The National Autistic Taskforce was founded in 2018 by Dr Dinah Murray, a well known autistic community member and an independent researcher and campaigner. Dinah died in 2021 and is sadly missed personally and professionally by many.
Dinah was passionate about increasing the autonomy of autistic people, providing advice, assistance, encouragement and support to many throughout her life.
To commemorate Dinah’s life and to continue her work supporting autistic people to live the best lives that we can, as well as to remember her enthusiasm for seeing other autistic people ‘doing’ and succeeding, we have decided to start a Founders Award. The award will offer one off financial grants to autistic people based in the UK to support them in pursuing work that would be in line with Dinah’s previous work and wishes.
Activities that may attract funding may include (but are not limited to) setting up a local group for autistic people in your area, overcoming a personal obstacle that is holding you back (e.g. learning to drive or decluttering), completing a counselling course, academic study and more. We are keen to hear about projects or activities that will benefit not only yourself but the wider autistic community in some way.
Applicants may apply for any amount between £100 to £1000 but please note that we are more likely to offer several small awards rather than one large one.
The fund will be open for applications in July 2025 and close on the 28th of February 2026, shortlisted applicants will be notified by 2 weeks before the 31st of March 2026, and we will announce the successful projects on May 27th (Dinah’s birthday). Shortlisted candidates may be asked to meet with or communicate with NAT directors in a way that suits both parties before a final decision is made. We are sorry but due to limited administrative capacity we will not be to reply to unsuccessful applicants.
If you are in a position to do so, please consider donating to NAT to help us make sure that the Founders Award can benefit as many Autistic people as possible and continue to help Autistic people in the coming years.