Special Compass
Special Compass is a 501(C)(3) non-profit in Pembroke Pines, Florida that serves individuals with physical disabilities in South Florida through adaptive sports, scholarships, and a planned affordable housing complex. It operates on donations and sponsorships with 100% volunteer staffing and no paid employees.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersPembroke Pines, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM type—
- OfferingServices
What Special Compass does
Special Compass is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Pembroke Pines, Florida, founded informally around 2010 and granted official tax-exempt status in 2015. The organization serves individuals with physical disabilities, their families, and caregivers across South Florida through three program pillars: sports, education, and housing. Its core offering is the Power Buddy Program, which pairs able-bodied volunteer athletes with disabled "buddies" to compete together as duo teams in marathons, triathlons, cycling events, and Spartan races; in the past year the program supported 200+ clients, 1,000+ training hours, and 40+ races. Complementary programs include adaptive sports equipment provision, an annual Rex Blazer III scholarship, the Beyond the Finish Line podcast (12+ episodes), and an in-development 60-unit barrier-free affordable housing complex called Special Compass Living.
The organization operates as a 100% volunteer-based entity with no paid staff, including its two principal leaders: Jim Sayih (Executive Director, retired Miami Police Lieutenant and Air Force veteran) and Michael Sayih (President of the Board, appointed to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council). It is governed by a 13-member board and supported by approximately 132 to 300 volunteers. The business model is a non-profit donations-and-sponsorship model: revenue streams include individual online donations via a Hyfin payment portal, tiered corporate sponsorship packages ($1,000 entry to $10,000+ Platinum), fundraising events (annual gala, charity golf tournament, Give Miami Day), and a newer TriFundit activity-based fundraising channel. There are no products sold and no services priced; all beneficiary-facing services are delivered at no cost.
Special Compass has built a regional brand around marquee partnerships with the Miami Dolphins (Dolphins Cancer Challenge), Florida Panthers Foundation, Best Buddies, the Kyle Pease Foundation, and the Life Time Miami Marathon (10 consecutive years). Recognition includes a 2025 Guinness World Record for the youngest duo team to complete all six Abbott World Marathon Majors, a 2024 Governor's Faith and Community Initiative Certificate of Recognition, and a 2022 GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency. Geographic scope is concentrated in Miami-Dade and Broward counties with event-driven national and international visibility through marathon participation. The technology stack is non-proprietary, consisting of a content website, accessibility widget, donation platform, and social media distribution.
Special Compass firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Special Compass
- Legal name
- Special Compass
- Website
- https://specialcompass.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Special Compass is a 501(C)(3) non-profit in Pembroke Pines, Florida that serves individuals with physical disabilities in South Florida through adaptive sports, scholarships, and a planned affordable housing complex. It operates on donations and sponsorships with 100% volunteer staffing and no paid employees.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Special Compass industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability Services / Adaptive Sports Nonprofit
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability & Adaptive Sports Organizations (Paralympic, Special Olympics) (MPAKACAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Housing Transition & Supported Living Navigation (EDAKANAK), Adaptive & Special Needs Personal Training (HSADAAAL), Adventure Multi-Sport Camps & Skills Academies (THAAAKAM)
Keywords
Where Special Compass is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pembroke Pines
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Special Compass business model
Business model- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donors contribute to the organization through the website donation portal. Donations support adaptive sports equipment, race registrations, housing initiatives, and operational costs.
- Corporate Sponsorship Packages: Corporate sponsors can purchase tiered sponsorship packages ranging from $1,000 (Sponsor level) to $10,000+ (Platinum level). Higher tiers receive speaking opportunities, logo placement on apparel, email and social media recognition, and gala dinner acknowledgment.
- Fundraising Events: Organization hosts and participates in fundraising events including charity golf tournaments, annual gala dinner, and Give Miami Day giving campaign.
