California Autism Foundation

What California Autism Foundation does

California Autism Foundation (CAF) is a California 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1982 and headquartered at 4138 Lakeside Drive, Richmond, CA. It provides a lifetime continuum of services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across five Bay Area counties (Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Alameda, San Francisco), serving an estimated 250+ families. Its program portfolio encompasses the ABC School (a non-public school for ages 6–22 using ABA, TEACCH, Pivotal Response Training, and Community Based Instruction), three licensed adult residential homes, the ABC Adult Day Program (Innovative Choices), ABC Supported Employment, ABC Supported Living Services, Custom Assembly & Packaging (CAP) work activity program, ABC Apartments (affordable integrated housing), and ABC Transportation.

The organization's service technology rests on a specialized instructional methodology — combining Applied Behavior Analysis, TEACCH structured teaching, sensory-tailored environments (sensory rooms, modified lighting), and Dr. Edith Molinier's pioneering guitar and percussion therapy integrated with the Emotional Capital© framework. Service delivery is single-site (Richmond, CA) with school-district-referred enrollment and regional-center-referred adult services; no digital self-serve channel exists for program intake.

Revenue is generated through three primary streams: (1) per-pupil tuition contracts with 22 school districts across four counties (billed per ADA under SB 117); (2) service reimbursement contracts with the Regional Center of the East Bay and the Golden Gate Regional Center (both funded through the California Department of Developmental Services) for adult day, supported living, and supported employment; and (3) a diversified fundraising mix including recurring individual donations ($25–$250/month tiers), planned giving (CRATs, CRUTs, stock gifts, bequests), workplace giving and corporate matching, and an annual Golf Classic fundraiser. Donations are tax-deductible under 501(c)3 status (EIN 68-0149447). CAF has 51–100 employees, no parent company, no outside investors, and no public reporting of financial results.

Name

California Autism Foundation

Legal name

California Autism Foundation

Website

https://calautism.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

California Autism Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 1982 in Richmond, CA that delivers a lifetime continuum of educational, residential, vocational, and supported-living services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across five Bay Area counties, funded primarily through school-district tuition contracts and California Regional Center reimbursements.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Developmental Disability Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Child Care Services (62441)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism-Specific Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Executive Functioning & Academic Skills Intervention (EDAKAKAI), Autism Early Intervention (Educational) (EDAKAKAB), Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC), Autism 1:1 Paraprofessional / Aide Support Services (EDAKAKAD)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Developmental disabilities
• Supported employment programs
• Residential care services
• Autism services

Headquarters

HQ city

Richmond

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. School District Contracts (ABA Tuition): ABC School contracts with surrounding school districts to provide specialized non-public school services for students with autism. School districts pay tuition to CAF; CAF does not charge individual families. Revenue is per-student contractual and billed based on ADA (Average Daily Attendance) per SB 117.
2. Individual Donations (One-time and Recurring): Tax-deductible donations accepted via PayPal as one-time gifts or as recurring monthly contributions. Defined recurring tiers include Silver ($25/month), Gold ($50/month), Platinum ($100/month), and Diamond ($250/month). In-kind gifts of goods and services also accepted.
3. Stocks, Securities, and Planned Giving: Appreciated stock gifts (held 1+ year, deductible up to 30% of AGI, 5-year carryforward), Charitable Lead Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (min 5% payout), Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts (min 5% fixed payout), retirement asset beneficiary designations, and charitable bequests.
4. Workplace Giving and Matching Gifts: Payroll contribution workplace giving programs and corporate matching gift programs that double or triple personal contribution impact.
5. Golf Classic Fundraising Event: Annual 'Give a Kid a Mulligan' Golf Classic held at Contra Costa Country Club (10 am shotgun start), identified as one of CAF's biggest fundraisers of the year; includes online registration and tiered sponsorship levels. Postponed during 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
6. Regional Center Service Reimbursement: Adult Day Program (Innovative Choices) and ABC Supported Living Services are delivered under contract with the Regional Center of the East Bay and the Golden Gate Regional Center, which are private non-profit corporations funded through the California Department of Developmental Services.
7. ABC Industries / Custom Assembly & Packaging (CAP) Program: Accredited Work Activity Program operating CAP, a packaging/labeling/assembly business that provides adult education and generates commercial revenue through competitive contract packaging services.
8. Social Venture Capital / Corporate Strategic Partnerships: Business partnership / corporate giving framed as 'Social Venture Capital' for companies seeking investment-grade social returns; donors are treated as investors in CAF's social mission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

