Wappingers Falls, 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 BluePath Service Dogs.
Based in Wappingers Falls, New York, BluePath Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization that matches service dogs with autistic individuals. According to BluePath’s website, the dogs are all trained to prevent a child from bolting, either into the street or away from parents in a crowded area. They also provide children with increased social acknowledgement from peers and help cultivate feelings of self-confidence.
Said Erica Stanzione, Director of Marketing and Development at BluePath Service Dogs, Inc., “The grant from Anderson Foundation for Autism will support BluePath’s Autism Service Dog Training and Placement Program by helping cover the costs of raising, training, and matching highly skilled service dogs with children with autism and their families. These partnerships enhance safety, foster greater independence, and create meaningful opportunities for connection in everyday life.”
“Being selected for this grant is a tremendous honor. It reinforces the importance of our work in transforming the lives of children with autism through the placement of expertly trained service dogs, and it inspires us to continue striving for greater impact in the communities we serve. We deeply value the trust and support of Anderson Foundation for Autism, and we are truly grateful for their continued support of our mission,” reflected Stanzione.
In addition to the $5,000 award for BluePath Service Dogs, Anderson Foundation for Autism included other nonprofits in its 2025 grantmaking announcement: Autism Society Greater Hudson Region ($5,000 grant award), Arcadia University ($5,000 grant award), Backyard Sports Cares ($10,000 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. 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.