On July 30, 2003, Clay Aiken and Diane Baubel founded what would become the National Inclusion Project to make the inclusion of children with disabilities the EXPECTATION, not the exception.
In its near twenty years of grant making, organization and professional development, and thought leadership, the National Inclusion Project has become one of the nation's leading -- and most important -- voices for children of all abilities.
The National Inclusion Project is a small organization that services a large footprint of recreational professionals and providers, accomplishing mighty things by a passionate network that was built as a testament to its work ensuring that EVERY child can participate, EVERY child can make a friend and EVERY child can succeed.
As a donor and volunteer I have found that the National Inclusion Project is agile and adaptable at meeting the demands of its mission however those demands present themselves. It continues to evolve as the times change to ensure that no child sits on the sidelines.
The National Inclusion Project is an extremely worthwhile organization that adds tremendous value to the communities it serves.
Review from Guidestar
The National Inclusion Project is an excellent charity that was cofounded by singer Clay Aiken and his friend Diane Bubel, who is the mother of a son who has autism. This charity runs and supports camps and programs which bring together children with and without developmental disabilities. The charity relies on individual and corporate donations and just a few key fundraisers throughout the year.
I have been donating to and volunteering for the National Inclusion Project since its inception in 2004 as the Bubel Aiken Foundation. The mission statement of the organization, to ensure no child sits on the sidelines, is close to my heart as my brother-in-law, though no longer a child, has Down Syndrome. I raised him as his mother died when he was very young; and our struggles to ensure he was included in our world left me with a good understanding of what is needed for all kids to enjoy inclusion. I have attended several training sessions for volunteers and employees at the camps the NIP supports and am amazed at the efficacy of their training for these camps. I will continue to be a volunteer and a donor; I plan to ensure that the NIP is included in my will.
I have been proud to be a donor for the National Inclusion Project for a number of years now. Their mission statement -- to insure that no child sits on the sidelines -- really resonates with me. I have seen first hand the amazing work they do by providing training to counselors and parents and educators. Visiting a YMCA summer camp really put the work NIP does into perspective for me. They ARE making a difference in the lives of children. My hope is that you will eventually change the heading you have for them to their proper name as NIP is no longer the Bubel Aiken Foundation. The name change truly reflects what this organization is aiming for: to be a Nationally recognized charity.
Review from Guidestar