Autism SA Workplace Giving Program No matter how big or small, every donation makes a difference. Workplace Giving is an effective way for employees to regularly donate to a charitable organisation through automated payroll deductions, through your pre-tax dollars. Workplace giving is optional. Both the employee and the employer must agree to participate. To set up a Workplace Giving Program the charitable organisation must have: - A deductible gift recipient (DGR) status (Autism SA has the DGR status) - Your employer might also consider matching donations, dollar for dollar - Your donations will reduce your taxable income, so you benefit every pay. - You do not need receipts for your donations, your donations will be included in your annual employer s PAYG payment summary. - It doesn t affect your gross income or superannuation.all it does is make a positive difference to support the work of Autism SA!
Background Information: Autism SA was founded by families in 1964 and is a charitable, not-for-profit organisation, which provides services to individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. ASA currently has approx. 110 staff and is located at Marion Rd Netley. The organisation is funded through State and Federal Government sources, as well as through membership fees, special events and philanthropic means. We rely heavily on the generosity of groups such as yours as they allow Autism SA to provide wish-list items that would not normally be available. Some of the wishlist items include: toys, resources, ipads, and much needed additional services such as speech and OT.
What does the current funding structure look like at Autism SA?
What does the current funding structure look like at Autism SA? Preparing for the future Due to the introduction of the NDIS, by 2016, the current funding models will change and in some programs cease to exist. Autism SA strives to prepare for these changes and to continue to provide services as the demand and diagnosis numbers increase from year to year.
Why do we need your support? Autism SA needs your support to prepare for the future and support the new NDIS funding model that will help us to meet the ever increasing demand for our services. Autism SA diagnoses approximately 80-90 new clients per month. We currently provide services and support to more than 7,369 South Australians living with ASD. For too long, funding has not met the growing size and complexity of the autism spectrum community. The prevalence is growing at a faster rate than any other disability and diagnoses are doubling every five years - it is more common than Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, Down syndrome, vision impairment and hearing loss combined.
What are Autism Spectrum Disorders? Autism Spectrum Disorders, which include autism and Asperger syndrome, are developmental disorders, which are characterised by: delayed and disordered social skills with an over or under sensitivity to the seven senses; sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch, vestibular, proprioception resistance to environmental changes repetitive activities and interests (to the exclusion of others) language disorders Approximately, 75% of people with autism have an intellectual disability.
How common are Autism Spectrum Disorders? In Australia, autism occurs in at least 1 in 100 people and there are 5 times as many males diagnosed with autism as females. Asperger syndrome occurs in 1 in 250, with 10 times as many males as females being diagnosed. A recent prevalence study by Dr John Wray indicates that 1 in 160 school children between the ages of 6 and 12 have an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
What are the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder? There are a number of possible causes currently being researched including genetic, biochemical, neurological and viral factors. Autism SA does not get involved in research but appreciates and supports that all families will try difference therapies for their child and have their own opinion on the contributing factors.
More statistics Autism SA currently has more than 7291 South Australians registered for services with a break down of: 5812 are under the age of 18, 5320 school age and 1479 adults. Our clients range from 2 62. On average 75 new clients are diagnosed with an ASD on a monthly basis. The ASA InfoLine receives and services approx 4000 calls per year and more than 300 per month the info-line is operated between 9-4pm 5 days per week. The breakdown 80% male, 20% female with 50%/50% ratio of Autism and Aspergers
Can Autism Spectrum Disorders be cured? At present there is no medical cure but early diagnosis followed by structured education and behaviour management intervention will ensure that each child achieves their full potential. Early intervention and support from organisations such as ours provide our clients with the support and tools they need to live within the community.
Effects on the family? Bringing up a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder has a significant effect on the family. Enormous pressure is placed on parents, brothers and sisters as even every day social activities and outings can be extremely difficult and stressful. Autism SA assists parents and families to learn about the disorder and to provide them with strategies to cope with the challenges.
Autism SA Services: Services provided by the Association for people with autism spectrum disorders and their families include: Diagnosis Training & Consultancy Early Development School Support Spectrum Advisory Services Info line Autism Advisor Program Early Intervention Panel Provider Respite houses South and North Day options programs Peer mentor services Healthy Eating groups Company @ theatre group
What does workplace giving involve? It s quite easy really, as little as $2 (less than a cup of coffee) can go a long way. All you need to do is nominate a regular donation amount and inform your Payroll Team who will directly deposit your nominated donation to Autism SA that is deducted from your regular pay. Donations that are $2 or more are tax deductible. Your donation will go towards helping Autism SA continue to provide much needed services.
How do Employees register for Workplace Giving at Autism SA? Employees can register for Autism SA Workplace Giving by following the simple steps below: Complete the Autism SA Workplace Giving Program Registration Form. Nominate Autism SA as your preferred charity then specify the amount you wish to donate. Present the form to your payroll department.
How do Employers register? By following the simple steps below, Employers my register in the Autism SA Workplace Giving Program: As an employer, include Autism SA in your current Workplace Giving Program and include the registration form in new employee packs. Invite your employees to enter into your program. Note: A Workplace Giving Program does not affect the way your employees gross income, super guarantee payments or fringe benefits are calculated.
What are the benefits to your organisation? Employer Benefits - Demonstrates commitment to supporting the community - Enhances corporate reputation - Builds employee morale and loyalty - Assists with employee attraction and retention - Cost effective method of giving - Builds stronger business and community partnerships - Simple, streamlined administration - Acknowledgement of your organisation participating in the Workplace Giving Program on the Autism SA website, Facebook (more than 2500 followers) and Twitter Page (more than 2000 followers). Employee Benefits - Simple way to give as donations are made each pay cycle - Tax benefit is provided when the donation is made (pre-tax) - Effective giving option for time-poor employees - Donations can start, change or cease at any time - Annual reporting providing an overview of the donation statistics. - Feels good to support communities in need Charity Benefits - Regular, reliable and long term income through monthly grants - One of the lowest cost forms of fundraising - Employer matched giving provides an additional income stream - Donor contact information is provided to build the charity s donor database - Provides a stepping stone to building a strong corporate partnership - Free donor acquisition * Sourced from CAF s website: http://www.cafaustralia.org.au/our-charities/workplace-giving.htm
Any questions? For any further information please contact Jessica Bostock - Partnerships & Events Coordinator on (08) 8379 6976 or by email at jbostock@autismsa.org.au.