WALTHAM (January 29, 2025): The Arc of Massachusetts, the Waltham-based disability advocacy nonprofit, is pleased to announce it is a recipient of an Autism Community Impact Grant of $10,000 from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. These funds will be used to connect economically disadvantaged, diverse, underserved individuals with an experienced consultant to provide individualized support around problem solving, resource identification, access, and advocacy. The Autism Community Impact Grant is awarded through an application process and historically supports traditionally underserved, under-funded, culturally diverse communities reflected in the Flutie Foundation’s areas of impact.
Through this grant, The Arc of Massachusetts will expand its SUPPORTbroker program to provide culturally diverse individuals and their families with direct, customized consultative services to meet their priority needs. At least 10 families will have the benefit of an experienced consultant to assist with their priority concerns, improve their access to services, strengthen their own advocacy, and develop their leadership skills to share with their community. In addition to having an immediate impact on those families served, the information gained will be used to improve the organization’s education, advocacy, and outreach to their communities, as well as assist in developing a sustainable model going forward.
Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts, expressed her gratitude for the support of the Flutie Foundation: “The Arc of Massachusetts is delighted to have received this grant. It will allow us to provide high quality services to members of a community who are generally underserved.”
“The Flutie Foundation Autism Community Impact Grant helps our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community,” says Nick Savarese, Executive Director of The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. “Programs like these help people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.”
About The Arc of Massachusetts
For 70 years, The Arc of Massachusetts has been working to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families. We fulfill this through advocacy for community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society. To learn more, visit thearcofmass.org.
About The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism
Former NFL Quarterback, Doug Flutie, and his wife Laurie started the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism in 1998 after their son, Dougie, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Their experience of raising a son with autism inspired them to help others on the challenging journey. Over its history, the Flutie Foundation has distributed over $20 million to schools and organizations who provide clinical therapies, recreational programs, social skills training, and more for people with autism. The Flutie Foundation also provides education technology tools, adaptive camp scholarships, safety equipment, and direct family support through its partnerships and special initiatives.
