The leadership team and trustees of Anderson Foundation for Autism announced today that the Foundation has awarded a grant of $5,000 to Arcadia University.

Based in Glenside, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, Arcadia University intends to develop a “Supporting Training, Rehabilitation, Empowerment, Transformation, Community, and Health program at Arcadia” (also known as STRETCH-Arc). This initiative, led by Dr. Jacob Corey in the Physical Therapy Department at Arcadia, will be funded in part through Anderson Foundation for Autism’s grant award. 

Explained Nataliia Shablia, Director, Office of Sponsored Research and Programs (OSRP), “The grant from Anderson Foundation for Autism will help us design a community-based physical activity and wellness program for individuals with autism that uses direct input from autistic individuals, caregivers, and members of Arcadia University’s faculty. It will also provide the resources needed to begin outreach, compensate participants, and purchase basic movement and sensory equipment to test an initial pilot version of the program. That pilot phase will give us the feedback necessary to ensure the program will be effective, enjoyable, and accessible, so that we can develop the strong foundation for what we envision will ultimately be a long-term wellness initiative.”

Shablia continued, “Being selected for this grant is an acknowledgement of Arcadia University’s commitment to serving our local community and to fostering an environment where all individuals feel included, valued, and supported. The funding from Anderson Foundation for Autism strengthens our ability to work collaboratively with autistic individuals, caregivers, and community partners to develop programs that can promote health, wellness, and meaningful participation. It also enhances experiential learning opportunities for Arcadia students, preparing them to become more compassionate professionals as they head into the workforce. Overall, this grant reinforces Arcadia University’s dedication to creating a healthier and more connected community.”

In addition to the $5,000 award for Arcadia University, Anderson Foundation for Autism included other nonprofits in its 2025 grantmaking announcement: Autism Society Greater Hudson Region ($5,000 grant award), Backyard Sports Cares ($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. 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.