Support Free Youth Design Education Programs

Dear Friends of DownCity Design,

We want to take a moment to share some challenging news affecting DownCity Design and many other arts organizations across the country right now. In early May, DCD was notified that our National Endowment for the Arts grant award of $35,000 was withdrawn because our work no longer aligns with federal funding priorities. The NEA has been a consistent annual funder of our work since 2016, and their grants have been a powerful recognition of program excellence. The grant award was intended to support our free 2025-26 afterschool and summer design education programs that provide teens with hands-on skill development as they explore career pathways in design, engineering, and skilled trades. The timing of this withdrawal of funding creates immediate challenges for DCD, as we prepare for our upcoming programs in Summer 2025 and beyond.

We know that our programs matter to our students and families, who attend our free programs to practice creative leadership, build confidence, and develop skills. This month, our young designers began construction of service projects for local community organizations like Igliozzi Recreation Center, Southside Community Land Trust, and St. Martin de Porres Senior Center. We're turning to our dedicated community of supporters -- and all those passionate about community-powered design -- to help us bridge this gap so that we won't need to to cut any of our vital free programs where teens discover the power of design to build community!

With your help, we can continue to offer our free, high-quality design education programs that foster the next generation of innovators ready to make change happen. Thank you for your support, engagement, and belief in the power of design!

With gratitude,

Adrienne Gagnon

Executive Director, DownCity Design