The Eagles Autism Foundation has announced that 54 projects specializing in cutting-edge autism research and care will receive $10.8 million in funding. The grants are a direct result of the proceeds raised by participants from the 2025 Eagles Autism Challenge, in addition to other foundation-related fundraising initiatives throughout the year. Since 2018, the Eagles Autism Foundation has invested more than $40 million to help fund 223 research projects and community grants, adding to the Foundation's total impact of $50 million raised and counting.
A total of 267 letters of intent — the most ever in a single year — were submitted for research grant funding in 2025. The projects were narrowed down to 52 full proposals that went through a comprehensive evaluation process. Each project was carefully reviewed by an independent team of scientists who have demonstrated a clear and steadfast commitment to autism research, services, and programs. It was then determined that 20 projects would be awarded to institutions conducting cutting-edge autism research and care worldwide. The funding will support 13 pilot grants, four post-doctoral fellowships, and three translational grants – a new grant category that includes a three-year investment for research.
The four post-doctoral fellowships will directly support the groundbreaking work at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Penn. This strategic approach reflects Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie's vision to invest strategically in the partner institutions supporting the Lurie Autism Institute. Announced in June 2025, the new joint venture – made possible by a generous $50 million gift from the Lurie family – was established to spark a new era of scientific discovery in autism.
"It is rewarding to know that our financial investment this year will support the next generation of scientific researchers and leaders who are all working hard to accelerate treatment for the autism community," said Lurie. "While we are proud to celebrate another record-setting year for the Eagles Autism Foundation, it comes at an unfortunate time where too many institutions are having their funding cut. Now more than ever, we need to invest in science and prioritize those who need our help. We are beyond grateful for Dr. DiCicco-Bloom and his esteemed panel of colleagues for putting in the time, once again, to evaluate these projects and drive meaningful progress in autism research."
The approved research projects spanned the range of building on current and effective programs to topics and approaches that were novel, exploratory, and innovative. The community grants were distributed to projects that proved to be evidence-based, were aligned with the Eagles Autism Foundation mission, and provided an immediate need in the community.
The institutions receiving grant funding include: A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital – Harvard Medical School, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (two post-doctoral fellowships and translational grant), Children’s National, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Stanford University, Stony Brook University, University of California San Francisco, University of Geneva, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Pennsylvania (two post-doctoral fellowships), and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The institutions that have been awarded translational grants include Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (Drs. Muhammad Saleh and Emily Kuschner), Stanford University (Dr. Yu Zhang and John Hegarty), and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Drs. Xinyu Zhao and Shaoqin Gong).
In addition to the approved institutions, funds will also support 34 community projects and initiatives that are actively enhancing the lives of those affected by autism through a variety of services and resources. Grants have been awarded to: A Step Up Academy, CASA, Coffee Closet with Barista Jake, Common Space, Comprehensive Learning Center, Devereux, Elwyn, Huddle Up for Autism, KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools, KultureCity Barefoot Country Music Fest, KultureCity Super Bowl LIX, Melmark, Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia, No Limits Café, Office for People with Disabilities (City of Philadelphia), Pathway School, Penn State Health, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Zoo, Potential, Raise the Bar, Saint Joseph’s University, Shore Medical Center, Special Equestrians, Special Olympics Pennsylvania, SPIN, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, St. John of God Community Services, Stratford Friends School, TGR Learning Lab, Theatre Horizon, Thomas Jefferson University, Timothy School, and Variety – The Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley.
The research proposals were assessed by Dr. Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom, the lead scientific advisor from the Rutgers Health Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and 23 internationally-recognized researchers who were individually selected based on the areas represented in the research proposals. The following criteria were closely considered in weighing the merit of each application: significance, investigator(s), innovation, approach, and environment. All research proposals were evaluated for measurable outcomes and transformational impact in the field of autism.
For more information on the 2025 scientific review process and the funded institutions, please visit EaglesAutismChallenge.org/our-impact-2025/.
The 9th annual Eagles Autism Challenge presented by Lincoln Financial will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026. To register for the event, visit EaglesAutismChallenge.org. New participants will have their registration fee waived by using promo code "GRANTS" when signing up.
About Eagles Autism Foundation
The Eagles Autism Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for innovative autism research and care programs. By providing the necessary resources to doctors and scientists at leading institutions, we will be able to assist those currently affected by autism, as well as future generations. The Foundation aims to inspire and engage the community, so together, we can provide much-needed support to make a lasting impact in the field of autism. Please visit EaglesAutismFoundation.org.
