The Eliza Hope Foundation

What The Eliza Hope Foundation does

The Eliza Hope Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered at 629 Phoenix Drive, Suite 115, Virginia Beach, Virginia, that delivers integrated therapy and recreational programs for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays in the Hampton Roads region. Founded in 2017 by Aimee Darby following the death of her daughter Eliza Hope Darby, the organization opened the Eliza Hope Therapy Center in 2019 to consolidate speech, occupational, physical, and ABA therapy with an early intervention social skills program (Eliza's Angels) under a single roof. The foundation extends beyond clinical therapy through a portfolio of sub-brands: Hope Stars leagues (soccer, basketball, kickball, music & movement, scouts, art) deployed at community venues, Swim Stars (8-week swim sessions), Neurofeedback (delivered in partnership with Latitude Neuro), Hope Teens Social Club, and Coffee Talks parent support. Underlying technology is administrative rather than clinical — Giveffect and Classy handle donations, registration, and event ticketing; Calendly powers tour scheduling; and the organization has no proprietary software, app, or AI components. The business model is purely donations- and events-driven: monthly giving tiers ($25/$50/$100), $2,500 league sponsorships, signature fundraisers (Hope Shines Gala, Pinecone Run, Easter for Everyone), merchandise sales, and grants from a diversified roster of Hampton Roads corporate and family foundations. The customer base consists of 400+ autism-affected families served at no mandatory fee, with scholarships available for those unable to pay.

Name

The Eliza Hope Foundation

Legal name

The Eliza Hope Foundation

Website

https://elizahope.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Eliza Hope Foundation is a Virginia Beach-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers integrated speech, OT, PT, and ABA therapy plus inclusive recreational programs (Hope Stars, Swim Stars) for 400+ children with autism and developmental delays in the Hampton Roads region, funded through donations, sponsorships, and community events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Autism Therapy and Inclusive Recreation Services

NAICS

Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340), Educational Support Services (611710), Child and Youth Services (624110), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Executive Functioning & Academic Skills Intervention (EDAKAKAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rare Disease & Special Needs Support Organizations (BPAGACAM), Therapy-Integrated Childcare Support (coordination with OT/PT/SLP/ABA) (HSAAAIAM), Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ)

Keywords

• Autism therapy services
• Pediatric therapy center
• Developmental disability support
• Inclusive youth programs
• Nonprofit therapy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Virginia Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals, including monthly donor programs ($25, $50, $100 tiers) and capital campaign contributions. Monthly donations support operations, therapy center costs, Hope Stars leagues, social skills scholarships, and special events.
2. Program Sponsorships: Corporate and foundation sponsorships for Hope Stars leagues ($2,500 per league sponsors inclusive activities for 20+ children), Hope Shines Gala, Pinecone Run, and other events.
3. Special Events: Revenue from signature events including Hope Shines Gala (annual fall gala), Pinecone Run (annual spring event), Easter for Everyone, Paddle Board Day, Splash Day, and other community events.
4. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including apparel and the Pinecone Jewelry Collection. All proceeds support programs and services for children with autism.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Eliza Hope Foundation operates a dedicated therapy center that provides speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA therapy, and an early intervention social skills program (Eliza's Angels) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays. Complementing clinical therapy, it offers inclusive recreational programs including Hope Stars sports leagues (soccer, basketball, kickball, scouts, art), Swim Stars swim lessons, Neurofeedback brain training, and parent support groups such as Coffee Talks. All services are delivered from the Virginia Beach Therapy Center and through community venue partners across the Hampton Roads region.

Product overview

The Eliza Hope Foundation operates a unified therapy center model providing comprehensive services for children with autism. The core offering is the Eliza Hope Therapy Center, which serves as a central location where children receive speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA therapy, and early intervention social skills programs (Eliza's Angels) all in one place. Complementing the therapy center are the Hope Stars Leagues—a portfolio of extracurricular sports and activity programs (soccer, basketball, kickball, music & movement, scouts, art) designed for peer-to-peer engagement and self-paced skill learning. The Swim Stars program provides swim lessons in 8-week sessions, while newer offerings include Neurofeedback brain training and Coffee Talks parent support groups. The foundation also hosts signature events including the Hope Shines Gala (Fall), Pinecone Run (Spring), and Easter for Everyone. Merchandise including the Popcorn and Pinecones book extends the organization's reach and fundraising capacity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hope Stars: Extracurricular sports and activity programs designed for peer-to-peer engagement, large group socialization, and self-paced skill-learning for children with autism or other developmental delays.
• Swim Stars
• Hope Scouts
• Art Stars
• Coffee Talks
• Neurofeedback
• Eliza's Angels

