Funding search · autism · California
Who funds autism work in California
15 funders have a record of paying for autism work by California recipients: 34 grants totaling $15.0M, most recently in 2025 — mostly private foundations, plus grantmaking charities. The largest by matched giving are Sergey Brin Family Foundation ($13.1M), Eagles Autism Challenge ($1.2M) and Martha Washington Straus-Harry H Straus ($60,000).
From IRS Form 990-PF and 990 Schedule I filings, 2019–2025. Grants already paid to California recipients — evidence of what these funders back, not open calls.
Largest: $5.6M to BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY — support for autism research
Eagles Autism ChallengePhiladelphia, PACharity · may take applications
3 matching grants · $1.2M · through 2024Largest: $400,000 to UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS — autism research
Largest: $15,000 to AUTISM RESEARCH INSTITUTE — medical research
Tisbest PhilanthropySeattle, WACharity · may take applications
5 matching grants · $61,750 · through 2024Largest: $15,983 to AUTISM RESEARCH INSTITUTE — see tisbest mission
Largest: $10,000 to AUTISM RESEARCH INSTITUTE — conducts research and disseminates the results of research on the causes of autism and methods of preventing diagnosing and treating autism.
Foundation for California CommunitySacramento, CACharity · may take applications
3 matching grants · $299,968 · through 2024Largest: $210,497 to NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM RESEARCH — breaking barriers
Largest: $7,500 to AUTISM RESEARCH INSTITUTE — to support individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families
Donors TrustAlexandria, VACharity · may take applications
2 matching grants · $30,000 · through 2024Largest: $15,000 to Autism Research Institute — for general operations
Largest: $5,000 to AUTISM RESEARCH INSTITUTE — general & unrestricted
Largest: $50,000 to MULTIPLE HUB INC — autism services
Largest: $10,000 to Autism Research Institute — scientific research
For Autistic Kids FoundationGlenview, ILCharity · may take applications
1 matching grant · $50,000 · through 2022Largest: $50,000 to Autism Research Institute — to support the general charitable purpose of the organization.
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Start with one paperBroader: autism funders nationally · all California-based grantmakers