Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte

What Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte does

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte (DSAGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit family support organization founded in 1986 by a group of parents and headquartered at 3900 Park Road, Suite C, Charlotte, North Carolina. The organization serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families across a 12-county region spanning North Carolina (Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Union) and South Carolina (Lancaster, York). Its mission is to enable individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential and become respected members of their community.

DSAGC delivers a portfolio of community programs rather than a unified technology product. Core offerings are recreational and developmental: Camp Holiday (summer day camp, ages 5-21, at St. Stephen Methodist Church and Crossway Community Church with a 3:1 counselor-to-camper ratio, priced at $330 per 1-week session), Camp Horizon (4-day/3-night overnight retreat at YMCA Camp Harrison for ages 10-17 with 1:1 volunteer support, $375 total), and Adult Weekend Retreats (twice-yearly at YMCA Camp Thunderbird for adults 18+, $375 per retreat). Adjacent programs include First Call (parent support post-diagnosis), regional support groups (including Hispanic and African American/Multicultural specialty groups), the UPside Club (adult social program), Together in Education (educator training), the annual Abilities Employment Symposium + Job Fair, and a virtual program portfolio (Hip Hop Dance, Improvaneer Method, Yoga, Music Monday, counseling groups). Need-based scholarships (Angel Guyeska Scholarship) are available across camp programs.

The organization's revenue model is a hybrid of individual donations (including honor/memorial giving, stock gifts, employer matching), special event proceeds (3-2-1 Dash 5K, Annual Golf Tournament, Buddy Walk), corporate sponsorships (Bank of America presenting the Employment Symposium; YA Group presenting the 20th Annual Golf Tournament), and private foundation grants. Distribution is community-led via parent mentors, hundreds of annual volunteers, and direct program delivery at community venues across the service area. Governance is provided by a Board of Directors led by President Neil Middlemiss (Corporate Communications Senior Manager at Truist) and managed operationally by Managing Director Victoria Coles. No revenue, employee headcount, or budget figures are publicly disclosed in the source material.

Name

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte

Legal name

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte

Website

https://dsagreatercharlotte.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1986, that supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families across 12 counties in North and South Carolina through camps, support groups, education, social programming, and annual fundraising 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), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (62411), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH), Disability & Adaptive Sports Organizations (Paralympic, Special Olympics) (MPAKACAH)

Keywords

• Disability support services
• Special needs camps
• Family support programs
• Down syndrome advocacy
• Special education resources

Headquarters

HQ city

Charlotte

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. Individual Donations: Direct charitable contributions from individuals, families, and community members. Includes in honor or memorial giving, stock gifts, and matching gift programs through employer partnerships.
2. Special Events Revenue: Revenue generated from signature events including the 3-2-1 Dash 5K, Annual Golf Tournament, Buddy Walk, and other community events. Events include sponsorship packages and participant registration fees.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors support specific events and programs through financial contributions and in-kind donations. Sponsors receive brand exposure at events and within the Down syndrome community.
4. Foundation Grants: Funding from private foundations to support specific programs and initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte provides lifespan programs and family support services for individuals with Down syndrome across 12 counties in North and South Carolina, including summer day camps, overnight retreats, parent mentorship, support groups, social programs, virtual learning, and community education workshops. Revenue is generated primarily through charitable donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, and signature fundraising events.

