The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Our mission is to empower, inspire and support people with Down Syndrome, their families and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life.
- Income
- $1.4 million
- Spending
- $1.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 75%
- Reserves
- 16.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- other income, 47%
- Employees
- 39
- Volunteers
- 300
- Highest pay
- $123,786, executive dir.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 83% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 16.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 5% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 18% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1575% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 15 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 94 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (diseases, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
9 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $1.0 million spent. In 2025, DSCBA provided the following services, support, and events: (i) Together Happy Respected Independent Valued Empowered (THRIVE): THRIVE is a unique program for individuals with Down syndrome. THRIVE is conducted by age group with a focus on developing strong core strength, gross and fine motor, executive functioning, and social and friendship-building skills. These sessions embody a unique combination of strengthening cognitive skills and social/behavioral interactions, all while fostering lifelong friendships and having fun. (ii) Music Therapy: Music therapy takes the joy and power of music and combines it with the goals of a traditional therapy session. Music therapy interventions such as singing, instrument playing, music improvisation, songwriting, music and movement, and musical games are used to address speech, physical, academic, cognitive, and behavioral goals. It can also strengthen family connections, as caretakers are encouraged to participate. Music therapy sessions are available for members from infancy to adulthood. (iii) New and Ongoing Family Support: Support services for families from the prenatal and/or postnatal diagnosis stage through childhood, school years, and adulthood. DSCBA offers Early Connections groups, where our families and their young children can bring their questions, connect, socialize, and learn. New families can be connected with a mentor family for additional connection and support. As DSCBA members grow older, DSCBA continues to support them with their needs in group settings and one-on-one support as needed. (iv) Connection Groups: DSCBAs Connection Groups offer opportunities for families to meet with those who have similar interests and are seeking peer support. Connection Groups available were Early Connections (0-3 years old), Parents with School Aged Children, Spanish Speaking, Parents/Caregivers of Adults with Symptoms of Dementia, Grandparents Group, Dual Diagnosis (Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder), Moms Chat and Dads Group Daddy & Me. The majority, but not all, of DSCBAs support groups were conducted virtually. Teen & YA Connections Groups met in person and from multiple locations on multiple dates (Danville, Sonoma County, and Solano County) in 2025. (v) Webinars and Workshops: Throughout the year, DSCBA provided webinars and workshops to members on a variety of topics for all age groups. Webinars included topics such as education, mental health, caregiver self-care, and safety. (vi) Communication Readiness Program (CRP): A six-week intensive summer program for children ages 47 with complex communication needs stemming from Down syndrome or dual diagnoses such as Down syndrome and autism. CRP incorporates reading, writing, art, music, obstacle courses, speech, and socialization with communication and school-readiness skills at the programs core. Students are introduced to alternative ways to communicate so they can successfully participate in school, and parents and educational teams are provided with instruction, training, and ongoing support to facilitate successful communication. (vii) iCan Shine Bike Camp: During the summer, DSCBA hosts its weeklong iCan Bike Camp. Riders learn to balance, pedal, steer and take off on their own, by attending 5 days for 75 minutes each day. It is an adapted approach to each individual rider based on the accommodations they may need to benefit the most from the program. The success rate of riders independently riding a bicycle (at least 75 feet with no assistance) by the end of DSCBAs iCan Bike program is approximately 80% and all riders progress and gain skills during the week. (viii) Empowerment Every Stage Conference In 2025, DSCBA hosted the first Empowering Every Stage Conference. It was a one-day event focused on medical and life planning for individuals with Down syndromeacross the lifespan. It was attended by parents, caregivers, family members, professionals, and self-advocates. The conference offered expert-led presentations, resources, and the opportunity for members to connect with other families. (ix) Medical OutreachPartnership with dozens of Bay Area hospitals and hundreds of healthcare providers that serve people with Down syndrome. The alliance provides accurate, current information about Down syndrome to medical practitioners in new parent packets (in English and Spanish) they can share with their families welcoming a child with Down syndrome. The alliance also provides in-person trainings for doctors, genetic counselors, geneticists, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare workers covering how to deliver a Down syndrome diagnosis, how to support and form a strong team with families who have a member with Down syndrome, the abilities of people with Down syndrome, and the local and national resources available. (x) Down Syndrome Education Alliance A DSCBA program that partners with schools, districts, and community organizations across the Bay Area to support the successful education, inclusion, and participation of students with Down syndrome. Services include professional development trainings, parent and educator workshops, Ability Awareness presentations, consultations, evidence-based resources, and access to AAC supports and lending libraries. (xi) Ability Awareness PresentationsIn-school presentations for K12 students designed to build understanding of Down syndrome and disability through age-appropriate information, discussion, and engagement. The program promotes empathy, respect, and inclusion by helping students understand how to connect with and support peers with disabilities in school and community settings. Offered in classroom or assembly formats, in person or virtually. (xii) Education Resources A collection of resources for families and educators, including information on special education, inclusion, communication supports, and evidence-based strategies, available through DSCBAs website and direct support services. (xiii) Expression Connection (AA
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 1998.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
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