Voya Cares and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)

NDSS empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities and shifting public perceptions.

Voya Cares entrepreneur grant

Since 2020, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and Voya Cares® have partnered to provide financial support to entrepreneurs with Down syndrome, allowing them to create or expand their businesses. The NDSS and Voya Cares® Entrepreneur Grant celebrates both Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month and elevates the national conversation about the need for greater employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

Learn more about our grant recipients

2025 recipients: Michael and Brian Hagan

Mike and Brian Ice Cream Entrepreneurs are starting their new business with a passion for creating connections and inclusion within the community through shared experiences and joy. This grant will allow them to purchase a freezer trailer that will serve as the foundation of their growing distribution and catering business.

Learn More About the Entrepreneur Grants

2025 recipient: Brady McCarthy

Brady, known as SuperBrady, is a passionate advocate for inclusion and acceptance. Alongside his sister Alexx, he co-authored two children’s books, SuperBrady: A Story of Inclusion and In Common, that inspire young readers to celebrate uniqueness. Grant funds will be used to expand his game line and promotional efforts.

2024 recipient: Blake Edwards

Blake Edwards, one of the two recipients of the grant this year, is fueled by a deep passion for the arts. Her vision is to create a space where children age 4 to 7 of all abilities can express themselves through movement, dance, painting and theater. Blake will use the grant to establish the Blake Edwards Arts Academy.

Learn More About The Entrepreneur Grants

2024 recipient: Hunter Norwood

A Little Something Extra Ice Cream was created as a job opportunity for Hunter Norwood, the second recipient of the grant, and as a mobile training platform for individuals with disabilities.

Read the Press Release

2023 recipient: Jacob Kiefor

Jacob Kiefor started his business, This is Jacob LLC, after he found securing a traditional job to be challenging. He decided he wanted to start his own company and “show people that we are employable and capable.” Jacob creates custom apparel and personalized door mats which he hand-paints.

2023 recipient: Mohamed Camara

Mohamed Camara, owner of Zero Premium Condiments, founded Zero Premium Condiments out of a “deep commitment to making a positive impact in millions of lives by making eating enjoyable again to those with health problems and promoting healthy, affordable eating for all.”

Sponsorships and collaboration

Woman speaking with large group of Voya employees wearing orange shirts supporting a walk through Central Park in New York City.

For seven years, Voya Cares has supported this premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the U.S., as part of our shared mission to make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities and special needs from birth through aging, by providing advocacy, resources and solutions.

Group of well dressed Voya employees supporting the National Down Syndrome society at a fundraising event.

Voya is a sponsor of the annual New York City Gala and Auction. The 2024 event celebrated individuals who have helped expand representation for the Down syndrome community in film and television over the past four decades.

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the Voya® family of companies are not affiliated and are not responsible for each other's policies and services.

Products and services offered through the Voya® family of companies.

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