DSAIA is delighted to announce a landmark donation by FirstEnergy, Corp., one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than 6 million customers in the Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions. The gift of $15,000 will fund membership and conference scholarships for DSAs located in FirstEnergy's service areas.

Down syndrome organizations that support individuals, families, and communities impacted by Down syndrome located within the FirstEnergy service areas of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey are each eligible to receive a grant of up to $1,000 that can be used to pay for DSAIA membership and/or leadership conference registrations.

"We are incredibly grateful to FirstEnergy and the FirstEnergy Foundation for their extremely generous grant," said Deanna Tharpe, executive director of DSAIA. "This funding is like a rocket booster for burgeoning nonprofits serving Down syndrome communities, helping these groups get fired up about taking their cause to the next level. At the end of the day, all the benefit goes to children and adults with Down syndrome and their families."

DSAIA member organizations have access to many benefits and experiences, including an online library of more than 1,000 templates, documents, samples and how-to’s; monthly professional development webinars and archive of past webinars; discounts on popular products and services; mentoring; accreditation check lists; and much more.

DSAIA will accept grant applications starting May 1. Organizations can apply at www.dsaia.org.

Learn more