FSSP vouchers as alternative funding sources.

Revenue is generated from a diversified nonprofit mix including individual and corporate donations, planned giving (Qualified Charitable Distributions, stock transfers, DAF grants), tiered event sponsorships (MVP Presenting at $25,000, Man-of-the-Year at $15,000), signature fundraising events (Ken & Friends gala, KAA Golf Classic), and fee-for-service program revenue from waiver and private-pay participants. In December 2024, Patrick Ober, J.D., Ph.D., was appointed CEO and the Board announced a strategic refocus away from independent living and housing services toward the organization's core social programs. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Ken Anderson Alliance

Legal name

Ken Anderson Alliance

Website

https://kenandersonalliance.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ken Anderson Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Cincinnati, Ohio that serves 270+ adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities monthly through three pillars: Creative Arts, Work & Job Readiness, and Community Integration. Programs are funded by Ohio HCBS waivers, private pay, donations, and signature fundraising events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual and corporate donations from supporters, including monthly giving through the Kenny Club program. Donations are tax-deductible (Tax ID: 47-4308747).
2. Government Funded Services (HCBS Waivers): Program participation funded through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers administered through Ohio DODD and OhioRise. KAA is a certified provider.
3. Private Pay: Services available through private pay for individuals not using waiver funding. KAA accepts private pay for all programs.
4. Fundraising Events: Revenue from signature events including Ken & Friends gala, KAA Golf Classic, and other fundraising activities. These events also serve donor cultivation and awareness purposes.
5. Planned Giving: Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs, stock transfers, life insurance gifts, and Donor Advised Fund grants.
6. Corporate Sponsorships: Event sponsorships at various tiers (MVP Presenting Sponsor $25,000, Man-of-the-Year $15,000, etc.) provide significant funding and demonstrate corporate community commitment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Ken Anderson Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides direct services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Greater Cincinnati through three programmatic pillars: Creative Arts (music therapy, band instruction, art programming, podcasting), Work & Job Readiness (a three-phase supported employment initiative), and Community Integration (adult day services, outings, volunteer activities). Programs are delivered on-site at the Silverton facility and in the community, funded through HCBS waivers, private pay, donations, and fundraising events, and serve more than 270 adults each month.

Product overview

Ken Anderson Alliance (KAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing a unified suite of programs organized around three programmatic pillars: Creative Arts, Work & Job Readiness, and Community Integration. The core offerings include the WORK Program (a three-phase employment initiative with Explore, Connect, and Thrive phases), Adult Day Services featuring music and art programming, and ENGAGE programs including Out & About and Night Out community outings. Creative Arts encompasses music therapy services, Common Chords band program, Colorful Connections art program, Community Callings volunteer initiatives, Hero Radio Podcast, and Urban Soundscapes. These programs work together to serve adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities through music-based services, employment support, and community connection opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KAA WORK Program A three-phase supported employment initiative (Explore, Connect, Thrive) that helps adults with disabilities find and maintain meaningful work in the community. Delivered by a certified Ohio DODD and OOD provider, including ongoing job coaching.
• Adult Day Services Structured day programs delivered at KAA's Silverton facility offering adults with disabilities opportunities to explore interests, build friendships, and engage with the community through music, art, and community experiences. Programs operate Monday through Friday.
• KAA Out & About Community-based group activities for adults with disabilities including bowling, dinners, movies, shopping, laser tag, and karaoke nights in large and small group settings across Greater Cincinnati.
• KAA Night Out Small-group evening program in which adults plan their own weekly activities and build friendships through outings such as dinners, movies, and mini-golf.
• Music Therapy Services Clinical music therapy services delivered by Licensed Professional Music Therapists (LPMTs), including individual therapy, group therapy, and adaptive music learning, using a community music therapy approach focused on building participants' strengths.
• Hero Radio Podcast Inclusive podcast produced by KAA in which adults with developmental disabilities interview musicians, artists, and cultural leaders from the Cincinnati region and beyond. Nearly 80 episodes produced, building communication skills, confidence, and technical abilities. Distributed on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves 270+ adults with disabilities monthly
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• KeyBankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner co-hosting special needs financial planning sessions. Hole sponsor at Golf Classic. Long-term community partner mentioned in CEO message.
• Cincinnati BengalscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMost Passing Yards Sponsor at Ken & Friends. Bengals players, coaches, and staff participate in events and panels. Unique partnership leveraging Ken Anderson's legacy.
• Hard Rock Casino CincinnatimajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for Ken & Friends 2026. Hosting the signature annual fundraising event at their Cincinnati location.
• Coldstream Country ClubmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for KAA Golf Classic. Exclusive Cincinnati golf club serving as backdrop for annual golf fundraiser.
• BLOC MinistriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal nonprofit partner collaborating with KAA on community programs and initiatives in Greater Cincinnati.
• Mt. St. Joseph UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education partner providing collaboration opportunities for KAA programs and community engagement.
• University of CincinnatiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education partner collaborating with KAA on community initiatives and programs.
• Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner venue for Hero Radio podcast recording sessions. Library provides space for participants to engage with the broader arts community.
• Fretboard Brewing CompanymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for KAA Summer Music Therapy Concert and Spring Music Therapy Concert. Donates portion of food and beverage proceeds to support KAA programs.
• Black Bull Capital PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial advisory partner offering information and guidance for creating charitable giving plans for KAA donors.
• Bengal Jim & FriendsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBengals fan organization that has raised over $500,000 for 80+ charities since 2017, including major support for KAA. Quarterback Sneak Table Sponsor at Ken & Friends.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: National nonprofit providing disability services including adult day programs, employment support, and community integration — the broadest and most established U.S. comparable to KAA's three-pillar model.
• The Arc: National advocacy and service organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering employment, community, and family support programs that overlap with KAA's WORK and Engage pillars.
• Special Olympics: Global organization providing year-round sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities — comparable in mission population and program-based engagement model to KAA's Creative Arts and Community Integration offerings.
• United Cerebral Palsy (UCP): National network delivering employment, housing, and life-skills services to people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities — comparable service breadth and HCBS waiver delivery model.

Direct peers

• GiGi's Playhouse: Nonprofit network of achievement centers delivering programs for individuals with Down syndrome across literacy, math, and career development — comparable niche population and multi-pillar programming approach to KAA.
• Best Buddies International: Nonprofit focused on friendship, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities — closely comparable to KAA's community integration and employment missions.
• Melmark: Multi-state human services nonprofit providing day programs, employment services, and clinical therapies (including music-related programming) for adults with developmental disabilities — directly comparable to KAA's integrated service stack.

Others

• Goodwill Industries International: Federated nonprofit with mission-aligned employment and training programs for people with barriers to work — a direct functional peer to KAA's WORK Program and supported-employment model.
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital - Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics: Major regional pediatric provider serving many of the same developmental-disability families in Greater Cincinnati; functions as a referral and ecosystem partner to KAA rather than a direct competitor.

Emerging players

• Tim Tebow Foundation - Night to Shine: Faith-based nonprofit running signature events and programs for people with disabilities — comparable in leveraging a celebrity founder brand and large-scale signature events for fundraising and awareness.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@KenAndersonAlliance
• Facebookfacebook.com/KenAndersonAlliance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ken-anderson-alliance-cincinnati
• Instagraminstagram.com/kaalliance
• Xx.com/kaalliance14

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

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 Ken Anderson Alliance