MUSIC FOR AUTISM INC

As part of our efforts to increase our impact, Music for Autism has sought and secured funding to expand; we have experienced revenue growth of 77% since 2014, demonstrating our ability to acquire and manage funding with a lean administrative staff. As a result of this financial growth, in 2015 we were able to hire our first full-time employee, our Chief Executive Officer.
Music for Autism's experience in providing extensive programming on a small budget will serve us in good stead, allowing us to grow while maintaining our solid fiscal standing.

Programmatic Activity
Because they are specifically designed to meet the needs of people with autism, all Music for Autism performances share similar characteristics. M4A performances:
• are presented by outstanding professional musicians who have completed the Music for Autism performer training protocol
• are presented in an open space to allow participants a wide range of interaction with the performers, including listening quietly, dancing, singing along, and/or moving about the space
• are typically comprised of shorter pieces to accommodate a shorter attention span
• include sections in which audience members may conduct the performer(s) and/or play small percussion instruments along with the music
Project Activities
Over the course of the coming year, M4A will present 35 concerts in the states of New York, Maryland, Texas, and California. To better serve those whose first language is not English, several concert will be presented bilingually (in English and Spanish). All will be open to the autism community and presented free of charge.

Advocacy and Capacity-Building
As part of our mission to build capacity for inclusive programming in the arts and beyond, M4A works with its partners to increase awareness of the special needs of their patrons with autism. Staff from partner organizations are always involved in our productions, and are encouraged to complete the volunteer training program and serve as volunteers. Music for Autism provides the expertise required for these organizations to create a more inclusive environment for a historically underserved population.

Organizational Partners
Music for Autism (M4A) partners with performing arts venues that donate performance space for M4A events. When selecting partners, we seek venues with a commitment to the disability community and to inclusive programming, as well as a strong history of outreach to underserved communities and/or a track record of presenting excellent artistic programming.
Our partners contribute tens of thousands of dollars worth of donated performance space, and also assist in concert promotion through their own networks. Partners look to M4A for guidance in presenting inclusive performances that is welcoming to people with autism, utilizing M4A's expertise and unique performer and volunteer training programs to enrich their programming.
Currently, M4A partners with eight organizations in four states. The oldest of these partnerships was established in 2007, the newest in 2016.

Promotion and Publicity
Music for Autism (M4A) will promote project performances in a variety of ways. Through our own social media networks, email list, and direct mail list, we reach thousands of people nationwide. Each venue also promotes its performances through its own channels and networks, including social media, flyers and posters, and direct mail.

M4A promotes its performances to the autism community through various autism support and advocacy groups, including not-for-profits, parent groups, and educational institutions. We also distribute information through community centers and public and private schools serving students with disabilities.

Fortunately, our intended audience is quite specific (families affected by autism), and therefore, relatively easy to target through existing organizations and networks that serve the same constituents.

Our ultimate goal is to bring music individuals with autism and their families and awareness to end the stigma.

Music for Autism would like to reach more families in additional cities across the nation. We have been in 5 and 6 states but after reassessing the programs decided it would best benefit the program to secure a Program Coordinator in each city and state. We hope to acquire the necessary funds to reach this goal.