Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area

What it reported doing in 2025

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 pres

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 76%; rating input score 76
• Program expense ratio: 75.3%; rating input score 75
• Fundraising efficiency: $6.82 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 24; 24th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 88.2%; rating input score 88; 4th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 7 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 88
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Fail
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 3.9%; rating input score 42; 42nd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.58; rating input score 71; 71st percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.05; rating input score 43; 43rd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 9.1%; rating input score 40; 40th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 6.6% per year; rating input score 100; 44th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 8.4% per year; rating input score 100; 55th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 21.7% per year; rating input score 100; 81st percentile among comparable filings