Last World Autism Awareness Month, we ran a telephone fundraising campaign, speaking to potential regular donors about our work to find treatments that work in helping autistic people that don’t speak with language and communications. 

The results were amazing: so many of you wanted to share your family’s experience of autism and get more involved.  This is why we have decided to run this campaign again, giving people who care about autism the chance to learn more about our work, participate and help us raise funds. 

This year we are launching three whole new areas of research, looking at language and communication, and life saving treatments for epilepsy and mental health problems.In the last few weeks we launched a new tool Molehill Mountain, to help autistic individuals learn more about their anxiety. 

To support this growth and create the research that will give longer, healthier, happier autistic lives as soon as possible we need supporters to give regularly, so we can start to develop sustainable funds for our projects. Our telephone fundraising campaign will help us reach thousands of people who care about autism.

Why are we using telephone fundraising?

Telephone fundraising is one of the most efficient and successful ways to inspire more people to support us and find new donors committed to giving regularly. It helps us to raise income to fund and grow our research. Our test in April also showed us how many of you want more information about the interventions we are creating.

Are we using an agency?

Yes, we are working closely with an agency Stratcom who will be reaching out to those that care about autism and autism research online and via telephone, where they have permission. Working this way is more cost effective and gives us access to professional and experienced fundraisers. All of the fundraisers are highly trained, passionate and motivated by our mission.

Is it regulated?

We will be training all our callers and telling them about Autistica and ensuring they are autism aware. We will closely monitor our telephone campaigns and also carry out mystery shopping, ensuring that the agencies are carrying out fundraising to a high standard and always follow the Institute of Fundraising code of practice.

How do I know if the fundraisers are genuine?

All of our fundraisers working on behalf of Autistica will announce that they are calling from Stratcom and on behalf of us. Our calls will take place in August, September and October. Our fundraisers will ask for Direct Debit donations and if at any point you feel uncomfortable you can stop the call and they can have you sign up via our website.

Is signing up to give a Direct Debit secure?

Direct Debits are easy, safe and secure, giving you control on how much you wish to give. You can change your donation amount or cancel it at any time. Your Direct Debit is protected by the UK’s Direct Debit guarantee, which protects you in the rare event that there is an error in the payment and lets you cancel your Direct Debit at any time.