Products and services

• Eliza Hope Therapy Center Comprehensive therapy center providing speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA therapy, and an early intervention social skills program all under one roof for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays.
• Hope Stars Leagues Extracurricular sports and activity programs including soccer, basketball, kickball, music and movement, scouts, and art, designed for peer-to-peer engagement and self-paced skill learning for children with autism and other developmental delays.
• Swim Stars Swim lesson program designed for children with autism, offered in 8-week sessions and hosted five times per calendar year on Tuesday afternoons.
• Eliza's Angels (Early Intervention Social Skills Program) Early intervention social skills class for children ages 3-5 years, designed to develop foundational social skills in a supportive environment.
• Neurofeedback Safe, gentle, non-invasive form of brain training that calms and organizes brain activity, improves self-regulation, and supports conditions including ASD, ADD/ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, TBI, and seizure disorders.
• Coffee Talks Monthly parent and caregiver support meetings led by Jamaila Melchers from Spectrum Strong, providing guidance on navigating autism with clarity, confidence, and hope.
• Hope Teens Social Club Safe, welcoming social space for teens on the autism spectrum to create connections, build confidence, and celebrate uniqueness.
• Popcorn and Pinecones Book Book authored by founder Aimee Darby sharing the story of Eliza Hope Darby and the foundation's mission, with proceeds supporting programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 220 children and families currently benefiting from services and support
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sentara Pediatric TherapycoreTechnology or IntegrationPediatric therapy provider offering services at the Eliza Hope Therapy Center, providing integrated care for children with autism.
• Iron ValleyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-host of Easter for Everyone event, providing venue and support for community autism-friendly event.
• Community Venues (Parks, Churches, Schools, YMCAs)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal venues hosting Hope Stars leagues including community parks, local churches, public schools, and YMCA facilities. These partners provide space for inclusive sports programs.
• Latitude NeurocoreTechnology or IntegrationNeurofeedback specialist providing services at the Eliza Hope Therapy Center. Matthew Huddle, MSOT, OTR/L facilitates neurofeedback training and consultations.
• DancespaceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDance studio partner providing summer dance program for children with autism.
• USA Ninja ChallengeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNinja gym hosting Super Siblings Day events for siblings of children with autism.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Autism Speaks: Large national autism advocacy and research organization funding services, research, and family resources. Comparable as a much larger nonprofit serving the same autism community, though with a research/advocacy focus rather than direct therapy.
• May Institute: Nonprofit providing autism and behavioral health services, including ABA therapy, special education, and adult services across multiple states. Comparable as a scaled provider of autism therapy and education services.
• Autism Society of America: National nonprofit advocating for and supporting individuals with autism through local chapters, resources, and community programs. Comparable mission overlap with Eliza Hope's family-support and community education work.
• Easterseals: National nonprofit providing disability services including autism therapy, early intervention, and inclusive recreation. Comparable as a larger, broader-incumbent operator in the same autism/disability support space as Eliza Hope.

Direct peers

• KultureCity: Nonprofit focused on sensory inclusion and accessibility for individuals with autism at venues, events, and communities nationwide. Comparable mission of expanding inclusive experiences for autistic children and families.
• Surfer's Healing: Nonprofit providing adaptive surf and recreation experiences for children with autism. Comparable as a community-driven nonprofit offering inclusive recreational programs for autistic children.
• National Autism Association: Nonprofit providing direct support, education, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families. Comparable focus on family support and community-based services.
• Giant Steps School: School and therapy center for children with autism offering integrated educational and therapeutic services. Comparable integrated therapy-plus-education model, though operating as a dedicated school.
• Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism: Family-founded autism nonprofit funding direct services, education, and recreation programs for autistic individuals. Comparable mission and grassroots funding model, though at a larger national scale.

Others

• Make-A-Wish Foundation: Large national nonprofit granting wishes to children with critical conditions, sustained by donations, events, and corporate sponsorships. Comparable as a community-driven children-focused nonprofit with similar fundraising mechanics, though serving a broader population.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks3 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCQQBX3Fhhet_JsQr00bXGLQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/elizahopefoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/eliza-hope-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Eliza Hope Foundation