The mission of the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism is to help makes families affected by autism live life to the fullest through access to services, an active lifestyle and community based services for adult family members. The priorities of the foundation are to:
- Support community organizations and schools who are providing vital resources and actively assisting children with autism spectrum disorder and their families through education and technology, advocacy programs, diagnostic and clinical services, family support, safety equipment, respite services and other opportunities that will enhance the quality of life for those affected;
- Support recreational programs, aquatic programs, social skills training, family events and summer camps for all individuals on the autism spectrum; and
- Provide opportunities for job training, vocational skills programs, employment, housing, transportation and health care delivery for adults on the autism spectrum.
Allison Keller Education Technology Program:
Realizing the gains that many people with autism have achieved using the iPad, the Allison Keller Education Technology Program was created in honor of Flutie Foundation Board Member Kevin Lane Keller's daughter Allison. The goal of the program is to help fill the financial and technological gap for schools and organizations that assist individuals with autism. Since 2012, the Flutie Foundation has granted over $448,000 to 91 schools and organizations for programs specifically serving individuals with autism that have an established technology program in place or have expressed an interest in starting a program using the iPad or other technology tools.
Applications will be considered for any technology tools and/or training that improve learning outcomes or performance. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Tablets & Accessories
- Apps
- Smartboards
- Laptops
- Technology Training
The Flutie Foundation is seeking innovative partners who are using technology to address real needs facing the autism community. One program per public school district is eligible to be awarded an Allison Keller Education Technology grant annually. Organizations who have received a Signature Grant Award during this cycle are not eligible to apply. Think outside the box!
Signature Grants: The Flutie Foundation recognizes not-for-profit organizations who share our mission to help individuals and families with autism live life to the fullest. For our 2020 Signature Grant Cycle, we will continue granting to organizations supporting traditionally under-served, under-funded, culturally diverse communities as reflected in the Foundation's areas of interest, keeping a keen eye toward creativity as everyone seeks the new normal.
*COVID-19*: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the associated financial hardships many families are facing, a key area of focus for our grant cycle is to alleviate family financial stress. We will be giving priority to organizations and programs supporting those most affected in terms of health, safety, security, and finances. We also recognize that needs are changing every day in the new reality in which we find ourselves, and we are committed to working with our partners to ensure grant money is used to address the most pressing and urgent concerns the autism community is facing.
Work/School:
Providing a path for educational opportunities, vocational skills programs, employment, housing, transportation and healthcare delivery for adults on the autism spectrum.
Active/Social:
Support for recreational and sports programs, aquatic programs, social skills training, family events and summer camps for all individuals on the autism spectrum.
Safe/Supported/Informed:
Funding for community organizations and schools who are providing vital resources and actively assisting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families through advocacy programs, diagnostic and clinical services, direct family support, safety equipment, emergency care, respite services and other opportunities that will enhance the quality of life for those affected.
The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc. is not able to accept grant applications directly from individuals or families.