Neurodiverse individuals & families
We maintain a special commitment to organizations that expand opportunity, dignity, independence, advocacy, and support for neurodiverse people and their families.
A private foundation
One family’s story.A community’s strength.A foundation for others.
What began in 1996 as one family’s search for support has grown into a private foundation supporting neurodiverse individuals and families, veterans, and community organizations.
“Leave the Foundation stronger for the next generation than it was received.” — A guiding principle
Why we give this way
A belief, not a program.
The Foundation traces its roots to a parents’ support community founded after the founders’ son was diagnosed with autism in 1996 — a network built on the belief that families are stronger when they support one another.
That belief still guides the Foundation today. After years running programs directly for neurodiverse young adults, the Board chose to become a grantmaking foundation instead — better able to support many organizations than to operate just one.
How we think about giving
Focused by our history.
Flexible by design.
Veterans & military families
We support organizations that help servicemembers, veterans, and their families with health, wellbeing, and the transition to civilian life.
Support where it’s needed most
We support effective charitable organizations addressing community, educational, health, environmental, and other charitable needs where our resources can make a real difference.
1996
Where the story began
A family looking for answers found a community that needed them too.
After their son was diagnosed with autism, the founders began navigating a world with far fewer resources than families have today. Their efforts to learn and advocate grew into The Umbrella Club, a parent support community that ultimately inspired the Foundation.
Read our historyThe Foundation today
Our programs have evolved. Our purpose has not.
The Board manages the Foundation for the long term, so today’s giving doesn’t come at tomorrow’s expense.
How we give