Next for Autism Inc
Next for Autism Inc is a public charity based in New York, NY. It supports programs and services for autistic people, with its grantmaking focused on areas including work, home, social engagement, and health.
Next for Autism Inc at a glance
In short: Next for Autism Inc gave $827K across 35 grants in 2024 (avg $24K), top state New York. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $826,990
- +49.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 35
- +118.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $23,628
- -31.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $2,979,393
- -26.1% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- New York (17% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Next for Autism Inc
- Review Cycle
- The 2026/27 application deadline was May 22, 2026, at 12 p.m. ET.
- Deadline
- The 2026/27 application deadline was May 22, 2026, at 12 p.m.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1177 Ave Of The Americas 5Th Fl, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 759-3775
Website: https://nextforautism.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Next for Autism Inc
Who Next for Autism Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was New England Center for Children ($75K). Together the top 10 received $313K.
Grant Size Distribution
99 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 91 grants of 99 (92%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
NEXT for AUTISM describes its grants program as nationwide. Its website reports that grantees have represented 39 states and territories. In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state were New York (17%), California (12%), New Jersey (11%), Massachusetts (9%), and Illinois (8%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 35 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Next for Autism Inc gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $20K (2021) to $1.3M (2022). In 2024 it made 35 grants totaling $827K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New England Center for Children Southborough, MA | This program provides vocational services starting at age 14 and includes diverse activities, where students discover their interests and strengths, receiving tools and support for a purposeful, fulfilling life. | $75,000 |
| The Performance Zone Inc (Autisticwhileblack LLC) Redford, MI | #autisticwhileblack: exploring identity initiative is a program dedicated to guiding newly identified autistic adults through the crucial first year of self-discovery. | $25,000 |
| Actionplay Inc Brooklyn, NY | Actionplays audition workshop series develops audition skills in autistic actors, changes the perception of autistic actors among casting directors and agents through industry showcases, assists actors in securing auditions and paid roles, and provides meaningful employment for autistic and neurodivergent arts professionals. | $25,000 |
| Alpine Learning Group Foundation Inc (Alpine Learning Group) Paramus, NJ | A good job box (AGJB) is an innovative snack packaging company that creates employment and job training opportunities for autistic adults. | $25,000 |
| Banding Together San Diego, CA | The jam session program is a free one-hour inclusive music therapy group that pairs teens and adults with autism and other special needs with a mentor to promote self-advocacy and inclusion through socialization, communication and emotional expression. | $25,000 |
| Communication 4 All Inc Maitland, FL | With a program of internet-based instructional videos, community, and support, c4a academy teaches nonspeakers with autism how to type to communicate, changing their lives from hopeless to hopeful | $25,000 |
| Els for Autism Foundation Inc Jupiter, FL | Career exploration & training (CET) at els for autism offers introductory vocational training courses in basic carpentry, hotel and hospitality, office and clerical essentials, retail, and food service to help autistic adults develop job skills and caree | $25,000 |
| Evolve Coaching Inc Pittsburgh, PA | The evolve coaching inclusion center is establishing a robust, independent living training curriculum to complement existing programs. | $25,000 |
| Exceptional Minds Inc Sherman Oaks, CA | Exceptional minds is a training academy and digital arts studio preparing artists on the autism spectrum for careers in entertainment and related fields. | $25,000 |
| Fish in a Tree New Orleans, LA | The empowerher program by fish in a tree provides recently diagnosed or self-identified adult autistic women with sensory-friendly tools, educational presentations and resources, and community support to enhance their well-being, empower self-regulation, and foster a positive understanding of their diagnosis within a neurodiversity-affirming framework. | $25,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Next for Autism Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,979,393 | $1,721,287 | $2,876,048 | $826,990 | 35 | $52,196 |
| 2023 | $4,029,586 | $2,348,052 | $2,894,597 | $552,480 | 16 | $69,560 |
| 2022 | $5,044,205 | $2,197,639 | $3,396,596 | $1,276,671 | 38 | $23,038 |
| 2021 | $6,631,395 | $5,308,625 | $2,586,241 | $20,095 | 1 | $890 |
| 2020 | $3,972,667 | $2,152,824 | $3,201,675 | $343,000 | 9 | $8,398 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
NEXT for AUTISM’s mission is to transform the national landscape of services for people with autism through innovative programs. It says individuals with autism deserve fulfilling, productive lives, excellent services, and connection to their communities.
Its grant program supports services in four areas: work, home, social engagement, and health and well-being. Examples of grantees’ work include workforce training, employment, independent-living support, communication, and arts programs. For example, Exceptional Minds describes its mission as providing young adults on the autism spectrum with customized instruction and hands-on experience to earn a living in multimedia, computer animation, and post-production. Neurodiversity Works describes its mission as helping people with diverse neuro-variations achieve meaningful careers and sustainable wages in the drone and analytics industry.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, NEXT for AUTISM reported 35 grants totaling $826,990. Grant amounts ranged from $7,990 to $75,000, with a median of $25,000. Examples include $75,000 to New England Center for Children for a vocational program for students starting at age 14, and $25,000 each to ActionPlay for an audition workshop series for autistic actors, Have Dreams for an adult workforce training program, and ELS for Autism Foundation for vocational training courses. Other 2024 recipients included Exceptional Minds, Evolve Coaching, and Neurodiversity Works, each receiving $25,000.
