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CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: May 2025 Expires: May 2027

National Down Syndrome Society

Accredited Charity
Accredited Charity

Meets Standards

1155 15th Street NW, Suite 540
Washington, DC, 20005

Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight
  2. Board Size
  3. Board Meetings
  4. Board Compensation
  5. Conflict of Interest

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy
  2. Effectiveness Report

Finances

  1. Program Expenses
  2. Fundraising Expenses
  3. Accumulating Funds
  4. Audit Report
  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown
  6. Accurate Expense Reporting
  7. Budget Plan

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials
  2. Annual Report
  3. Website Disclosures
  4. Donor Privacy
  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures
  6. Complaints

National Down Syndrome Society meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Stated Purpose:
"to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions."

Year, State Incorporated:
1979, DE

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) reports that it is committed to providing individuals with Down syndrome, their families, caregivers, and the public with comprehensive information across the lifespan, from birth to end of life. NDSS provides free resources on a variety of topics including information for new and expectant parents, health and wellness, education, and employment. The organization also works to enhance the quality of life for people with Down syndrome through its NDSS National Advocacy and Policy Center. NDSS reports that its employment program encourages corporations and businesses to invest in hiring people with Down syndrome and increase the number of opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to work in meaningful and competitive employment settings. The organization's National Buddy Walks and Athlete Ambassador programs also bring awareness to the public about Down syndrome.

For the year ended June 30, 2024, National Down Syndrome Society's program expenses were:

Community engagement: $1,941,115

Policy and advocacy: $1,267,334

Resources and support: $1,278,088

Total Program Expenses: $4,486,537

Chief Executive
Kandi Pickard, President and Chief Executive Officer

Compensation*
$220,497

Chair of the Board
Carlo P. Frappolli

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Talent Leadership Executive Coach, Frappstrong LLC

Board Size
22

Paid Staff Size
27

*2023 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Direct mail appeals, Radio, Special events, Foundation grants, Print advertisements

Fundraising costs were 20% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $3,659,007, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.

The following information is based on National Down Syndrome Society's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024.

Source of Funds
Investment income, net $1,444,328
Contributions $2,203,810
National Buddy Walk $176,413
In-kind contributions $646,974
Special events, net $468,886
Registrations $162,924
Miscellaneous income $26,366
Total Income $5,129,701

Programs: 79% Fundraising: 13% Administrative: 8%

Total Income $5,129,701
Total expenses: $5,673,802
  Program expenses $4,486,537
  Fundraising expenses $715,518
  Administrative expenses $471,747
  Other expenses $0
Income in Excess of Expenses $-544,101
Beginning Net Assets $12,419,852
Other Changes In Net Assets $0
Ending Net Assets $11,875,751
Total Liabilities $1,109,858
Total Assets $12,985,609

Note: According to the organization's audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024, NDSS received in-kind gifts totaling $646,974 in the form of advertising ($425,546) auction benefit items ($89,708), NYC buddy walk items ($75,616), golf outing ($30,568), and other ($25,536).

An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.

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Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance