Schenectady, NY and Staatsburg, New York…The leadership team and trustees of Anderson Foundation for Autism announced today that the Foundation has awarded a grant of $5,000 to Autism Society Greater Hudson Region.
Based in Schenectady, New York, Autism Society Greater Hudson Region is a nonprofit organization that provides resources, support, and opportunities to build community for individuals with autism (and their families) in the 21 New York State counties it serves.
Said Tracy Schober, MPA, Executive Director of Autism Society Greater Hudson Region, “The grant funds from Anderson Foundation for Autism will be used to deliver the BRIGHT (Brave, Resilient, Inspiring Girls Happening Together) program. This initiative offers 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 for future success.”
“By helping to provide resources necessary for autism-inclusive facilitation, sensory-friendly environments, and individualized small-group support, we expect that this funding will directly enhance the well-being, confidence, and sense of belonging for all that participate in the BRIGHT program. Being selected for this grant is deeply meaningful to the Autism Society Greater Hudson Region, as it affirms our mission and enables us to reach girls who often have limited access to programs designed specifically for them,” Schober explained.
In addition to the $5,000 award for Autism Society Greater Hudson Region, Anderson Foundation for Autism included other nonprofits in its 2025 grantmaking announcement: Arcadia University ($5,000 grant award), Backyard Sports Cares ($10,000 grant award), BluePath Service Dogs ($5,000 grant award), and Beautiful People ($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. 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 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.