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Amrap 4 Autism Foundation

EIN 81-3459371 · Waxhaw, NC

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood77 out of 100GovernanceWeak35 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Autism Strong Foundation provides financial support, community resources, and inclusive programming to empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Our programs promote accessibility to therapeutic services, increase autism awareness, and foster acceptance and inclusion throughout our communities.

Income
$1.1 million
Spending
$1.2 million
Spent on programs
77%
Reserves
9 months of spending
Largest source of income
other income, 100%
Employees
6
Volunteers
110
Highest pay
$115,608, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 77 out of 100. Higher than 63% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 9.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes -0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 8% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    77% of spending went to programs.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Weak: 35 out of 100. Higher than 3% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 9 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    0 of 5

    Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    0 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (7)
  1. $822,346 spent. Summary Across all programs and services, Autism Strong Foundation continues to address the unique needs of individuals with autism and their families?from early childhood through adulthood. Through financial assistance, therapeutic access, community support, and inclusion-driven programming, the Foundation works to build a stronger, more accepting, and more supportive community for all.
  2. $112,289 spent. ConnectStrong - Education Conference (New in 2024) New for 2024, the ConnectStrong Education Conference was developed to provide families a low-cost event with direct access to community resources, local experts, and specialized knowledge to better support their autistic children. This full-day educational event featured two keynote speakers and 16 breakout sessions, offering parents an in-depth understanding of autism as well as practical guidance on navigating the educational, legal, behavioral, therapeutic, and special-needs systems. Connect Strong created a comprehensive learning environment where caregivers could connect with professionals, gather actionable information, and build confidence in advocating for their child?s needs. Impact (2024): 126 caregivers attended the event in its first year.
  3. $13,982 spent. Sensory Friendly Events
  4. Landon's Hope Scholarship reflects our commitment to supporting families who are unable to afford necessary autism-related therapy services. Inspired by the Thoms Family, who experienced firsthand the transformative impact of early and consistent intervention, this program provides direct funding for therapy hours for children with autism. Impact (2024): 78 individuals with autism received full annual-coverage funding for therapy services through our grant and scholarship programs. An additional 21 individuals with autism received 70-90% annual-coverage funding for therapy services. These scholarships reduce financial burdens on families and support long-term developmental and behavioral improvements for children receiving therapy.
  5. Emergency Fund Grant In 2023, Autism Strong Foundation launched an Emergency Fund Grant to provide critical, immediate assistance to families facing urgent needs. Eligible families may apply for support with therapy coverage, bill-pay forgiveness, or essential needs like rent/food or bill coverage for a month, as well as expenses associated with obtaining an autism diagnosis. The Emergency Fund was fully depleted by July 2024 due to overwhelming need. Impact: 46 families received $100,000 in urgent support through this program, enabling many newly diagnosed children to begin therapy services sooner than they otherwise would.
  6. Angels 4 Autism - Holiday Relief Program Angels 4 Autism is designed to alleviate the financial and emotional stress of the holiday season for local families affected by autism. Families may apply directly or be nominated by schools, service providers, or community members. Our team collaborates closely with each family to ensure they receive appropriate gifts, household necessities, and essential support. Impact (2024): 85 children with autism received customized holiday gifts. A total of 333 family members were supported with over 1,500 items/gifts, food, gas cards, and household essentials. And additional 7 families were supported with a food-only grant of $500
  7. Campership Program Autism Strong Foundation believes deeply in the power of inclusive recreation, social skill development, and community engagement for individuals with autism. Through our Campership Program, we partner with nonprofit organizations such as Camp Royall and Camp Blue Skies to financially support campers of all ages, covering tuition and fees for specialized summer camps, social clubs, and group-based recreational experiences. Impact (2024): 39 camperships were awarded, enabling children, teens, and adults with autism to attend specialized camp experiences that foster social growth, independence, and lifelong friendships.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since August 2016.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.