Direct Service Professionals Grant Program

About the DSP Grant Program

Purpose of the Grant Program

To encourage continuing training for direct support professionals and service providers, with particular emphasis on services that provide specific benefits to individuals with Down syndrome.
To fund learning opportunities for direct support professionals (DSPs) and service providers who work directly with individuals with Down syndrome.

How can the funds be used?

Funds may be requested to assist DSPs in attending educational conferences or purchasing tools for support for use with individuals with Down syndrome.
Funds may be requested to assist with the development and/or implementation of evidence-based best practices that are demonstrated to provide enhanced quality of life benefits to individuals with Down syndrome.
At the discretion of the awarding committee, funds may be requested to assist with other programs or services that are demonstrated to provide specific benefits to individuals with Down syndrome.

Who can apply?

Any direct support professional or service provider who provides adult services and supports in the service area covered by Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society.
At the discretion of the awarding committee, applications from other geographic areas in Mississippi may be considered.

Is there a limit on the grant amount that can be requested?

In order to extend grants to as many direct support professionals and programs as possible, the following limits apply to grant requests:

Up to $500* per direct support professional or program per year

*This is a maximum amount. All applications are subject to the availability of funds. Based on the number of applications received, funds may not be available to award all grants requested, or to award the full amount requested.

Consideration of grant requests will include the following criteria:

Services or programs that are specifically targeted for adults with Down syndrome.
Services or programs that that are demonstrated to provide enhanced quality of life for adults with Down syndrome.
Services or programs that encourage the development of self advocacy skills, inclusion, and/or increased independence for adults with Down syndrome.
Services or programs that are attended by members of CMDSS.
Service Providers may apply for a Special Education Grant every 2 school years. Applications received during Fall semesters may be fulfilled in January of the following year if submitted after all budgeted funds have been used that year.

When do I get the grant money if it is awarded?

Funds are available only for actual expenses associated with a grant that has been awarded. This means that, as part of your grant application, you must provide CMDSS with documentation to establish the actual cost of the materials or learning opportunity for which you are applying. If you are awarded a grant, you will be notified, and CMDSS will then verify with you the actual costs prior to releasing your funds. Other details may be included in the award letter.

Where do I apply?

You can complete the application by mail or online. If possible, funds should be applied for at least 60 days prior to the date on which funds will be needed.

By Mail

Click here for the DSP Grant Application

Mail to:
Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society
P.O. Box 935
Jackson, MS 39205

Online

Complete the application below.

Have questions about our grants or the application process? Email us at grants@cmdss.org.

Direct Service Professional Grant Program Application

Direct Service Professionals Grant Application Form
Name of Applicant:
First Last
Provider with which you are associated:
Address
Street Address City State ZIP Code
Phone
Email
Please describe your involvement in providing services and supports to adults with Down syndrome:
Program Description:
Describe the learning opportunity or materials for which you seek grant funds and the expected benefits of the program or service where you are employed. Among other factors, note if this is a new program; the expected outcomes for persons with Down syndrome and any members of CMDSS who will be directly served by the program or service.
Files:
If available, attach documents that may be helpful in describing the program and its benefits.
Drop files here or

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, jpg, png, gif, Max. file size: 128 MB.
Program Cost:
Provide the total cost of the tools or learning opportunity for which you are seeking funding. If you are applying for grant money that will cover only a portion of the actual costs, identify funding sources for the remaining costs of the tools or learning opportunity.
Files:
Please attach documents that demonstrate the actual costs of the program or tools.
Drop files here or

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, jpg, png, gif, Max. file size: 128 MB.
If there is any additional information you would like CMDSS to consider as part of your grant application, please include it here.
Applicant Signature: