START A CHAPTER
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BRING BUDDY UP PROGRAMS TO YOUR COMMUNITY
Don’t see a Buddy Up Tennis, Fitness, or Pickleball chapter near you? Start one today!
Our mission grows through local leaders who believe in the potential of people with Down syndrome. By becoming a Chapter Coordinator, you can help create a community where individuals are empowered to learn, connect, and achieve more.
Chapters are supported and operated as part of Buddy Up for Life, Inc., a non-profit section 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM
Every chapter begins with a conversation. Share your interest with our team below, and we’ll work together to evaluate community needs, identify program opportunities, and create a customized launch plan. We’ll help you navigate everything from facilities and staffing to volunteer recruitment and local outreach.
Training & Launch
As a volunteer Chapter Coordinator, you’ll receive comprehensive training, program resources, and ongoing support from Buddy Up for Life National Staff. With the tools and guidance you need to succeed, you’ll be ready to launch programming and begin creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome in your community.
OUR EXPANSION MODEL
All Buddy Up for Life chapters are supported and operated as part of Buddy Up for Life, Inc., a nonprofit section 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Buddy Up for Life provides its Chapter Coordinators, Coaches, and Instructors with ongoing support in a variety of ways:
- Program curricula designed specifically for individuals with Down syndrome with proven success
- An ongoing partnership from launching your chapter to building and maintaining successful clinics/classes
- Equipment and supplies including team shirts, racquets, tennis balls, and fitness equipment
- Marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and more
- Guidance in how to secure third-party tax deductible charitable contributions
Startup expenses typically range from $2,500 – $5,000, depending on area, programs, and other logistics. While Buddy Up for Life provides support to new chapters to offset these costs, Chapter Coordinators need to begin to fundraise and solicit tax-deductible charitable contributions from local donors and organizations.
Typical startup expenses include:
- Racquets and paddles for Athletes to keep
- Tennis balls, playground balls, and other fitness equipment
- Team uniform shirts
- Travel expenses for training team to attend training and kickoff clinic/class
- Program curricula and training
- Marketing and promotional materials
Ongoing operation costs include the following:
- Professional Coach / Instructor fees
- Facility or court rental fees
- Additional equipment purchases
- Liability insurance
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Administrative expenses needed to support and grow program
In order to generate revenue to cover operational expenses and sustain growth, most locations charge about $20 per clinic or class with a reduced rate for an entire program session (8-10 weeks). Scholarships may be made available through local Down syndrome associations, fundraisers, grants, or corporate partnerships secured by the Chapter Coordinators.
To create additional revenue, Chapter Coordinators lead the chapter in participation of national fundraising events and may also conduct local fundraising events.