Where to Donate - Our Charitable Funds

Autism Ontario is dedicated to supporting autistic individuals and their families across the province. We provide a variety of donor funded programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of the autism community, including social skills development, educational resources, and community-based activities.

With your support, we can continue to offer vital programs and services that significantly improve the lives of autistic people, their families, and the caregivers dedicated to helping them live fulling and joyous lives.

Your donation to one of the following Funds will make a significant difference in the lives of those who rely on our programs and services. By contributing to Autism Ontario, you are helping us to build a more inclusive community that embraces and supports the entire autism community.

Area Of Greatest Need

One of the most effective ways to help the autism community is by donating to Autism Ontario’s Area of Greatest Need Fund. By designating your gift in this way, you enable our Leadership Team to direct your gift to the highest priority needs of the organization.

This fund provides Autism Ontario with the maximum flexibility to make an immediate impact when and where the need is greatest. By entrusting us with a gift in this unrestricted category, you empower the organization to respond to unforeseen challenges and grasp new opportunities as they come.

Adult Programs

Autism Ontario's Adult Programs provide support and resources for autistic individuals -as they transition to adulthood and across their lifespan. These programs include employment assistance, life skills training, social and recreational activities, and community integration opportunities. Through these programs, adults with autism develop the skills and confidence needed to lead fulfilling lives with increasing degrees of independence given the right support.

Advocacy, Research and Education

The Advocacy, Research and Education Program at Autism Ontario is a coordinated set of endeavors that work to change public perception of the autism spectrum and to advance the rights of all autistic people. The program includes a variety of initiatives such as advocacy efforts to improve access to services and support for the autism community, as well as research and public education initiatives to improve widespread understanding of autism. Additionally, the program includes educational resources and workshops to help families, caregivers, and professionals better understand and support autistic individuals. Overall, the Advocacy, Research and Education program at Autism Ontario is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by autism.

Awards and Personal Grants

The Awards and Personal Grants Program recognizes and supports the achievements and contributions of autistic individuals, as well as their families, caregivers, and professionals. The program aims to acknowledge the dedication of individuals and organizations that have made a positive impact on the lives of people living with autism.

 

AWARDS

The Gerry Bloomfield Professional Award
The Gerry Bloomfield Professional Award is awarded to an individual or group of individuals who have made outstanding professional contributions to the field of autism or to Autism Ontario.

The Gerry Bloomfield Volunteer Award
The Gerry Bloomfield Volunteer Award is awarded to an individual or group of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Autism Ontario. Recipients are past or present members of Autism Ontario and have demonstrated integrity, commitment and loyalty to the mission and vision of Autism Ontario over a sustained period.

The David Conforti Award
The David Conforti Award recognizes outstanding contributions of professionals working in the field of autism. The award is named after David Conforti, a pioneering researcher, clinician and advocate for the autism community.

 

PERSONAL GRANTS

Building Brighter Futures Fund
The Building Brighter Futures Fund provides financial assistance to autistic individuals for programs and services that support their development and well-being.

March Break Reimbursement Fund
The March Break Reimbursement Fund offers financial support to help individuals and families cover the costs of March Break Camp Programs.

One-to-One Summer Support Worker Reimbursement Fund
The One-to-One Summer Support Worker Reimbursement Fund offers financial support to help families cover the cost of a support worker for those needing individual support in order to attend recreational programming during the summer months.

Caregiver Programs

Caregiver Programs at Autism Ontario offer a support system for families and caregivers of autistic individuals. The program offers a variety of services and resources to help caregivers navigate the challenges of caring for someone with autism.
 

Peer Support Groups
Caregivers can connect with others who understand the unique challenges of caring for someone with autism. Support groups provide a safe and supportive environment for caregivers to share their experiences, ask questions, and receive support and encouragement.

Education and Training
Autism Ontario offers workshops, webinars, and other educational opportunities to help caregivers learn more about autism and how to best support their loved one. Topics include communication strategies, behavior management, and self-care for caregivers.

Access to Resources
The organization provides caregivers with access to a wide range of digital resources, including webinars, videos, fact sheets and articles that can help them better understand and support their loved one with autism.

Advocacy and Support
Autism Ontario advocates for the rights of autistic individuals and their families. The organization also provides support and guidance to caregivers as they navigate the healthcare and educational systems. The Caregiver Program at Autism Ontario is designed to provide support and resources to the caregivers of autistic individuals, helping them to better understand and provide effective care, and to connect with peers.

Child, Youth and Family Programs

The Child, Youth and Family Programs at Autism Ontario offer support for families who have a child or youth with autism. The program offers a variety of services, including information and referral services, support groups, workshops, and individual and family support. Services are provided by trained professionals, including social workers and therapists, who work with families to help them better understand and manage the challenges of autism.

The programs also provide resources and information on topics such as educational support, financial assistance, and respite care. The goal of these programs is to improve the quality of life for children and youth with autism and their families.

 

Social Learning Opportunities
Families in the Autism Community often limit their participation in social activities for fear of disrupting others. Sadly, many choose not to participate, because many facilities and businesses do not provide supportive environments that enable families in the autism community to participate comfortably.

Autism Ontario's Social Learning Opportunities provide highly valued access to supportive environments in local communities. We partner with local recreational facilities, businesses and organizations to provide inclusive and sensory-friendly events and take-home kits. From birdhouse making to movie mornings, trips to amusement parks or sporting events, the families we support have opportunities for fun!

 

Day Camps
Autism Ontario offers a variety of children, youth and adult camp programs for autistic individuals. These programs provide a safe and inclusive environment for socializing, learn new skills, and have fun.

Camps are designed for people of different age groups and skill levels. Some programs focus on specific activities such as sports, music, or art, while others provide a more general camp experience with a variety of activities. All programs are staffed by trained professionals and volunteers who are experienced in working with autistic individuals.

The camp programs offered by Autism Ontario provide a great opportunity for autistic individuals to develop new skills, make friends, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.

Scholarships

Autism Ontario offers a variety of scholarship programs for autistic individuals and their families. These scholarships are academic awards that can be used to help subsidize the costs of programs and services that support autistic individuals, such as therapy, education, and equipment. These scholarships are merit-based and are awarded to individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievements or contributions in the field of autism.
 

The Jeanette Holden Post-Secondary Scholarship
The Jeanette Holden Post-Secondary Scholarship is for siblings of a person on the autism spectrum who are entering the first year of a post-secondary program. The Jeanette Holden Scholarship was named after Dr. Jeanette Holden, a sibling of a person on the spectrum, in recognition of her dedication and contributions to autism research.

 

The MacDonald Family Post-Secondary Scholarship
The MacDonald Family Post-Secondary Scholarship is for students with a parent on the autism spectrum who is entering the first year of a post-secondary program. Autism Ontario’s newest scholarship is named after Carole Ann MacDonald and her family. Ms. MacDonald was the first member of the Board of Directors of Autism Ontario who has an autism diagnosis.

 

Eleanor Ritchie Post-Secondary Scholarship
The Eleanor Ritchie Post-Secondary Scholarship is awarded to students on the autism spectrum. This award is named after Eleanor Ritchie, a long-standing member of Autism Ontario, in recognition of her dedication and support for autistic individuals.