- TriFundit Platform: New fundraising platform allowing supporters to use workout activities to raise funds for the organization.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Platinum Level: $10,000 & Above |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Gold Level: $7,500 |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Silver Level: $5,000 |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Bronze Level: $2,500 & Above |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Sponsor Level: $1,000 & Above |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Impact Donation Amounts |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Special Compass product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Special Compass is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit that helps children and families with disabilities navigate life through three pillars: housing, education, and sports. The organization pairs disabled athletes with able-bodied volunteer 'Power Buddies' to compete together in races, marathons, triathlons, and other athletic events across South Florida, while also providing adaptive sports equipment, scholarships, and developing an affordable barrier-free housing complex.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Power Buddy Program: Volunteer-driven program where able-bodied athletes team up with disabled athletes to compete in races
- Special Compass Living
- Rex Blazer III Scholarship
- Beyond the Finish Line Podcast
Products and services
- Power Buddy Program (Buddy Services) Volunteer-driven program pairing able-bodied athletes (Power Buddies) with disabled individuals (Buddies/Riders) to compete together in 5Ks, marathons, triathlons, and other athletic events across South Florida. Provided at no cost to beneficiaries.
- Special Compass Living (Affordable Housing Program) A planned 60-unit adaptive affordable housing complex designed to provide barrier-free, smart technology-enabled environments for individuals with disabilities, promoting independent living. Currently seeking property management partners.
- Rex Blazer III Scholarship Annual scholarship awarded to one individual with disabilities per year to support resources that enhance quality of life, such as adaptive equipment, education, or accessibility needs.
- Adaptive Sports Equipment Provision Direct provision of adaptive sports equipment, racing chairs, mobility devices, and medical equipment to individuals with disabilities in need.
- Adaptive Home Makeover Program Home modification services for disabled individuals, including accessible renovations, patio construction, and accessibility improvements performed by volunteer crews at no labor cost.
- Running Clinics Training sessions for new and existing Power Buddies to learn how to safely push riders in racing chairs, build trust, and prepare for race events.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 400 buddies helped since founding
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Special Compass
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Special Compass technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Special Compass partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.
- TriFunditminorPlatform enabling supporters to use athletic activities to raise funds and awareness for Special Compass.
- Miami DolphinscoreThe Miami Dolphins partner with Special Compass through the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. Anthony Shriver (Best Buddies founder) and Jim Sayih have a 20-year friendship. Dolphins players and staff support Special Compass events and athletes serve as greeters for the Dolphins.
- Florida Panthers FoundationcoreThe Florida Panthers Foundation supports Special Compass. Special Compass athletes serve as greeters for the Panthers, and the organization collaborates on events including the Dolphins Cancer Challenge.
- Best BuddiescoreBest Buddies is a key partner organization. Jim Sayih has participated in Best Buddies Challenges across the US for nearly 20 years. In 2026, Special Compass and Best Buddies are riding together as a unified team in the Dolphins Cancer Challenge.
- The Kyle Pease FoundationmajorPartnership focused on supporting athletes with disabilities in racing events and advocacy work.
- Life Time Miami MarathonmajorSpecial Compass has participated in the Life Time Miami Marathon for 10 consecutive years. In 2026, 15 duo teams participated in the event.
- Key Largo TriathlonmajorSpecial Compass hosts 'Duo Teams to Race' at the annual Key Largo Triathlon at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. 12 disabled athletes were paired with local triathletes in 2024.
- TriFunditminorTriFundit is a fundraising platform allowing athletes to use workout activities to raise funds for Special Compass.
- The Great World Racemajor7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. Michael Sayih and Max Fink will compete in November 2026 aiming to become the first duo team to complete the challenge.
- Girls on the RunminorPartner organization focused on empowering girls through running and physical activity.
- Memorial Rehabilitation InstituteminorHealthcare partner providing rehabilitation services and support to Special Compass athletes and community members.
- Help Hope LiveminorNational nonprofit specializing in fundraising campaigns for people affected by catastrophic injury or illness. Helped Jim Sayih raise funds for Michael's electric wheelchair.
- Piper's AngelsminorCystic fibrosis foundation supporting the Special Compass community.
- FlowminorPartner organization supporting Special Compass initiatives.
- A Place In TimeminorPartner organization in Special Compass network.
- Kelley Kronenberg Law FirmminorMichael Sayih is employed by the firm, which also sponsors Special Compass events.
