The Next 40! Campaign

In 1981, a group of parents joined together with a commitment to “improve the quality of life for people with Down syndrome.” Four decades later, their vision continues to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people through our countless programs and services.

The DSAGC is committed to remaining a distinguished leader and invaluable resource throughout Greater Cincinnati. We will remain responsive and adaptive to the needs of the community we serve. The DSAGC is embarking on a significant campaign, The Next 40!, that will establish an endowment and expand our services to better serve older adults with Down syndrome. 


Living Well for Tomorrow

Support adults with Down syndrome 35 and older

People with Down syndrome are living longer now than they were when the DSAGC was founded in 1981. To meet the continued physical, social, and health needs of those over 35 years old and their families, the DSAGC is expanding our adult programming to offer resources, support and services across this longer lifespan. Seed funding will allow for the development and initial implementation of this new program for the first five years. Learn more


Ensuring the Future

Establishing the 321 Legacy Endowment Fund
Throughout its history, the DSAGC has been known as a leading Down syndrome organization nationally- providing the highest quality programs and services for people with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Establishing an endowment fund will ensure that the DSAGC can continue to fulfill its mission and vision both now and for generations to come. Learn more about an endowment


The Next Level

Thanks to the generosity of a small group of donors, the DSAGC has received $1.5 million in commitments for the initial launch of these two initiatives. The first $500,000 will provide base funding the first five years of services for adults 35 and older. The DSAGC endowment spending policy requires the DSAGC to have a minimum of $1 million in principle prior to taking any distributions to benefit the organization, which will be funded by the remaining commitments.

We invite you to join us in the next phase of this campaign. Additional funding will allow the DSAGC to strengthen the services offered to adults 35 and older each year, as well as fund this innovative program farther into the future. Furthermore, additional commitments toward the endowment will provide a larger principle. This will allow for larger annual distributions that will strengthen the organizations sustainability for many years to come.

Click Here to view The Next 40! campaign case statement.
Click Here to watch the DSAGC at 40 video.
 

I Want to Join The Next 40! Campaign

Are you interested in making a difference through The Next 40! campaign? 

  • Make a Pledge: If you would like to make a multi-year pledge, please complete the Pledge Form and return it to Julie Sheffer (4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A; Cincinnati, Ohio 45212 or julies@dsagc.com).
  • Donate Now: If you'd to make a one-time donation or donate toward your pledge, please click here.
     

Special Thanks

We are grateful for the leadership and commitment of The Next 40! Campaign Team.

Co-Chairs: Chip & Jane Gerhardt and Melissa Skavlem
Campaign Team: Erin Brown, Teresa Cracas, Rich Dineen, Dave Eberly, Leigh Ann Fibbe, Luke Hail, Steve Hunt, Doug Kammerer, Pete Ney, Matt Swendiman, and Brendan Walsh

We are incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to draw on the 40 years of wisdom and inspiration of our founding families. We now have an important responsibility to leverage these learnings going forward in the form of an endowment initiative. It's what will help sustain the DSAGC's mission and impact into perpetuity, so no matter what need or stage of life our loved ones with Down syndrome navigate, their path to a meaningful life is always at their fingertips.
Erin Brown, mom of Thomas and Board President 2022-2024