Financial Relief Program - Direct Support to a Family
Help get families off the waitlist and into the services they need.
The Challenge
Canadian families with autistic children face significant economic hardship:
- Waitlists for government autism funding can be as long as five years—leaving children without vital early supports.
- The lifetime cost of supporting an autistic individual is estimated to be $5.5 million higher than for non-autistic individuals.
- Families often pay out of pocket for therapy, home modifications, and transportation, which comes at the expense of other necessities.
- Inflation, housing costs, and government and school cutbacks have only made the pressures worse.
The Solution
Geneva Centre for Autism Financial Relief Program
Annually, the Financial Relief Program supports families that are most in need. In Winter 2025, families will receive subsidies to support their children in our ABA Classroom Program or Summer Camp. Your donation will support specific families in dire financial need so they can access our life-changing programs as soon as possible.
Join donors such as the Elpida Autism Foundation, a Toronto-based charity founded by Themy and Paula Koutrakos in honour of their son, Matthew, who have committed $50,000 in Financial Relief subsidies. This, combined with $200,000 in subsidies from the Geneva Centre for Autism, means that even more deserving families will benefit.
Contact Us to Learn More
For families wishing to apply for a Financial Relief Subsidy, click here.
Directly Support a Program
Help offset the cost of specific programs to make access more achievable.
The Challenge
- Autism services are costly due to the specialized staff, adapted facilities, and customized program materials.
- Some program spots are subsidized with government funding, but these spots are filled within minutes of opening.
The Solution
Geneva Centre Program Funding
Your donation of $5,000 or more can be directed toward a program of your choosing, helping to subsidize program fees equally for our program participants.
These programs include:
- ABA Social Skills
- Summer and Winter camp
- Adult Social Club
- Community Enrichment Program
- Respite
- Translation & Transportation Services
- ... and many more
Join a community of generous individuals, family foundations, and corporate partners who support programs that align with their impact strategy.
Speak with one of our staff members to determine the type of impact you wish to have on our community. As a program funder, you will receive a report on the program you support.
We are happy to customize a partnership that works for you.
Contact Us to Learn More
Talk to Our Team
Marie Desmarteau
Vice President, Foundation
416-322-7877 ext. 318
Foundation@autism.net