Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF)

The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF) is a Canadian non-profit organization located in British Columbia that focuses on improving quality of life for people with Down syndrome and their families. It operates a centre of specialized expertise, offering group programs, individual clinical services and educational resources that address communication, learning, employment, mental wellness, social participation and healthy living across the lifespan.

While DSRF is primarily a service provider, it also plays a targeted funding role. Through its fundraising initiatives such as the Triple-21 monthly giving program and other donation channels, the foundation allocates a portion of contributed funds to financial assistance for families who cannot afford program fees. Payment policies on the program pages explain that certain programs offer financial assistance and that allocation of this support is at the sole discretion of DSRF, effectively functioning as an internal bursary or subsidy mechanism to increase access to its services.

DSRF programs serve children, youth and adults with Down syndrome, as well as their parents and caregivers. Group offerings range from literacy, math and money management to social skills, fitness, arts, employment preparation and community engagement. Individual services include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, one-to-one literacy and math instruction, mental wellness and counselling, positive behaviour support, sexual health education and employment support.

Clinical services extend beyond direct therapy to school and community visits, collaboration with broader care teams, assessment and reporting, and letters of support for funding and equipment. The organization also produces widely accessible resources such as 3.21: Canada’s Down Syndrome Magazine, podcasts, blogs and online courses through the Down Syndrome Academy, amplifying its impact across Canada.

Families are encouraged to explore external funding options (e.g., provincial disability programs and charitable funders) and to inquire at registration whether a DSRF program offers financial assistance. Where available, DSRF may reduce or subsidize fees using internally raised funds, prioritizing families who lack other funding. Decisions about assistance levels are made by DSRF at its discretion, allowing the organization to respond flexibly to need and available resources rather than through rigid grant intakes.

Guided by a mission to support people with Down syndrome through specialized services, information resources and social connection, DSRF envisions a Canada that values and empowers people with Down syndrome. Its team of therapists and teachers work almost exclusively with this population, adapting programming based on current research and client experience. By combining expert services with targeted financial assistance, DSRF reduces financial barriers and helps more families benefit from evidence-informed supports.