G.O.L.D.

Eligibility:

1. Have a confirmed diagnosis of Down syndrome.

2. Individual with Down syndrome must reside in our service area.

3. Maximum award in 2025 is up to $1,000 value.  

4. Only one award per individual with Down syndrome per calendar year.

5. All award recipients are REQUIRED to complete a survey at the end of the year about their program experience.

6. We strongly encourage award recipients to complete one of the following in the calendar year they receive the award:

   • raise $250 at our annual Walk fundraiser, or

   • volunteer 4 hours, or

   • raise $150 and volunteer 2 hours

7. Testimonial: we will count a short testimonial (4-5 sentences) on how the program helped your loved one with DS as two hours of volunteer service.

What we will fund:

1. Medical Requests: equipment and co-pays for medical needs.

2. Therapeutic Requests: equipment, co-pays, and program costs for therapy needs.

3. Educational Requests: equipment, co-pays, and program costs for educational needs.

Process:

1. The program application window opens February 1 and closes October 1st. 

2. Applications will be voted on at the Board of Director's meeting held on the second Wednesday of each month. To be considered for that month's meeting, your request & all supporting materials, should be received by SANDS no later than the Friday prior to the meeting.

3. Requests are considered on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out, or the program window closes.

4. You will be notified within five days after the Board of Director's meeting if your application has been approved or denied.

5. If your application has been denied, you may re-apply if you are able to correct the reason for the denial. Your denial letter will indicate if you are eligible to re-apply.

6. If your application has been approved, we will reach out to you to coordinate processing the transaction

Requirements:

1. Technology requests: We will only consider technology requests (i.e. iPad) once every 3 years. We are not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen items. All technology requests MUST have a letter from a Doctor, Licensed Therapist, or Teacher on company letterhead confirming the device is a necessity. Submit letter to info@sandsaz.org after completing online application.

2. Receipt or Invoice: all requests must have a copy of the receipt, invoice, or print out of item cost submitted to info@sandsaz.org along with the application to verify the reason for the requested amount.

3. If SANDS is reimbursing you for something you have already purchased, all payments will be issued to you by check. All checks MUST be deposited within 30 days.

4. If SANDS is purchasing or pre-paying on your behalf, we will coordinate with you to process the transaction and we require confirmation of receipt once your item arrives.

The same criteria as the Individual award applies, however the following information must be submitted to info@sandsaz.org

1. Flyer or print out of convention that indicates: registration cost, location, convention description, dates.

2. Copy of registration receipt if already paid.

3. Copy of airline receipt if already paid.

4. Copy of hotel reservation including the estimated cost.