Sheila Coates Foundation

The Sheila Coates Foundation, established in 2020 by a prominent fintech entrepreneur inspired by the pioneering work of the late Sheila Coates, is dedicated to advancing the education and mental health of autistic children and young people in mainstream secondary schools and colleges across England. Its mission focuses on enabling these learners to thrive by overcoming barriers unmet by statutory provision, guided by values of respect, care, realism, openness to innovation, and practical, life-improving solutions. Distinctively, it emphasises co-produced projects with autistic young people, evidence-informed interventions, rapid impact within six months, and rigorous post-award evaluation of educational and wellbeing outcomes.

The Foundation funds targeted projects enhancing inclusion and belonging, such as sensory aids, laptops, therapeutic tools, music/art therapy, bespoke counselling, staff/parent training, extra staffing for clubs, peer support, transition programmes, inclusive events, and safe spaces like sensory rooms or gardens. Beneficiaries are exclusively autistic students in mainstream secondary settings, prioritising creative, collaborative initiatives that fill gaps in school resources.

Eligible applicants are limited to mainstream secondary schools and colleges in England (including embedded resource provisions), excluding primary schools, special schools, alternative provision, charities, and individuals; no income thresholds apply. Applications start with an online eligibility questionnaire during open rounds, followed by a full form detailing project outcomes and autistic involvement—unsolicited submissions accepted in stages, with decisions within six weeks. Typical grants range from £1,000–£5,000, up to £50,000 for pilots; check the website for rounds (e.g., summer 2025 closed May 19).

It excludes statutory obligations, core costs, overheads, religious/political activities, bursaries, or indirect funding, standing out for its laser focus on mainstream autism support, hands-on pragmatism, and empowerment of autistic voices in grant design.