Fundraising for Autism: 7 Easy Ways to Show Support
April is National Autism Awareness Month, and April 2nd is considered World Autism Awareness Day. Since the 1970s, these fundraising events have helped educate the public on inclusion, appreciation, and acceptance, while also encouraging people to take action, such as fundraising for autism, which many people do on GoFundMe’s fundraising platform.
According to Policygenius, Autism Speaks calculates that the total expense to raise a child with autism could run as high as $2.4 million. These costs can range from therapy and treatment to special education and equipment. It is the high price tag that leads so many families to crowdfund for support. The following post shares seven impactful fundraiser ideas to show support and raise awareness for the autism community.
7 ways to take action for autism
1. Get educated about autism
Have you heard of the autism spectrum? How can you tell whether a child has autism at a young age?
The Autism Society provides a number of resources to help individuals learn more about autism and support their loved ones. The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) further provides a window into how autistic people are speaking out as part of the neurodiversity and disability rights movements. These initiatives support and highlight people with autism, helping to ensure inclusion and visibility.
2. Share your story on social media
If you personally have a relationship with someone with autism or are on the spectrum, sharing your own experience on social media can be super impactful. Personal stories foster connections, combat stigma, and motivate others to learn, to give, and to get involved.
You might share your experiences through videos, images, or thoughtful posts during Autism Awareness Month. It’s a powerful way to raise awareness and uplift the community.
3. Start autism fundraising to support a loved one
Many families turn to GoFundMe for autism fundraising to help cover therapy, sensory tools, autism research, and other essential needs. Here are just a few powerful examples of real-life fundraising efforts:
Raegan’s Autism Hug Machine
Raegan’s parents launched a fundraising page to help buy a therapeutic “hug machine” for their autistic daughter, similar to the one Dr. Temple Grandin created for herself. It offered Raegan a non-drug-based way to relieve anxiety and reduce self-harm. Their fundraiser was met with overwhelming community support.
Child with Autism needs safe sleep
Jennifer’s three-year-old son Christopher’s biggest challenge was getting a good night’s sleep. He would often get out of his crib or bed and end up injuring himself. Because her insurance wouldn’t cover it, Jennifer turned to GoFundMe to buy a safe bed for her son. Thanks to generous donors, she was finally able to get her son a safe place to sleep.
Autism Service Dog for Axton
Ashley raised over $5,000 to get her son, Axton, a service dog named Ultron. The dog has already made a noticeable difference in Axton’s life by offering comfort, safety, and structure, demonstrating the vital role support animals can play for autistic individuals. Read our blog on service dog fundraising to learn more.
4. Launch a fundraiser that promotes autism awareness
Crowdfunding doesn’t just raise money, it also shares stories and educates the public. Whether you’re fundraising individually or trying to activate your network, your actions can help generate a wave of awareness.
Think about unique ways to engage your network. Host a movie night showing sensory-friendly films. Hold a bake sale, karaoke night, or silent auction that supports local nonprofit programs. Every share helps educate your audience. Get inspired by these fundraisers:
Sensory-Friendly Santa Autism Event
The “Sensory-Friendly Santa of Sayreville” was created to give children with autism a chance to meet Santa in a calm, in-person setting, free from crowds, bright lights, and loud sounds. It became a cherished autism event, filling the gap in local services for families.
Ryan’s Autism Summer Camp Adventure
Raising children is never cheap, and Ryan has needs that neurotypical kids usually don’t have, like chew toys, a special diet, weighted blankets, and noise-cancelling headphones. So when Ryan was accepted to an accessible camp, his parents needed a little help with the expenses. Thanks to their GoFundMe fundraiser, they were thrilled to give a camp experience to their beloved little guy.
5. Volunteer at a local event for autism awareness
Not everyone can donate, but many can give their time. During April, countless autism awareness events pop up around the country, often organized by local businesses or nonprofit organizations.
Visit the Autism Society’s affiliate network to find volunteer opportunities near you. Help with setup, guest support, fundraising coordination, or social media promotion for upcoming autism events. Every action counts.
6. Host your own awareness and fundraising event
If you’re feeling inspired to lead your own fundraising event, here are a few crowd-friendly ideas:
- Car wash
- Yard sale
- Talent show
- Golf tournament
- Fun run
- Silent auction
- Facebook fundraisers
Work with local businesses for food, prizes, or sponsorship. Collaborate with schools, churches, or youth groups to reach a wider audience. Host an inclusive, welcoming event to strengthen your community and support a good cause.
Pro tip: Use ASERT’s sensory-friendly event guide to make your event more accessible to people with autism.
7. Donate to a meaningful autism cause
If starting your own fundraiser isn’t your thing, you can still make an impact. Find a fundraising page that resonates with you, perhaps one benefiting family members, covering education costs, or raising funds for autism research. Or explore GoFundMe’s current autism-related fundraisers and find one that speaks to you.
After donating, don’t forget to share the fundraiser across social media. Sharing multiplies impact and helps your network find ways to give.
Autism fundraising and awareness go hand in hand
Autism Awareness Month is a great time to help support people with autism by fundraising. Get educated about autism and help others do the same. Share your fundraiser, or someone else’s, on social media. Raise funds for a friend, loved one, or family in need. Volunteer at an event with an Autism Society affiliate near you. The fundraising tips in this post will help show your support for the autism community in a way that’s compassionate and effective.
Create a fundraising page, share it throughout Autism Awareness Month, and support people in the autism community.