Financial Information

For more than 40 years, donors to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) have helped raise awareness, provide support and resources to individuals with Down syndrome and their families and fight for the human rights of the community.

NDSS is committed to the highest level of transparency, responsibility and stewardship of our supporters’ funds and of our community’s trust. We are pleased to make our financial records available to our donors and the public.

NDSS Mission: The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome.

NDSS Vision: The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities.

NDSS Programs: NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy, and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events and programs. Among these are the National Advocacy & Public Policy Center; resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers through the lifespan; education and employment; as well as community events like the National Buddy Walk^® Program and New York City Buddy Walk^®, the annual NDSS Gala & Auction, Racing for 3.21 for World Down Syndrome Day, Run for 3.21 and various Team NDSS charity racing events across the country.

Resources & Support

NDSS is committed to providing individuals with Down syndrome, their families, caregivers and the public with information, resources and support. We are proud to work with a network of more than 300 local Down syndrome organizations across the country to support the community. Through our helpline and info email, NDSS answers more than 5,000 requests for information each year, responding to questions from parents, professionals, self-advocates and other interested individuals. NDSS provides information on a variety of topics related to Down syndrome through our resources and website and publishes guides and information brochures in both English and Spanish. Our publications provide comprehensive information across the lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome, from birth to end of life.

Advocacy & Policy

NDSS’ National Advocacy & Public Policy Center (NAPPC) advocates for federal, state and local policies that positively impact all people with Down syndrome across the country. Through our grassroots advocacy programs, the NAPPC works with Congress and other federal agencies, as well as state and local officials, to develop and improve laws, regulations and policies supporting people with Down syndrome and their families. NDSS also trains parents, self-advocates and others to advocate on local, state and national levels. Our comprehensive legislative agenda is centered on five important areas across the lifespan: healthcare & research, education, economic self-sufficiency, community integration and employment. These priorities have been shaped by self-advocates, families, affiliate leaders and other stakeholders under the direction of the NDSS Board of Directors.

Community Engagement

The Down syndrome community is the heart of NDSS. Our community engagement events and activities serve to connect individuals and families, celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome and raise awareness and acceptance among the general public. Started in 1995, the National Buddy Walk® Program promotes acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and raises funds for local and national organizations that support people with Down syndrome and their families. Each year, hundreds of Buddy Walk® events take place across the U.S. and in several countries around the world. Additionally, NDSS hosts an annual gala, golf outing, virtual Racing for 3.21 for World Down Syndrome Day event and Run for 3.21 relay. We also support participants in marathons and other sport and wellness events through our Athlete Ambassador Program.

Financial Documents

View our most recent Annual Report here.

View our most recent 990 here.

Ways to Donate

Your donation allows us to continue the important work we do to promote the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Thank you for supporting the NDSS mission!
Learn how you can support NDSS