California Autism Foundation provides lifetime educational, residential, vocational, and social services to children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Its service portfolio includes ABC School (a non-public school for ages 6-22), three licensed adult residential homes, the ABC Adult Day Program, ABC Supported Living Services, ABC Supported Employment, ABC Apartments, ABC Transportation, and the Custom Assembly & Packaging (CAP) work activity program. Programs are delivered from a single Richmond, CA campus and funded through school district contracts, Regional Center reimbursements, donations, and fundraising events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ABC School (A Better Chance School): Non-public school for students with autism and developmental disabilities ages 6-22, using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), TEACCH structured teaching methodologies, Pivotal Response Training, and Community Based Instruction.
• ABC Adult Day Program (Innovative Choices Day Program)
• ABC Supported Living Services
• ABC Supported Employment Program
• Custom Assembly & Packaging (CAP)
• ABC Apartments
• ABC Transportation
• ABC Residential Homes

Products and services

• ABC School (A Better Chance School) Non-public school serving students ages 6-22 with autism and other developmental disabilities, providing individualized academic instruction using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), TEACCH structured teaching, Pivotal Response Training, and Community Based Instruction. Includes a Workability vocational training program with a 1:2 staff-to-student ratio, IEP goal tracking, positive behavior support, sensory-tailored environments, and a transitional program bridging into the Adult Day Program. Enrollment is via referral from contracting school district special education departments.
• ABC Adult Day Program (Innovative Choices Day Program) Community-based vocational training and social enrichment program for individuals 18+ with autism and other developmental disabilities, delivered under contract with the Regional Center of the East Bay and the Golden Gate Regional Center. Provides daily round-trip transportation.
• ABC Supported Living Services Supported living services for adults with developmental disabilities in their own homes or apartments, helping with housing, budgeting, time management, medication assistance, household chores, grocery shopping, public transportation, and 24-hour emergency support. Available through the Regional Center of the East Bay or Golden Gate Regional Center.
• ABC Supported Employment Program Supported employment program using a four-step methodology (Assessment, Job Development, Pre-vocation Coaching, Job Coaching) to help individuals with disabilities integrate into the community workforce. Job Coaches act as liaisons between employers and CAF employees to facilitate accommodations and ancillary services at off-site businesses.
• ABC Residential Homes Three licensed adult residential homes serving adults with developmental disabilities in Contra Costa County, providing long-term housing, supervision, and daily living support. The original ABC I home in San Rafael continues to house founder Kenny and his five housemates.
• ABC Apartments Affordable and integrated community housing for adults with developmental disabilities in Contra Costa County, supporting safe and integrated living.
• ABC Transportation Quality transportation service for behaviorally challenged consumers, including daily round-trip transportation for Adult Day Program and ABC School participants as a convenience to family caretakers.
• Custom Assembly & Packaging (CAP) / ABC Industries Accredited Work Activity Program operating a packaging, labeling, and assembly services business as part of ABC Industries, providing adult education and generating commercial revenue through competitive contract packaging services.

Quantifiable outcome

• ABC School grew from 3 students in a warehouse office to a multi-classroom site serving two and a half dozen students
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship / core and core.

