Partnerships for Progress: How Collaboration Fuels Autism Support

IRVINE, CA – November 26, 2025 – As the year draws to a close, a powerful coalition of corporate, philanthropic, and nonprofit partners has mobilized to address a critical need within the autism community. The Autism Community in Action (TACA), a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting families, has launched its annual “Your Gift, Their Future” fundraising campaign. With an ambitious goal of raising $180,000, the initiative is designed to provide essential education, resources, and a renewed sense of hope to the more than 61,000 families it serves. This year, the campaign is significantly amplified by the dedicated support of the fast-casual restaurant chain Flower Child and the Anrak Charitable Foundation, showcasing an innovative model of how collaborative impact can create meaningful change.

A Three-Pronged Approach to Community Support

The strength of the “Your Gift, Their Future” campaign lies in its synergistic structure, where each partner’s contribution multiplies the effect of the others. The fundraising effort is anchored by two key commitments that work in concert to galvanize community-wide giving.

On Giving Tuesday, December 2, Flower Child will dedicate 5% of all nationwide sales, up to $10,000, directly to TACA. This transforms every meal purchased at its 42 locations into an act of support, engaging a broad consumer base in the philanthropic effort. Simultaneously, the Anrak Charitable Foundation has pledged to match every individual donation dollar-for-dollar, up to $35,000. This powerful matching grant effectively doubles the impact of every gift, providing a compelling incentive for donors who want to see their contributions go further.

Together, these initiatives create a potential influx of at least $45,000 from the partners alone, building a strong foundation for reaching the $180,000 target. It’s a testament to the idea that collective action can achieve what no single entity could accomplish alone. "Together, we are creating meaningful change within the autism community, proving that collaboration can be the difference!" said Corina Jordan, Coordinator of the Anrak Charitable Foundation. "Together we can BE the difference."

More Than a Meal: Sustainable Corporate Partnership

Flower Child’s involvement is not a fleeting act of seasonal charity but the continuation of a deep-rooted, five-year partnership with TACA. This long-term commitment exemplifies a growing trend in corporate social responsibility, where brands build authentic, sustained relationships with causes that align with their core values. For Flower Child, known for its health-conscious and customizable menu, the connection to the autism community is deeply personal.

"Our partnership with TACA has allowed us to give back in ways that are meaningful," stated Monica Copeland, Director of Restaurants and Operations. "Flower Child customizes our menu to meet different lifestyles and dietary needs, which makes our connection with TACA a natural fit." This alignment allows the restaurant to leverage its business model for social good, creating a partnership that is both authentic to its brand and impactful for the community. As Flower Child continues to expand its national footprint, its leaders have expressed a desire to grow alongside TACA, strengthening the communities they collectively serve.

This sustained approach demonstrates how corporate philanthropy can evolve beyond a one-time donation into a strategic alliance that fosters shared growth and provides a reliable stream of support for vital nonprofit work, year after year.

Amplifying Impact: The Foundation's Role as a Catalyst

The Anrak Charitable Foundation’s role as a matching partner is a strategic move designed to catalyze broader giving. Based in Northern California, the foundation has a clear mission to support “disadvantaged children and families,” with a specific focus on individuals with autism. Their track record is substantial; in fiscal year 2023 alone, the foundation distributed over $450,000 in grants to various organizations.

By offering a $35,000 matching grant, Anrak does more than just contribute funds; it energizes the entire campaign. Matching challenges are a proven strategy in the nonprofit world, creating a sense of urgency and demonstrating a vote of confidence in the organization. Donors are motivated by the knowledge that their personal gift will be instantly doubled, allowing them to make a larger impact than they could on their own. This pledge is a significant part of Anrak's broader philanthropic strategy, which has included major grants to other organizations supporting vulnerable communities, solidifying its reputation as a key player in creating positive social change.

Translating Dollars into Hope and Help

Ultimately, the success of the “Your Gift, Their Future” campaign will be measured not just in dollars raised, but in the tangible support delivered to families navigating the complexities of the autism journey. In a landscape where autism services remain chronically underfunded—a challenge exacerbated by pandemic-related disruptions and workforce shortages—TACA’s programs are a lifeline for many. The $180,000 goal is directly tied to funding these critical, often free, services.

These funds enable TACA to provide free educational meetings and host its annual National Autism Conference, which drew over 2,400 registrants in its 2021 virtual format, nearly half of whom were new to the organization. This demonstrates a significant and ongoing need for accessible, expert-led information. Furthermore, the funds support TACA’s vibrant online Hope and Help support group, connecting its 61,000-plus members and mitigating the profound sense of isolation many families experience. Research has shown that such online communities can significantly improve mental health outcomes and coping strategies for caregivers.

Beyond these flagship programs, donations support a suite of resources including parent mentor programs, scholarships, and webinars. By converting its offerings to be more virtual and scalable, TACA has been able to “consistently reach and help more families at a lower cost with more consistency.” This fundraising campaign ensures that these essential tools remain accessible, empowering parents and caregivers with the knowledge and community they need to help their children thrive.