Starting autism nonprofit organization

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I am planning on starting an autism nonprofit organization that focuses on autism acceptance, support, lists of services, and possible therapy (physical, speech, occupational, etc, just as long as it is not promoted by CAN and/or DAN) and educational grants. The tenative name that I got picked out is The Autistic Network Foundation and I planning on incorparate it in the state of Illinois. I do need ideas on the mission statement and goals. I am currently in the planning stages in it.

Your mission statement could be something like

We aim to support those battling autism (or you could put Autistic Spectrum disorders) and provide support services.
We aim to inform, empower and include.
We do not aim to find a cure because Autism is NOT is a disease, it is a complex range of behavioural and intellectual needs.

That is all I can think of right now, hope it helps

I do like it, except for the wording of the first sentence. It sounds like as if the organization is seeking a cure, in which I do not want it to promote. I think that the better wording for the first sentence will be "We aim to support autistics and their families with services that will enrich their lives and to promote acceptance of autistics in society."

Makes me visualise autism as being some sorta dragon...and we are all lined up with swords and helmets...

It's a good idea to come up with a nonprofit!

I have been seriously concidering starting at least a support group in my area, since resources are difficult to come by. I help run a venue called Super Happy Fun Land...and while we are currently temporarily closed down for stupid reasons...when we open up again...i want to start holding meetings.

In the meantime, there is alot of stuff I need to figure out..and i have to combat with my own (almost nonexistant) organizational skills....
I would like my group to encompass ADD, AS and other PDDs (as I am an ADDer with AS symptoms)..
Am not really sure where to begin..

This sounds like a great idea and I wish you a lot of luck.

I actually work for a non-profit that works to prevent child abuse and neglect. I've worked in the development (code for raising money) and finance departments. A lot can be accomplished with in-kind donations and volunteers, but if you want to take it to the next level, fund-raising will be very important for you.

Here are some of the resources I've come across:

http://philanthropy.com/
http://www.kingjason.co.uk/blog/index.p ... e-noticed/
http://www.ephilanthropy.org/site/PageServer
http://www.techsoup.org/

I'm sure there are many, many more. If you have any other questions, I'd be glad to try and help.