Mini-Grants
The purpose of the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress (CDSC) Mini-Grant Program is to fund projects that promote opportunity, equity and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and their families by promoting civil rights for individuals with Down syndrome, promoting positive public awareness of Down syndrome or providing support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Applications are reviewed 3 times per year with submission due dates of January 15, April 15, and October 15.
The CDSC is especially supportive of the following types of projects:
- Educate parents about their rights and responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the specific procedures to defend those rights through due process.
- Improve parent communications or public relations between school and community
- Facilitate community-based adult living through direct supports, transportation services or other means
- Provide education and training to parents in effective educational methods or therapies
- Create or enable employment in the community
- Enable participation in community or school social or recreation activities
- Other innovative projects consistent with the Vision of the CDSC
Grants are limited to $500 each, and the project must directly benefit an individual or individuals with Down syndrome. A CDSC member must sponsor the project by submitting a written statement on the importance and need for the project, as well as being responsible for the completion of the project. An effort must be made to publicize the grant in a local newspaper with a copy of the article sent to the CDSC. Any books, equipment etc. purchased with the funds must display the CDSC label (provided with the grant).
A project status report is required 12 months after project inception.
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