The Doug Flutie Jr Foundation For Autism Inc

What The Doug Flutie Jr Foundation For Autism Inc does

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1998 by former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie after their son Dougie Jr. was diagnosed with childhood disintegrative disorder. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, the foundation delivers grants, programs, and events that support individuals and families affected by autism, and has distributed over $20 million cumulatively to schools and organizations providing clinical therapies, respite services, recreational programs, social skills training, and job supports. Its programmatic surface spans three pillars: Helping Individuals (STARS of the Spectrum Records and Golf League, Spectrum of Sound Choir, Flutie Fellows career program, adaptive running), Helping Families (Joey's Fund/Hope Fund, Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant, Dick and Judy Hoyt Grant for Inclusion, Flutie Watersports Program, Locative Tech and Equipment), and Helping Communities (Autism Community Impact Grant, Allison Keller Education Technology Grants, Playground Communication Boards, Community Police and First Responder Initiatives, Armani Williams Gives Back Grant, Flourish Fund, and the Flutie Funds fiscal-sponsorship program for grassroots organizations).

The foundation operates an event-driven and community-led go-to-market model with no product pricing. Revenue is generated entirely through donations (one-time, monthly, memorial/honor, planned gifts), event fundraising (Flutie 5K for Autism with satellites in 10 states, Dougie's Team endurance programs at Boston/NYC/Berlin/Tokyo/Sydney/Chicago marathons and runDisney), and corporate partnerships (Jersey Mike's Subs with Flourish Fund, Month of Giving, Meals for Autism, and Sub-A-Day; Get Air Trampoline Parks with cumulative giving near $2 million; Big Night Entertainment; Boston Athletic Association as presenting sponsor of the Adaptive Program for Runners; SafetyNet Tracking; AccesSport America; Hoyt Foundation; Williams James College; Spectrum for Hope). Geographic focus is concentrated in New England and Central Florida with national reach via the 5K and global reach via international marathon teams.

Underlying technology is minimal: the foundation runs a Qgiv-powered online donation storefront, maintains an active multi-platform social presence (TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), and operates 13+ staff functions. There are no proprietary AI, ML, or software products, and no API, SDK, or mobile app surface is disclosed. Customer-facing technology is limited to standard donation forms, event registration, and content marketing on the flutiefoundation.org website.

Name

The Doug Flutie Jr Foundation For Autism Inc

Legal name

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism Inc.

Website

https://flutiefoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1998 by former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie, providing grants, programs, and events that support individuals and families affected by autism and distributing over $20 million cumulatively.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Autism Support Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Assistive Technology & Learning Tools (Educational) (EDAKAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ), Autism Communication Support (AAC, Pragmatics & Language) (EDAKAKAG)

Keywords

• Autism support services
• Community grant funding
• Adaptive recreation programs
• Disability advocacy services
• Charitable fundraising programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Waltham

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, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: The foundation relies primarily on donations from individuals, corporations, and organizations. Revenue is generated through direct donations, monthly donor programs, honor/memorial gifts, planned gifts, and mail donations.
2. Event Fundraising: Major revenue stream from organizing and hosting fundraising events including Flutie 5K for Autism, Dougie's Team endurance events, and hosted fundraisers. Corporate sponsorships associated with events also contribute.
3. Corporate Partnerships: Partnerships with corporations like Jersey Mike's, Get Air Trampoline Parks, and others who contribute through Cause Marketing (e.g., Autism Acceptance socks at Get Air), direct grants (Flourish Fund), and event sponsorship.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds and operates programs serving individuals with autism, their families, and autism-serving community organizations. Its portfolio includes direct family financial assistance grants (Joey's Fund/Hope Fund, Flourish Fund, Kodi Lee Gives Back, Dick & Judy Hoyt Grant), assistive technology grants (Allison Keller Education Technology Program), adaptive recreation programs (Flutie Watersports, Spectrum of Sound Choir, STARS of the Spectrum Golf League, Dougie's Team endurance running, Flutie 5K), an inclusive record label for autistic artists (STARS of the Spectrum Records), safety programs (SafetyNet tracking bracelets, seatbelt covers, playground communication boards), the Flutie Fellows career ambassador initiative, first-responder training, and a fiscal sponsorship program (Flutie Funds) for grassroots autism organizations.

Product overview

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism is a non-profit organization (not a technology company) that provides community programs, grants, and support services for individuals and families affected by autism. The organization offers a diverse portfolio of programs including: STARS of the Spectrum Records (a record label for autistic artists in partnership with Big Night), STARS of the Spectrum Golf League, Spectrum of Sound Choir, Flutie 5K for Autism, Dougie's Team for Autism (endurance running program), Adaptive Program for Autistic Runners, Flutie Fellows career support, and various grant programs including Joey's Fund/Hope Fund, Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant, Dick & Judy Hoyt Grant for Inclusion, Armani Williams Gives Back Grant, Allison Keller Education Technology Grants, Autism Community Impact Grant, and Flourish Fund. Additional programs include Flutie Watersports Program, Playground Communication Boards, Locative Tech and Equipment, Community Police & First Responder Initiatives, and Flutie Funds fiscal sponsorship. The foundation has distributed over $20 million to schools and organizations providing services for people with autism.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• STARS of the Spectrum Records: A first-of-its-kind record label dedicated to amplifying and celebrating the voices of autistic artists, created in partnership with Big Night Records.
• Run Flutie
• Spectrum of Sound
• STARS of the Spectrum Golf League

Products and services

• STARS of the Spectrum Records A first-of-its-kind record label dedicated to amplifying and celebrating the voices of autistic artists, created in partnership with Big Night Records. The label provides a professional platform for autistic musicians to release their work on major streaming services while receiving industry-standard production, marketing, and promotional support with an artist-first model allowing musicians to retain full ownership of their masters.
• STARS of the Spectrum Golf League An adaptive golf league welcoming players with autism or other intellectual/developmental disabilities ages 10 and older with a USGA handicap index. Participants compete locally, regionally, and nationally with scores equalized based on handicap indexes and course slope ratings.
• Spectrum of Sound Choir An inclusive choir of autism self-advocates created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Singers with all levels of experience and abilities are invited to participate. The choir is featured at Flutie Foundation events and is available for hire.
• Flutie 5K for Autism Founded in 2000 as the Flutie Foundation's community event in Natick, MA, the Flutie 5K for Autism has grown to a national event with satellite locations in 10 states. The event promotes acceptance of autism through running, walking, or rolling.
• Dougie's Team for Autism
• Adaptive Program for Autistic Runners
• Flutie Fellows Program
• Joey's Fund | Hope Fund
• Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant
• Dick & Judy Hoyt Grant for Inclusion
• Armani Williams Gives Back Grant
• Allison Keller Education Technology Grants An education technology grant program created in honor of Allison Keller. Since 2012, the Flutie Foundation has granted over $900,000 to schools and organizations for programs specifically serving individuals with autism. Maximum request is $7,500.
• Autism Community Impact Grant
• Flourish Fund
• Flutie Watersports Program
• Playground Communication Boards
• Locative Tech and Equipment
• Community Police & First Responder Initiatives
• Flutie Funds Fiscal Sponsorship Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $20 million distributed to autism services over foundation's history
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Jersey Mike's SubsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor corporate partner with multiple initiatives: Flourish Fund ($100,000 grant initiative), Meals for Autism program providing free subs to autism families, and Month of Giving campaign. Partnership includes Sub-A-Day program providing complimentary meals for 500 consecutive days to autism families.
• Get Air Trampoline ParkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership during Autism Acceptance Month (April). Has raised nearly $2 million for the foundation. Partnership honors Carol Ann Iverson (sister of Get Air owner who had autism). Includes 'A Special Time for You' dedicated jump sessions for people with autism and sensory sensitivities.
• Big Night EntertainmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to create STARS of the Spectrum Records, a first-of-its-kind record label dedicated to autistic artists. Big Night provides industry-standard production, marketing, and promotional support. Label provides professional platform for autistic musicians to release music on major streaming services.
• Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresenting Sponsor of the Boston Marathon's Adaptive Program for Runners. Partnership ensures people with developmental, intellectual, and physical impairments including autism have opportunities to participate in the Boston Marathon. Foundation provides financial, human, and creative resources.
• SafetyNet TrackingcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership to provide SafetyNet tracking bracelets to caregivers of people with autism prone to wandering. Bracelets emit radio frequency signals tracked by public safety officials. Foundation provides bracelets at no cost ($550 value) including transmitter, tester, and 6-month supply of batteries.
• AccesSport AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for Flutie Watersports Program offering adaptive water sports (windsurfing, stand up paddling) at Malibu Beach in Boston. Program serves 50+ people with autism annually with 1:1 or better instructor ratio. Summer sessions run June-August.
• The Hoyt FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint partnership for Dick and Judy Hoyt Grant for Inclusion. $50,000 distributed annually to support people with autism and other disabilities in inclusive community activities including swimming, racing, horseback riding, and dance.
• Spectrum for HopecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFlutie Fund partner supporting families with multiple children with special needs. Has given over $200,000 to families for therapy, technology, respite, and leisure. Partnership expanded in 2020 to increase collective impact.
• Williams James CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to create Law Enforcement Co-Response Collaboration - a conference training program for local law enforcement agencies and first responders about best practices for community safety for individuals with autism.
• Joey's FundcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst-ever Flutie Fund created in honor of Josephine Gay who was tragically killed at Sandy Hook. Established by the Gay Family to give back to autism community. Has helped thousands of families with over $400,000 invested in direct financial support over 10 years.
• Armani Williams/Team Armani RacingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with first openly autistic NASCAR driver Armani Williams. Armani Williams Gives Back Grant provides up to $6,000 to autism-serving organizations developing travel/transportation programs for autism community.
• Kodi LeeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with America's Got Talent winner Kodi Lee for Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant supporting autistic teens and young adults (15+) in pursuing music-related opportunities including lessons, therapy, equipment, and career development up to $1,000.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Autism Speaks: Largest autism advocacy and science-focused nonprofit in the U.S., funding research, advocacy, and family services. Directly comparable to Flutie Foundation as a national autism support organization with corporate partnerships and broad donor base, though significantly larger in scale and research orientation.
• Easterseals: Large national disability services nonprofit providing autism services, therapies, and community programs across the U.S. Comparable as a broad disability-services nonprofit with similar community programs and donor-supported funding model, though operating at much larger scale.
• Special Olympics: Global nonprofit providing year-round sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. Comparable to Flutie Foundation's adaptive sports programs (running, watersports, golf) in mission and event-based community engagement, though at significantly larger scale.

Direct peers

• ACEing Autism: National nonprofit providing adaptive tennis and other sports programs for individuals with autism. Comparable to Flutie Foundation's adaptive running, watersports, and golf programs in delivering structured adaptive sports for the autism community.
• Organization for Autism Research (OAR): Autism-focused nonprofit that funds applied research and provides scholarships, kits, and resource programs for individuals and families. Directly comparable to Flutie Foundation's grantmaking model (scholarship and direct family support) and mission focus on autism community impact.
• Best Buddies International: Nonprofit creating opportunities for friendship, employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism. Comparable to Flutie Foundation in its employment/career support (Flutie Fellows) and inclusion programming orientation.
• National Autism Association: Autism nonprofit focused on safety, wandering prevention, and family support. Comparable to Flutie Foundation in its direct family support orientation and safety-related programming (e.g., SafetyNet tracking, wandering prevention resources).
• Autism Society of America: One of the oldest autism advocacy organizations, providing information/referral, advocacy, and support programs across the U.S. Closely comparable to Flutie Foundation in mission (autism support across the lifespan), chapter-based structure, and community program orientation.
• Autism Research Institute: Long-standing autism nonprofit supporting research and disseminating evidence-based information to families and practitioners. Comparable mission perimeter (autism community benefit) and donor-supported grantmaking model.

Regional players

• Asperger/Autism Network (AANE): New England-based nonprofit providing support, education, and community for individuals with autism and their families. Comparable to Flutie Foundation in its regional concentration (Massachusetts/New England), family support focus, and life-stage programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtiktok.com/@flutiefoundation
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@dougiesteam
• Facebookfacebook.com/flutiefdn
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1276135
• Instagraminstagram.com/flutiefdn
• TikToktiktok.com/@flutiefoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Doug Flutie Jr Foundation For Autism Inc