Golf For All is pleased to announce it is a recipient of the Autism Community Impact Grant of $7,500 from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. The Autism Community Impact Grant is awarded through an application process and historically supports traditionally under-served, under-funded, culturally diverse communities reflected in the Flutie Foundation’s areas of impact.
“Golf For All is deeply committed to serving people with autism,” said Fred Corcoran, Executive Director of Golf For All.”This grant will go directly toward supporting and expanding our free golf clinics for people with autism that we hold six months of the year for nearly 100 golfers in Greater Boston. We are tremendously grateful to the Flutie Foundation for this generous contribution.”
“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.”
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.
The New England Patriots have honored Golf For All Co-Founder Jerry Donovan for his years of selfless volunteerism as a “Patriots Difference Maker of the Week.” Because of Jerry’s well-deserved recognition, Golf For All will receive a grant from the Patriots of $10,000.
The Patriots’ Celebrate Volunteerism initiative aims to share examples of dedicated volunteers, build awareness of the need for volunteering, identify and educate others about volunteer opportunities and inspire New Englanders to follow the Kraft family’s example of becoming lifelong volunteers. The Patriots shared this on their website:
Jerry has dedicated the last two decades of his life to service, using his own spinal cord injury to inspire and support others. After an accident in 1999 left him paralyzed, he began peer mentoring visiting newly injured patients. His role is simple but powerful – showing up with a smile in his wheelchair, offering honesty about the difficulties ahead but encouraging others with perseverance, love and support, they can rebuild meaningful lives.
Jerry co-founded the organization in 2011 and is dedicated to making the game of golf accessible for individuals of all disabilities and backgrounds to foster inclusive, individual growth and community engagement. Since then, he organizes free clinics, mentors participants and fosters a welcoming community where individuals with disabilities can experience joy and connection.
More than just recreation, Jerry has created belonging; children, adults with autism, and people with mobility challenges have found friendship, empowerment and encouragement. He also worked with local recreation centers to secure adaptive “Paragolfers”, devices that allow wheelchair users to stand and swing at local golf courses.
Jerry has used his story to uplift others and shows patients what resilience looks like. For many patients, meeting Jerry is the first time they believe in their own potential.
If you would like to support the work that we do with the help of volunteers like Jerry Donovan, please consider making a tax deductible donation to to Golf For All. As a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, our EIN is 27-4514262.