The funder’s 2026/27 guidelines describe Pioneer grants for organizations that have not previously received funding from NEXT, with requests of up to $10,000, and Impact grants for returning grantees, with requests of up to $20,000. Applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or have a fiscal sponsor, and propose programs serving autistic adults in work, home, social, or health. The funder gives priority to low-income, underserved, and rural communities and calls for measurable impact and evidence-based methods. It also earmarks a portion of grant funding for autistic-led projects, defined as having active and continuous involvement from an autistic employee of the organization.
The funder says applications are reviewed by a neurodiverse grants committee. It may conduct in-person or virtual site visits for potential first-time grantees. Approved grantees sign an agreement before receiving funds, may receive technical assistance as needed, and are asked to report on services and expected outputs and outcomes.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2024 filing include co-chairs Laura Slatkin and Michelle Smigel; Treasurer Steven Kantor; Secretary Michael Auerbach; and board members Jen Clark, Sharon Cunningham, Karen Siff Exkorn, Doug Herzog, Tommy Hilfiger, and Jim Hogan.
Next for Autism Inc is led by Gillian Leek, President & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 6 of 24 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Gillian Leek
President & CEO
CEO → President & CEO, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$196K (2020) → $269K (2024)
Kelly Fleming
Senior Director & Development
Senior Director, Development & Events → Senior Director & Development, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$105K (2023) → $106K (2024)
Amy Wallace
CFO
Senior Vice President Finance & Administration → Senior Vice President Finance & Administrati, 2021
Senior Vice President Finance & Administrati → CFO, 2022
On filings since 2020
32 hrs/week
$136K (2020) → $158K (2024)
Abby Jayroe
Senior Vice President & Strategic Operations
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$151K (2023) → $154K (2024)
Holly Wainwright
Vice President Marketing & Communications
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$140K (2023) → $145K (2024)
Pamela Cohen
Chief Development Officer
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$180K (2024)
Arlene Maidman
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Doug Herzog
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Harry Slatkin
Board Member
Board Member & Co-Founder → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Stewart
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Karen Siff Exkorn
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laura Slatkin
Co-Chair
Chair → Co-Chair, 2021
On filings since 2020
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Smigel
Co-Chair
Board Member → Co-Chair, 2021
On filings since 2020
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert Smigel
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sharon Cunningham
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steven J. Kantor
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tracey Stewart
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Auerbach
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tommy Hilfiger
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jim Hogan
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bellanca Smigel Rutter
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Wallace
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Schwartzbaum
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jen Clark
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (24)
- Former: Bradley Walker (2020–2023) — Former Vice President & Strategic Adult Initiatives
- Former: Michelle O'Connor-Teklinski (2022–2023) — Chief Program Officer
- Former: Bellanca Rutter Smigel (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Richard Goldsmith (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Yie-Hsin Hung (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Karen Siff-Exkorn (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Brad Walker (2022) — Vice President & Strategic Adult Initiatives
- Former: Katherine Quinn (2022) — Vice President & Development
- Former: David Remnick (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Esther Fein (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Ilene Lainer Esq. (2020–2021) — President & Co-Founder
- Former: Lauren Steinbacher (2020–2021) — Director & Corporate Consul
- Former: Orrin Devinsky (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Patricia Wright (2020–2021) — Senior Vice President Program Development
- Former: Suzanne Aisenberg (2020–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Anjula Duggal (2021) — Vice President & Marketing
- Former: Christine Lai (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Deeda McCormick Blair (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Michael John Carley (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Ophelia Rudin (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Patricia Cayne PhD (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Quynh Thai (2020) — Communications Director
- Former: Timothy Purnell (2020) — Former CEO
- Former: William Rudin (2020) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $269K, to Gillian Leek (President, CEO). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Next for Autism Inc
How much does Next for Autism Inc give each year?
Next for Autism Inc gave $827K across 35 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $552K across 16 grants.
What is Next for Autism Inc's typical grant size?
Next for Autism Inc's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $23,628, across 35 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Next for Autism Inc give grants?
Next for Autism Inc's top state is New York, with 17% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (12%) and New Jersey (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (2 grants), Chicago, IL (2 grants) and Dobbs Ferry, NY (2 grants).
Does Next for Autism Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 35 grants with a stated purpose on Next for Autism Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Next for Autism Inc's largest grantees?
Next for Autism Inc's largest 2024 grantees include New England Center for Children ($75,000), Mercy University ($37,500 across 2 grants) and The Performance Zone Inc (Autisticwhileblack LLC) ($25,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 17% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Next for Autism Inc?
Next for Autism Inc reported $3.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.7M.
What does Next for Autism Inc fund?
NEXT for AUTISM’s mission is to transform the national landscape of services for people with autism through innovative programs. It says individuals with autism deserve fulfilling, productive lives, excellent services, and connection to their communities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Next for Autism Inc?
Next for Autism Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check nextforautism.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Next for Autism Inc's EIN?
Next for Autism Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 57-1136147. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 23, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Next for Autism Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/next-for-autism-inc-morg_372827d5524a4bd4b2ee474b140d0250
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_571136147_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Next for Autism Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/next-for-autism-inc-morg_372827d5524a4bd4b2ee474b140d0250},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Next for Autism Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Next for Autism Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?