Enhancing the lives of those with developmental disabilities through humor.
We can do much through humor…
In over 8 years, Stand Up For Downs has put on over 75 events, raised over $500,000, given away over $300,000 to over 50 organizations, inspired and grew The Improvaneer Method, and made people laugh over and over and over again.
About us…
In 2013, four years after their son, Henry, was born with Down syndrome, Rob and Ellen Snow founded Stand Up For Downs. After being very involved in the Down syndrome community and various advocacy efforts, they wanted to find a way to help both the local and national disability organizations. Rob had a background in stand up comedy and improvisation, and had produced many comedy events. So they decided to stick with what they knew, and created Stand Up For Downs with the idea of enhancing the lives of those with developmental disabilities through humor.
They put on over 75 comedy and uniquely themed events in seven years, and raised a whole bunch of money. Over $300,000 has been granted, donated, or sponsored to nearly 60 organizations and individuals in the disability community. In 2017, Rob had the idea to use improvisation to teach valuable skills to those with developmental disabilities to greatly increase social, workplace, and lifetime opportunities. Through Stand Up For Downs, The Improvaneer Method was able to build its foundation. Today, The Improvaneer Method operates as a separate company and is teaching improvisation to over 500 individuals around the country.
Grants, Donations, and Sponsorships
Writing checks to worthy and important causes has been the trademark and inspiration for Stand Up For Downs since it’s inception. This is still the goal of this organization to this day.
Today, Stand Up For Downs is very happy to offer grants to various organizations, sponsor important events and conferences, and donate to individuals with critical needs.
Events and other fundraising initiatives are being held throughout the year that promise to be very fun, very entertaining, and very hilarious.
Please click below to find out more about how our funds are disbursed and how organizations and individuals can request donations, grants, or sponsorships.
The Improvaneer Method
The Improvaneer Method uses improvisation to build and develop skills that will greatly increase social, workplace, and lifetime opportunities for those with developmental disabilities.
Stand Up For Downs initially launched this program and concept in 2017, and it has received a ton of national media attention since. The program has received raves from parents, organizations, and the participants themselves.
To date, The Improvaneer Method teaches improvisation to over 500 individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the country each week. Click below to learn more about the company and all of our upcoming programs and performances.
Events
The Stand Up For Downs events have become well known for their high level of entertainment and comedy-related themes. Whether it’s been a stand-up comedy event, a 70s Disco Party, a Barn Bash, or an entire town encompassing scavenger hunt, those who’ve attended and supported these events have left with an amazing memory that brings them back year after year.
In all, SUFD has put on more than 100 events in 8 years and raised over $500,000. The purpose of all of these events has been to raise money that is used for donations, grants, or sponsorships to help support many incredible causes, organizations, and individuals within the disability community.