You can continue our founder’s pioneering legacy, creating a better, fairer world for all autistic people.
What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It’s what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.
Dame Stephanie Shirley
Through intentional philanthropy, our founder, Dame Stephanie 'Steve' Shirley, created meaningful change for the autistic community.
The Steve Shirley Pioneers Fund is an unrestricted fund that echoes our founder’s focus on confronting urgent challenges with bold innovation and real-world impact.
Steve was a trailblazing philanthropist who believed in finding practical solutions to some of the biggest barriers facing autistic people, like her late son Giles.
You can continue Steve’s powerful legacy by joining the Steve Shirley Pioneers Fund with a donation of £10,000 or more.
The Steve Shirley Pioneer Fund isn't just a tribute; it's a continuation of Steve’s life's work – ensuring pioneering research happens faster and that we keep moving towards the world Steve so deeply wanted for her late son, Giles.
Kate Bright, Chair of the Steve Shirley Pioneer Fund
Become a Steve Shirley Pioneer by pledging £10,000 or more
- Back innovative ideas that help shape national policies for autistic people.
- Rapidly scale impactful projects, reaching autistic people and their families sooner.
- Continue Steve’s legacy of transformational change for the whole autistic community.
Benefits for Pioneers
- Be part of an innovative community – including intimate events and opportunities to help shape and grow the Pioneer community.
- Get closer to the work. You’ll receive personal updates from our CEO and hear from our researchers, experts, and global leaders.
- Connect with Autistica's network – including trustees, ambassadors, senior researchers and our wider research and policy networks.
- Recognition opportunities, such as featuring on our Pioneers Fund page (optional). We will also send you a Steve Shirley Pioneer badge for your email signature.
To find out more about the Steve Shirley Pioneers Fund and how you can join the community, complete the form below. Stephen and Yasmine in our Major Giving Team will be in touch to arrange an informal chat