• The D Network / The Luxury PR GroupminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 June 2013Produced the BET Awards 'Eye on Glam' beauty lounge and day party in partnership with Erica Mena, IZMA Models and Lady J Cosmetics at 333 Live in Los Angeles, CA on June 29, 2013. The D Network facilitated CAF's participation and provided introductions to attendees and vendors.
• Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB)flagship / coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerReferral and service-delivery partnership. RCEB is a private non-profit corporation that funds services for individuals with developmental disabilities under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services. CAF was first asked by RCEB in 1986 to open a second residential home, which triggered program expansion. RCEB continues to refer adults into ABC Supported Living Services and the Adult Day Program.
• Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerReferral and service-delivery partnership serving San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area counties. Works together with CAF to create greater self-reliance for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services.
• Contra Costa CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher-functioning ABC School students attend courses at nearby Contra Costa College as part of their transition preparation and Workability Program.
• Western Contra Costa Transit Authority (WestCAT)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCurrent Workability vocational training site where ABC School students (16+) gain on-the-job training, job coaching, and bi-weekly paychecks. Supports public transportation mobility training for students.
• Courtyard Marriott HotelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkability vocational training site for ABC School students; provides on-the-job training and employment experience in hospitality.
• East Bay Regional Park DistrictcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkability vocational training site for ABC School students.
• The Richmond Memorial AuditoriumcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkability vocational training site for ABC School students.
• Milo FoundationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkability vocational training site for ABC School students.
• RabbitEars Pet SupplycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkability vocational training site for ABC School students.
• Accurate Auto BodycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkability vocational training site for ABC School students.
• The Watershed ProjectcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkability vocational training site for ABC School students.
• Dr. Benedicte GendronminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Edith Molinier (CAF Director of Special Education) regularly collaborates with Dr. Benedicte Gendron, who developed the concept of Emotional Capital© in Europe. This collaboration informed Dr. Molinier's PhD research on Emotional Intelligence.
• California State University, SacramentominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Edith Molinier is an Adjunct Professor at CSU Sacramento, teaching classes in the Mild to Moderate and Moderate to Severe Teaching Credential Program at the College of Continuing Education. CAF-supported credentialing pathway (Moderate to Severe Teaching Credential, Level 2) sourced from CSU Sacramento in 2009.
• Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools and Public Health DepartmentcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCAF's COVID-19 reopening plan for ABC School was designed in consultation with the Superintendent of Schools for Contra Costa County, the public health department, and the consortium on Special Education NPS directors for the Bay Area.
• Berkeley Repertory TheaterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkability Program employment site for ABC School students.
• Contra Costa Country ClubcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHost venue for the annual 'Give a Kid a Mulligan' Golf Classic fundraiser (13th Annual on June 10, 2019; 14th Annual originally scheduled for June 15, 2020 before COVID-19 postponement). 10 am shotgun start format.
• Gabriel / Serafini StudiosminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWebsite design and development partner for calautism.org (WordPress-based site).

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: National non-profit network providing disability and autism services including education, residential, employment, and therapeutic programs across a far broader geography than CAF. Comparable as a direct operator of non-public school, residential, and adult day services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• The Arc of the United States: National non-profit federation advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, through state and local chapters. Comparable mission and service mix (residential, employment, day programs, advocacy) though delivered at a federation rather than single-site scale.
• Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health: Large non-profit operating residential, educational, vocational, and community-based behavioral health services for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Comparable as an ABA/behavioral-focused multi-program non-profit serving similar populations, though at significantly greater scale and geographic reach.
• Catalight Foundation: California-based non-profit operating one of the state's largest autism services platforms, serving families through ABA, early intervention, and behavioral health programs. Comparable mission and California-based scale, but operates at meaningfully greater size and with a more tech-enabled delivery model.

Direct peers

• May Institute: Non-profit provider of ABA-based educational, residential, and adult services for children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities across multiple states. Closest direct peer to CAF in terms of clinical methodology (ABA, TEACCH-style structured teaching) and full-lifetime service continuum.
• Bancroft: Non-profit provider of autism and intellectual disability services in the Mid-Atlantic, including residential, day, educational, and employment programs. Direct peer in operating model — a regional non-profit running a full continuum of autism services, including a non-public school component.
• AbilityPath: Bay Area-based non-profit (formerly Abilities United) serving children and adults with developmental disabilities including autism through early intervention, residential, adult day, and supported employment programs. Direct California peer with a comparable service mix in overlapping Bay Area counties.
• Gateway Learning Group: California-based ABA provider offering in-home, school, and center-based autism services to children across the Bay Area. Comparable as a regional California autism services provider competing for similar school district and family-pay referrals in the Bay Area.
• Easter Seals Bay Area (now AbilityPath after 2020 merger): Pre-merger Bay Area Easter Seals affiliate that merged with Abilities United to form AbilityPath in 2020; comparable in operating model (residential, day, employment, behavioral) to CAF in overlapping Bay Area counties.

Regional players

• Seneca Family of Agencies: California-based non-profit providing intensive behavioral, educational, and community-based services for children and youth with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Comparable as a California non-public-school and community-services operator, with overlapping IEP/regional-center referral dynamics.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCzVJOpTHqOlQoBxS7fng3TQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/calautism
• Xx.com/calautism
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/california-autism-foundation

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about California Autism Foundation