- Florida Developmental Disabilities CouncilmajorMichael Sayih was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve on this council, representing the disability community.
- Family Network on Disabilities (FND)minorSpecial Compass is part of the Family Network on Disabilities organization.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Special Compass competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Achilles International: Global volunteer-driven nonprofit that pairs able-bodied guides with disabled athletes to participate in running events, including marathons and triathlons. Closely mirrors Special Compass's Power Buddy volunteer model and adaptive running focus.
- Team Gleason Foundation: Nonprofit providing assistive technology, equipment, and adventure experiences to individuals with ALS and other disabilities, including adaptive equipment and life-experience grants. Comparable in mission scope and beneficiary support profile, though focused on ALS rather than physical disability broadly.
- Best Buddies International: National nonprofit creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Highly comparable as a volunteer-powered disability inclusion organization with overlapping adaptive sports programs and a co-marketing partnership with Special Compass.
- Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF): Provides grants and programming for individuals with physical disabilities to pursue active lifestyles, including adaptive sports equipment funding, training, and race entry support. Overlaps closely with Special Compass's adaptive equipment provision and race sponsorship activities.
- Piper's Angels Foundation: South Florida-based nonprofit supporting the cystic fibrosis community through endurance sports and adventure programs, including paddleboard crossings. A listed partner of Special Compass with a closely analogous model pairing volunteers with chronically ill/disabled athletes in extreme races.
- Kyle Pease Foundation: Nonprofit that pairs able-bodied athletes with disabled athletes (including the Pease brothers) to compete together in endurance events such as triathlons, marathons, and cycling races. Directly comparable duo-team adaptive racing model to Special Compass's Power Buddy program and an active partner.
Others
- Girls on the Run South Florida: Youth development nonprofit using running and physical activity to empower girls, operating locally across South Florida. Listed partner of Special Compass with overlapping running-based empowerment programming and similar volunteer-driven, race-event-driven delivery model.
Broad incumbents
- Special Olympics Florida: State affiliate of the global Special Olympics movement providing year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. A larger incumbent operating in the same Florida geography with overlapping adaptive athletics programming.
- Move United: National nonprofit umbrella organization (formerly Disabled Sports USA) that supports a network of community-based adaptive sports programs across the United States. Broader incumbent in the same adaptive sports space, providing infrastructure and advocacy that Special Compass operates within at the local chapter level.
Regional players
- Cure SMA: National nonprofit funding research and supporting individuals with spinal muscular atrophy, including adaptive equipment grants and family support services. Comparable as a chronic-condition disability services nonprofit, though focused on a specific medical population rather than broad physical disability.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Special Compass social profiles
Digital presenceSpecial Compass compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Special Compass financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Special Compass leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Special Compass funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Special Compass M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Special Compass
What does Special Compass do?
Special Compass is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit that helps children and families with disabilities navigate life through three pillars: housing, education, and sports. The organization pairs disabled athletes with able-bodied volunteer 'Power Buddies' to compete together in races, marathons, triathlons, and other athletic events across South Florida, while also providing adaptive sports equipment, scholarships, and developing an affordable barrier-free housing complex.
Is Special Compass a public or private company?
Special Compass is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Special Compass founded?
Special Compass was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Special Compass based?
Special Compass is headquartered in Pembroke Pines, United States, in the North America region.
How does Special Compass make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are corporate Sponsorship Packages, fundraising Events and triFundit Platform.
Who are Special Compass's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Achilles International, Team Gleason Foundation, Best Buddies International, Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), Piper's Angels Foundation and Kyle Pease Foundation. Girls on the Run South Florida is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Special Olympics Florida and Move United. Cure SMA is listed as a regional player.
Does Special Compass have an API?
No public API is recorded for Special Compass.
What industry is Special Compass in?
Special Compass's product category is Disability Services / Adaptive Sports Nonprofit. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAKACAH, Disability & Adaptive Sports Organizations (Paralympic, Special Olympics), with a secondary code of BPAGALAM, Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech). Its NAICS code is 62412 and its SIC code is 8300.