Letter from the CEO: The Power Behind the Program: How Grants, Fundraising & Donations Drive Change for Autistic Individuals

At Spectrum Works, our mission is clear: to create pathways to meaningful employment for autistic individuals by integrating job training, education, and inclusive workplace experiences. But what makes this mission possible, what fuels it, are the generous grants, donations, and fundraising efforts that allow us to do the work that changes lives every single day.

Grants that Build Opportunity

Organizations like TD Bank Charitable Foundation, Citizens Bank, Columbia Bank Foundation, PSEG Foundation, Realtors Care Foundation, and Bank of America Charitable Foundation have stepped up in powerful ways, providing grant funding that helps sustain and grow our programming. These grants aren’t just numbers on a check; they’re a young adult’s first resume, their first interview, their first paycheck. They help cover critical programmatic costs, such as job coaching, participant salaries, and curriculum development that’s tailored to the unique strengths and needs of autistic individuals.

Fundraisers That Move the Mission Forward

The Annual MTS Bike Tour, for example, is more than just a ride,it’s a movement. Participants, donors, and sponsors come together rain or shine (and this year, it was very rainy) to show their commitment to building more inclusive workplaces. Every dollar raised at events like this directly supports the expansion of Spectrum Works programming and helps us connect more students with hands-on work experiences and professional development opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. Major supporters like MTS, Turkish Philanthropy Funds, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, and Turkish Airlines demonstrate how leading organizations are stepping up to champion neurodiverse talent. Fundraisers like a local Shake Shack grand opening, where $1 from every sandwich sold was donated; and Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day also play a vital role, turning everyday moments into meaningful contributions that fuel our mission and open doors for autistic individuals across New Jersey and beyond.

Donations That Change Lives

Donors, like most recently the New York Giants, have helped amplify our impact, funding efforts that directly result in life-changing employment placements. Their support has allowed us to bring our model to new communities, engage with more employer partners, and ensure every participant is set up not just to find a job, but to build a career.

Why It Matters

Autistic individuals are still too often shut out of the workforce and it is not due to lack of skill or desire, but because traditional hiring practices and workplace structures aren’t set up for neurodiversity. That’s where we come in. Spectrum Works bridges the gap, helping employers see the value in neurodivergent talent and preparing students to succeed in real work environments.

The result? Teams that are not only more inclusive but stronger. Companies gain loyal, focused, talented employees and participants gain independence, and a sense of purpose.

We’ve seen firsthand how access to meaningful work transforms lives. Students who once doubted their place in the world are now confident professionals, contributing their skills to companies that embrace them for exactly who they are. They are essential team members, coworkers, and friends.

The Work Ahead

We are proud of what we’ve accomplished but there’s so much more to do. More young adults to reach. More employers to engage. More lives to change.

If you’ve supported us, through grants, donations, sponsorships, participation in events, or hosting our employment program, thank you. You are the reason this work continues. And if you’re just getting to know us, we invite you to join our community of changemakers who believe that everyone deserves a shot at a meaningful career.

Together, we’re not just funding a program. We’re funding futures.