Wellesley MA.– iCan Fly, Inc., a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible programs for children on the autism spectrum, is proud to announce that it has been awarded an Autism Community Impact Grant from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism in the amount of $8,000.

This grant will support iCan Fly’s core programming, including Inclusive Art, Adaptive Sports, and Inclusive Cooking, which together will benefit more than 120 autistic children by providing welcoming, structured, and sensory-aware environments where participants can learn, express themselves, and build meaningful social connections.

Through this funding, iCan Fly will expand access to these programs by supporting instructional costs, adaptive equipment and materials, and operational needs, helping to reduce financial barriers for families. Each program is designed to meet children where they are, emphasizing flexibility, inclusion, and positive engagement while fostering creativity, physical activity, independence, and confidence.

“Inclusive opportunities should not be limited by a child’s abilities or a family’s resources,” said Wanning Jiang, President of iCan Fly, Inc. “Support from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism allows us to strengthen and grow programs that bring autistic children together through art, movement, and daily life skills like cooking, while also supporting families and building community.”

“The Flutie Foundation Autism Community Impact Grant helps our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community,” said 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 FLUTIE FOUNDATION

Former NFL Quarterback, Doug Flutie, and his wife Laurie started the Doug Flutie, Jr. Flutie 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.

ABOUT iCan Fly, Inc.

iCan Fly, Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering autistic children and their families through inclusive, community-based programs. By offering activities such as inclusive art, adaptive sports, and inclusive cooking, iCan Fly works to create safe and supportive spaces where participants can develop skills, confidence, and lasting connections.