Product overview

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte offers a coordinated portfolio of community support programs rather than a unified technology product. The core offerings include Camp Holiday (summer day camp, ages 5-21), Camp Horizon (overnight retreat, ages 10-17), and Adult Weekend Retreats (ages 18+), all providing recreational and skill-building experiences. Supporting programs include the First Call Program for new parents, regional Support Groups, Social Programs including the UPside Club, Together in Education (TiE) for school/workplace inclusion, Virtual Programs for remote learning, and the Abilities Employment Symposium for vocational readiness. Fundraising events include the annual 3-2-1 Dash 5K, Golf Tournament, and Greater Charlotte Buddy Walk.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Camp Holiday Summer day camp program for campers with Down syndrome ages 5-21, offered at South (St. Stephen Methodist Church) and North (Crossway Community Church) locations with 3:1 counselor-to-camper ratio. Activities include gross/fine-motor exercises, arts & crafts, water exploration, science experiments, literacy, yoga, drama, music, Zumba, and movement classes. Priced at $330/1-week session or $630/2-week session.
• Camp Horizon 4-day/3-night traditional overnight camp at YMCA Camp Harrison in Boomer, NC for campers with Down syndrome ages 10-17. Activities include horseback riding, arts & crafts, boating, fishing, and swimming with 1:1 volunteer counselor support. Priced at $375 total per session.
• Adult Weekend Retreat 3-day, 2-night overnight retreats for adults with Down syndrome ages 18+, held twice yearly (Spring May 15-17, 2026 and Fall September 18-20, 2026) at YMCA Camp Thunderbird near Lake Wylie, SC. Features outdoor adventures, life skills, and vocational readiness activities with 3:1 counselor ratio.
• First Call Program Support program for new and expectant parents receiving a prenatal or postnatal Down syndrome diagnosis, providing accurate information, parent mentors, Welcome Baby Bags, hospital/home visits, and connections to resources and community events.
• Support Groups Regional support groups for families of individuals with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood, including specialty groups for Hispanic families, African American & Multicultural families, D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome), and New/Expecting Parents.
• Social Programs Social opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, including regular meet-up groups, seasonal gatherings, summer picnic, holiday party/dance, game nights, and community outings. Delivered in partnership with Dream on 3 (sports), Exceptional Foundation, and Best Buddies (dances).
• Together in Education (TiE) Community education initiative providing professional development training, IEP coaching, workshops, and consultation to strengthen partnerships between families, educators, schools, community organizations, and employers supporting individuals with Down syndrome.
• UPside Club Welcoming social club for teens and adults with Down syndrome (no membership required) offering golf, bowling, fitness outings, brunches, workshops, life-skills activities, volunteer opportunities, and community engagement.
• Abilities Employment Symposium + Job Fair Annual event connecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to inclusive employers and workforce resources, with features such as mock interviews led by Bank of America professionals, breakout sessions on job readiness, and networking opportunities. Co-led with Lifespan Services.
• Virtual Programs Prerecorded and live virtual learning opportunities for all ages, including Teen Friendship Counseling Groups, Adult Relationships workshops, Hip Hop Dance, The Improvaneer Method, Fitness/Yoga, and Music Monday sessions.
• 3-2-1 Dash for Down Syndrome 5K & Fun Run Annual inclusive 5K race held on World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) to raise awareness and funds for DSAGC camp programs. Participants run 3.21 miles symbolizing the three copies of the 21st chromosome.
• DSAGC Golf Tournament Annual golf tournament fundraiser supporting Camp Holiday and Camp Horizon summer programs, with the 20th Anniversary event scheduled for May 29, 2026 at Rocky River Golf Club. Presented by YA Group.
• Greater Charlotte Buddy Walk Annual awareness walk celebrating individuals with Down syndrome, held at Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte, with the 29th Annual event scheduled for October 24, 2026.
• Donate for Doughnuts Community fundraiser offering Sweet Spot ($25, one dozen glazed doughnuts) and Better Together ($40, one dozen doughnuts plus 12oz whole bean coffee) packages for home or business delivery, in partnership with Down for Doughnuts and HÆRFEST Coffee to support local businesses employing people with disabilities.

