Staatsburg, New York…The leadership team and trustees of Anderson Foundation for Autism announced today the names of grantees for the Foundation’s recent grantmaking cycle.
Grant award recipients are as follows: Autism Society Greater Hudson Region ($5,000 grant award), Arcadia University ($5,000 grant award), Backyard Sports ($10,000 grant award), BluePath Service Dogs ($5,000 grant award), and Beautiful People Adaptive Sports($5,000 grant award).
Said Kevin Kollar, Chair of Anderson Foundation for Autism’s Board of Trustees: “It is deeply gratifying to know that Anderson Foundation for Autism is able to ‘pay it forward’ to these visionary grantees. Each of these organizations shares a commitment to our cause, and we look forward to watching them continue to make valuable contributions to our field as time goes on.”
Reflected Susan Brune, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Grants Committee, “These grantees all presented initiatives that are very much aligned with Anderson’s mission of optimizing the quality of life for individuals with autism. Beautiful People, for example, will use the grant funds to provide athletes with more inclusive opportunities, by purchasing adaptive equipment to enhance safety and accessibility. Autism Society Greater Hudson Region has been given some of the funds needed to help deliver the BRIGHT (Brave, Resilient, Inspiring Girls Happening Together) program, which creates a safe, fun, and affirming space where autistic and neurodiverse girls can build meaningful peer connections, strengthen self-esteem, and develop essential social-emotional and soft skills. And our other award recipients are likewise doing meaningful work; it is an honor to help them advance their efforts.”
Brune added that all recipients will be required to report on outcomes, and that the Foundation reserved up to $50,000 in total for its 2025 grantmaking cycle.
According to Patrick Paul, CEO/Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, “Anderson Foundation for Autism was initially launched to help bridge gaps between financial needs and resources for Anderson Center for Autism, but the success of Foundation fundraising has far exceeded every expectation. Now, we’re well-positioned to support the work of other nonprofits too, and we look forward to building on our grantmaking program in the years to come.”
Eliza Bozenski, Chief Development Officer at Anderson Foundation for Autism, added: “The collective generosity of philanthropists, businesses, families, trustees, and community members is what drives our success; it has been awe-inspiring to see the outpouring of support for our work. We are deeply thankful to everyone who has made Anderson Foundation as strong as it is today, and all who continue to pave the way for a successful future. Each donor is giving to something much larger than our agency; every gift really supports a broader humanitarian movement.”
Anderson Center for Autism (ACA), founded in 1924, which also receives funds from Anderson Foundation for Autism, offers evidence-based educational, vocational, residential, and consulting/training programs, drawing students and residents from all over the United States to experience its school and residential offerings. Its affiliate, Anderson Center International (ACI), hosts scholars from countries throughout the world for a 12-18 month training program at Anderson’s Staatsburg campus. During this experience at Anderson, scholars gain the education needed to improve schooling, workplace environments, and overall therapy and care for people with autism upon returning to their home countries. Another Anderson Center for Autism affiliate, Anderson Center Consulting and Training (ACCT), has, among other activities, delivered training needed for over 150 businesses to gain designation as being “Autism Supportive.”
Anderson also runs Early Learning Academy programs (in Pine Plains, NY, Mount Marion, NY, and Latham, NY) and The Anderson Center Clinic (Latham, NY).
Anderson Foundation for Autism’s 2026 grant cycle will open in January. For application guidelines and updates, follow Anderson Center for Autism on social media or visit https://www.andersoncenterforautism.org/afagrants/. Until then, inquiries can be directed to Eliza Bozenski, Chief Development Officer of Anderson Foundation for Autism, by calling (845) 889-9594 or emailing EBozenski@AndersonCares.org.
For more information about Anderson Center for Autism, visit andersoncenterforautism.org. Learn more about Anderson Foundation for Autism at andersoncenterforautism.org/giving/.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
About Anderson Foundation for Autism
Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.