Autism Forward Cio

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £159,521 (2025 financial year)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Up to £1,800 per applicant
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales

Contact Details

• Website: www.autismforward.org.uk
• Email: info@autismforward.org.uk
• Phone: 07545370828
• Registered Address: 37 Granville Park, London SE13 7DY

Overview

Founded in 2017, AUTISM FORWARD CIO (Charity Number 1171704) is a charitable incorporated organization dedicated to improving employment outcomes for autistic adults. With an annual expenditure of approximately £160,000, the charity operates with no paid employees or fixed overheads, ensuring all donations directly fund mentoring support. The organization addresses the critical employment gap for autistic adults, where only 16% are in full-time work - a figure that has remained unchanged for over a decade. AUTISM FORWARD's approach focuses on funding specialist one-to-one mentoring to help autistic adults prepare for, find, and maintain employment.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Employment Mentoring Grants: Up to £1,800 per applicant
• Funds specialist mentoring support for employment preparation
• Application via approved mentors only
• Possible grant extension at trustees' discretion

Priority Areas

• Employment-focused mentoring and support
• Pre-employment coaching and skills training
• Social inclusion initiatives for autistic adults aged 18+
• Workplace preparation and job retention support

What They Don't Fund

• Direct payments to individuals
• Support for those under 18
• Non-employment related activities
• Services outside England and Wales
• Support from non-approved mentors

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

• Ann Leverett (Chair/Treasurer) - Experienced nonprofit management professional with expertise in budgeting, business planning, and operations management
• Jane Pierce (Secretary) - Qualified solicitor with over 20 years in banking and finance law; has an adult stepdaughter with non-verbal autism
• Dr. Elif Gokcen (Trustee) - Former specialist autism consultant with AS Mentoring Limited and student advisor for The National Autistic Society, with six years supporting individuals with ASC through higher education into employment
• Helen Needham (Trustee) - Works in Data Practice at Capco; founder of their Employee Neurodiversity Network. As Helen states: "After a lifetime of feeling out of step, it is empowering to say: 'this is me' and acknowledge that I am different. Different, not less."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be made through an approved specialist mentor from AUTISM FORWARD's approved list. The process involves:

1. Initial consultation with an approved mentor (often free)
2. Mentor confirms appropriate support can be provided
3. Mentor asks applicant to complete grant application form
4. Mentor submits form to trustees for approval

Getting on Their Radar

Since applications must go through approved mentors, individuals seeking support should:

• Contact mentors from the approved list directly for initial consultation
• Work with mentors who operate in their geographic area or offer remote support
• Ensure they meet eligibility criteria before engaging with a mentor

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly specified, though applications are reviewed by trustees when sufficient funds are available.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. Eligible applicants not awarded grants due to insufficient funds are placed on a waiting list.

Reapplication Policy

Grant extensions possible at trustees' discretion. Waiting list maintained for eligible applicants when funds become available.

Application Success Factors

Based on AUTISM FORWARD's specific criteria and approach:

• Priority given to first-time applicants - Those who haven't had previous employment-related mentoring receive priority
• Clear demonstration of financial need - Evidence of inability to self-fund mentoring strengthens applications
• Appropriate mentor match - Work with mentors from the approved list who specialize in your specific needs
• Complete documentation required - Written evidence of autism diagnosis (or active diagnosis seeking) is mandatory
• Employment readiness - Must be unemployed but able to work, having left full-time education
• Geographic eligibility - Must be legally entitled to live and work in England and Wales

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Applications must be submitted through approved mentors - direct applications not accepted
• Maximum grant of £1,800 focuses on intensive, targeted support rather than long-term funding
• Priority explicitly given to those without previous employment mentoring
• Organization operates lean with no overhead costs - all funds go directly to mentoring
• Waiting list maintained for when funds become available - worth applying even if funds currently limited
• Mentoring can be delivered remotely, expanding access beyond geographic constraints
• Focus on employment outcomes aligns with addressing the 16% full-time employment rate for autistic adults

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• IMPETUS - THE PRIVATE EQUITY FOUNDATION
• Elifar Foundation Limited
• Personal Best Foundation
• THE JONES 1986 CHARITABLE TRUST
• CABWI AWARDING BODY
• THE TRUEMARK TRUST
• The John Armitage Charitable Trust
• Masonic Charitable Foundation
• The Rayne Trust
• THE KENORA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

References

• AUTISM FORWARD official website (www.autismforward.org.uk) -
• AUTISM FORWARD Grants page (www.autismforward.org.uk/grants/) -
• AUTISM FORWARD About page (www.autismforward.org.uk/about/) -
• AUTISM FORWARD Mentoring page (www.autismforward.org.uk/mentoring/) -
• AUTISM FORWARD Find a Mentor page (www.autismforward.org.uk/mentoring/find-a-mentor/) -
• Charity Commission Register - AUTISM FORWARD CIO (1171704) Full Print Report -
• Women in Data article on AUTISM FORWARD and Helen Needham -