Named customers4 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

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• YA GroupcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 May 2026Presenting sponsor of the 20th Annual DSAGC Golf Tournament on May 29, 2026 at Rocky River Golf Club.
• Bank of AmericacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 March 2026Presenting sponsor of Abilities Employment Symposium + Job Fair 2026. Bank of America professionals conduct mock interviews with job seekers. Employees participate in professional development and career growth sessions.
• Lifespan ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026Co-leader of the Abilities Employment Symposium + Job Fair, collaborating on inclusive employment initiatives for individuals with IDD.
• KennedyStrong FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026Planning committee member for Abilities Employment Symposium + Job Fair 2026.
• AllAbility SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026Planning committee member for Abilities Employment Symposium + Job Fair 2026.
• Work Together NCminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026Planning committee member for Abilities Employment Symposium + Job Fair 2026. Conducts employer meetups for inclusive hiring.
• Philips AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026Planning committee member for Abilities Employment Symposium + Job Fair 2026.
• Global Down Syndrome FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational affiliate partnership for prenatal testing information and resources. Jointly published the 2nd edition of 'Prenatal Testing Pamphlet for Down syndrome' with National Down Syndrome Congress.
• National Down Syndrome CongresscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational affiliate partnership providing expectant parent resources and professional development through annual Educators Symposium.
• Dream on 3minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to offer 'one of a kind' events with area sports teams for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, promoting acceptance and inclusion.
• The Exceptional FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners to offer seasonal dances and social events for individuals with Down syndrome, 6th grade and up, that cultivate connections and encourage friendship-building.
• Best Buddies of North CarolinaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners to offer seasonal dances and social events for individuals with Down syndrome to foster connections and friendship development.
• YMCA Camp HarrisoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Camp Horizon overnight retreat (ages 10-17) in Boomer, NC. Provides traditional camp facilities and activities.
• YMCA Camp ThunderbirdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Adult Weekend Retreats (ages 18+) near Lake Wylie, South Carolina. Provides camp facilities and activities.
• National Down Syndrome CongresscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts annual Educators Symposium virtually, providing professional development for educators on supporting students with Down syndrome.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Best Buddies International: National nonprofit creating social and employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Directly comparable to DSAGC's social programs and employment symposium, with a broader I/DD focus and a more developed national footprint.
• The Arc: Large national nonprofit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), overlapping with DSAGC on employment, advocacy, and family support. Broader scope than DSAGC but addresses the same beneficiary population.
• Special Olympics: Global sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome. Relevant peer for DSAGC's social and athletic programming (Brendan Hammeke is a Special Olympics athlete), though Special Olympics operates an athletic-only model.
• Easterseals: National disability services nonprofit with regional affiliates providing employment, camp, and family support services. Comparable to DSAGC in vocational and family programming but operates across all disabilities, not exclusively Down syndrome.
• National Down Syndrome Society: Largest U.S. nonprofit focused exclusively on Down syndrome, advocating nationally while supporting local affiliates. Directly comparable to DSAGC in mission and population served, but operates at national scale with policy advocacy as a primary lever.

Direct peers

• National Down Syndrome Congress: National Down syndrome nonprofit and direct affiliate network partner of DSAGC. Co-publishes educational content with DSAGC and hosts the Educators Symposium DSAGC distributes, making mission and programming closely aligned.
• Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City: Regional Down syndrome association serving the Kansas City metro with family support, education, and social programming. Closest geographic-analog peer to DSAGC, with comparable lifespan programming and fundraising event model.
• National Association for Down Syndrome: Chicago-area Down syndrome nonprofit providing parent support, education, and adult programs. Comparable mission and lifespan approach to DSAGC, with a more established Chicago regional footprint.
• Global Down Syndrome Foundation: Down syndrome-focused nonprofit emphasizing medical research, prenatal testing resources, and family support. Co-publishes the Prenatal Testing Pamphlet with DSAGC and NDSC; directly comparable in the First Call / new-diagnosis support niche.
• GiGi's Playhouse: National network of Down syndrome achievement centers offering free therapeutic, educational, and social programming across all ages. Closest peer to DSAGC in programmatic model, including camps, social programs, and family support.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/downsyndromeassociationofgreatercharlotte

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte