Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota

What Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota does

Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAMn) is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1986 and headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. Its mission is to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the full lifespan — from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood and aging — by providing peer support, resource navigation, enrichment programming, and advocacy. Core programs include the Family Connector Program (a one-on-one navigation service that has handled over 1,500 requests since 2020), Community Parent Groups across the state, New & Expectant Parent Support (including a 365-day support line), the Transition to Adulthood Program, and an Adult Matters & Aging portfolio covering Alzheimer's/dementia, employment, and independent-living support. Enrichment classes (improv, theater, boxing, cooking, speech therapy, creative writing) are offered both in-person at partner venues and virtually via Zoom. Signature annual events — Step Up for Down Syndrome (drawing ~5,000 attendees at Como Park and Chambers Grove Park in Duluth) and World Down Syndrome Day celebrations at Mall of America — function simultaneously as fundraisers and community-building touchpoints.

DSAMn operates a community-led go-to-market model with no proprietary technology platform. Revenue is generated primarily through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, merchandise sales, and fundraising events, supplemented by modest program fees on a sliding scale tied to Federal Poverty Level (200% FPL eligibility); most programs are free. Healthcare provider referrals from Down syndrome clinics at Gillette Children's, Children's Minnesota, and M Health Fairview serve as the primary institutional acquisition channel for new and expectant parents, while word-of-mouth within the community and a statewide parent-group network drive organic reach. Under President & CEO Sarah Curfman (joined 2019), the organization has tripled its programming portfolio, doubled its annual budget, and expanded staff capacity, including senior director-level additions in adult and child/family programming. The organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors that includes clinicians, self-advocates, parents, and community members, and is actively engaged in policy advocacy including Jonny's Law (organ transplant anti-discrimination).

Name

Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota

Legal name

Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota

Website

https://dsamn.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota is a statewide nonprofit that supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the lifespan — from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood and aging — through peer navigation, enrichment programs, and statewide advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Advocacy and Support Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare (HSAAAIAC), Transition & School-Readiness Support for Special Needs Children (HSAAAIAO)

Keywords

• Disability support services
• Community peer support
• Family resource navigation
• Special needs advocacy
• Developmental disability programs

Headquarters

HQ city

St. Paul

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 Fundraising: DSAMn generates revenue primarily through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and annual fundraising events including Step Up for Down Syndrome walk-a-thon. The organization also sells merchandise and accepts corporate partnerships.
2. Program Fees and Scholarships: Fees for enrichment programs such as speech therapy groups, improv classes, boxing, and cooking classes, offered on a sliding fee scale. Emergency financial assistance is provided to qualifying families.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships and partnerships provide financial support in exchange for brand visibility at events and programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

DSAMn provides direct support programs and community services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the state of Minnesota. Core offerings include the Family Connector Program (personalized navigation of healthcare, county services, and education), parent support groups, new and expectant parent support, transition-to-adulthood guidance, enrichment classes (improv, cooking, boxing, performing arts), emergency financial assistance, and a lending library of resources.

Product overview

Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota is a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of support programs and community services rather than a technology product. The organization provides direct services including the Family Connector Program (resource navigation), Parent Group Programming (peer support communities), Adult Programs for Teens & Adults with Down Syndrome (social activities and skills development), Transition to Adulthood Program (life transition guidance), and New Parent Support Program. The organization hosts annual events including Step Up for Down Syndrome (signature fundraiser) and World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations. Additional services include Financial Assistance/Program Scholarships (sliding fee scale), a Lending Library (educational resources), and Community Enrichment Classes (improv, cooking, boxing, performing arts). Programs are offered virtually via Zoom and in-person throughout Minnesota.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Family Connector Program One-on-one support service that connects families to resources and provides guidance through healthcare systems, county services, education, and mental health services. Staff provide referrals and navigation assistance to families statewide, including a 365-day New and Expectant Parent Support Line.
• Community Parent Groups Community-based peer support groups for families across Minnesota, including specialized groups for multicultural, Spanish-speaking, and Black families. Groups provide shared learning and local peer connection across the lifespan.
• New Parent Support Program Support services for new and expectant parents that provide information, peer connection, and access to the 365-day New and Expectant Parent Support Line following prenatal or birth diagnosis of Down syndrome.
• Transition to Adulthood Program Guidance service for families navigating the journey from school services to adult life, including employment, programming, and community resource navigation for teens and adults with Down syndrome.
• Adult Programs for Teens & Adults with Down Syndrome Direct programming for teens and adults with Down syndrome including improv, acting, cooking, boxing, and social activities designed to build social, life, and employment skills.
• Community Enrichment Classes Catalog of classes including improv, cooking, boxing, physical comedy, performing arts, and sign language offered both virtually (via Zoom) and in-person for individuals with Down syndrome. Examples include Improvaneers ($25 for 5-week session), cooking class ($75 for 8-week session), and Down to Box ($110 for 8-week class plus $30 one-time gloves/wraps fee).
• Step Up for Down Syndrome Signature annual fundraising and community building event held at Como Park (St. Paul) and Chambers Grove Park (Duluth), drawing nearly 5,000 attendees each year to celebrate the community and raise awareness.
• World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations Statewide awareness events on March 21 including Mall of America celebrations and Duluth gatherings, featuring stage performances, talent shows, dance parties, and inclusive theater activities that promote inclusion and celebrate abilities.
• Financial Assistance / Program Scholarships Emergency financial assistance fund and sliding fee scale scholarships for program participation, capped at $500 per household per calendar year, ensuring cost is not a barrier to families.
• Lending Library Mail-based lending library of books and resources on Down syndrome topics including health, education, behavior, life skills, and memoirs, available to families statewide.

Quantifiable outcome

• Family Connector Program has supported over 1,500 requests for support since 2020.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Haroldson Art & DesignminorOthersDesigned DSAMn's comprehensive visual identity and website rebrand in 2020-2021. The new brand features bold typography paired with a conversational bubble full of love, reflecting the organization's warmth and positivity.
• Sol Therapy Services / Rheanne Lewis, M.S. CCC-SLPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSol Therapy provides speech therapy groups for children ages 1+ in partnership with DSAMn. Rheanne Lewis, owner of Sol Therapy, leads the program at Glenview Terrace Park in Golden Valley and also runs social skills programs at GiGi's Playhouse St. Louis Park.
• SunnyDays TherapyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTherapy organization providing OT activity content featured on DSAMn's blog for families, including summer activities and skill-building exercises for children with Down syndrome.
• Element Gym (St. Paul)minorOthersElement Gym in St. Paul hosts DSAMn's Down to Box boxing program for youth and teens/adults with Down syndrome. Classes focus on developing fine and gross motor skills, confidence, and social connection.
• Richfield High SchoolminorOthersRichfield High School serves as the venue for DSAMn's cooking class program for teens and adults with Down syndrome, providing kitchen facilities for life skills development.
• iCan ShineminorStrategic or Co-development PartneriCan Shine runs iCan Bike Camp, a week-long overnight camp that teaches individuals with disabilities, including Down syndrome, to ride two-wheel bicycles. DSAMn volunteers participate annually at Hamline University in St. Paul.
• GiGi's Playhouse – Twin CitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDown syndrome achievement centers providing programming. Ashley Olthoff, DSAMn's Director of Family Connector Program, previously served as the founding program manager of GiGi's Playhouse – Twin Cities. Programs are coordinated collaboratively.
• Mall of AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual World Down Syndrome Day celebrations hosted at the Huntington Bank Rotunda at Mall of America, featuring stage performances, talent shows, dance parties, and community activities.
• Koo Koo Kanga RoominorOthersMusical duo that has performed live concerts at DSAMn's Step Up for Down Syndrome events, providing entertainment for families and attendees.
• Gillette Children'sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Tori Bahr, Medical Director of the Down Syndrome and Complex Care Clinics at Gillette Children's, serves on the DSAMn Board of Directors. Medical outreach programs connect families with Gillette's specialized care.
• Northern Starz Center for the Performing ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Penguin Project, a national nonprofit organization affiliated with Northern Starz, provides inclusive theater performances at DSAMn's World Down Syndrome Day celebrations at Mall of America.
• Children's MinnesotaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildren's Minnesota Down Syndrome Clinic is referenced as a key healthcare resource for families. DSAMn blog features information about the clinic and coordinates with it for family support.
• M Health FairviewminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerM Health Fairview Down Syndrome Clinic is referenced as a key healthcare resource. DSAMn coordinates with Fairview for family referrals and medical outreach.
• Lincoln Park Middle School (Duluth)minorOthersLincoln Park Middle School in Duluth, MN serves as the venue for DSAMn's World Down Syndrome Day celebration for the greater Minnesota/Duluth community.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• The Arc of the United States: National organization on intellectual and developmental disabilities with policy, advocacy, and family support programming. Comparable in mission and constituency but broader IDD mandate and national scope.
• Easterseals: National disability services nonprofit providing therapy, enrichment, and family support. Comparable in disability-specific programming and community-based services but with a much broader disability scope.
• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): National advocacy and direct-service nonprofit for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Comparable in mission and family-support programming but operates at national scale rather than statewide.
• Global Down Syndrome Foundation: Down syndrome research, medical care, and advocacy organization. DSAMn's President & CEO serves on its Member Advisory Committee, indicating strong peer overlap in family advocacy and medical outreach.
• National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC): National Down syndrome education and advocacy organization. Overlaps with DSAMn in family education, advocacy training, and policy work (Sarah Curfman sits on NDSC's Advocacy Coalition).

Regional players

• The Arc Minnesota: Minnesota chapter of The Arc serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable in advocacy, family support, and transition services, but broader IDD focus rather than Down syndrome specialization.
• PACER Center: Minnesota-based nonprofit supporting children with disabilities and their families, with significant overlap in IEP navigation, special education support, and parent training programs serving DSAMn's families.

Direct peers

• Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN): National organization supporting families at the moment of Down syndrome diagnosis. Directly comparable to DSAMn's New & Expectant Parent Support Program and Family Connector services.
• GiGi's Playhouse: National network of Down syndrome achievement centers providing free programming, education, and therapeutic services. Directly comparable in mission, target population, and free/sliding-scale program model; GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities operates in DSAMn's same metro.

Others

• Ruby Leigh Consulting / Bridge Interim LLC (Sarah Curfman prior firm): Listed only because DSAMn's CEO Sarah Curfman came from Bridge Interim LLC, a nonprofit capacity-building consultancy; included to illustrate leadership background rather than as a comparable operating peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/dsamn
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/down-syndrome-association-of-minnesota

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 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 Minnesota