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Description
There are several civil society organizations active in Greece in the field of autism: Associations of autistic individuals or parents’ and careers’ associations and mental health and social care service providers. The aim and objectives of the associations being similar or identical, however, they do not share similar capacities for identifying resources. The collaboration between them or with service providers is often occasional, deprived of any systematic or organized aspect.
The project refers to the development of an informal Network with 15 members: Associations of autistic individuals, parents’ and carers’ associations and non-profit service providers, that constitute the target groups of the project. The Child and Adolescent Center is the applicant project promoter while the Greek Society for the Protection of Autistic Individuals is the partner. The aim of the project is to enhance the capacities and the sustainability of the civil society organizations participating in the Network.
The project includes networking activities for the network''s development, training activities with respect to the identification of financial resources, for the development and functioning of services and for the management of volunteers, for the creation of a Digital Practical guide for parents, the use of a digital platform for connecting and updating the members of the Network and the implementation of a satisfactory survey.
Summary of project results
The Grow4Autism project aimed to address several pressing issues and challenges faced by civil society organizations (CSOs) focused on autism, including:
- Limited Collaboration Among Autism-Focused Organizations. Organizations working on autism were often operating in isolation, with little communication or coordination. There was a lack of a unified network to share knowledge, resources, and best practices.
- Insufficient Organizational Capacity. Many CSOs, especially newer and smaller ones, struggled with limited experience in seeking funding, developing structures, and attracting volunteers. These organizations faced challenges in navigating the legal framework for creating and managing autism-related services and programs.
- Resource and Knowledge Gaps. Executives and staff of CSOs lacked systematic training and tools to improve their effectiveness in areas such as fundraising, service development, and volunteer management. Families and caregivers of autistic individuals often encountered overwhelming and disorganized information, which hindered their ability to make informed decisions.
- Accessibility of Information. Existing online platforms and resources for autism-related information were not user-friendly or accessible, limiting their utility for families, caregivers, and organizations.
- Lack of Awareness and Outreach. Awareness about autism and the activities of CSOs was limited, reducing public engagement and support for their initiatives. Organizations needed better strategies to attract new members and engage broader audiences.
By tackling these challenges, the Grow4Autism project aimed to strengthen the sustainability, operations, and effectiveness of autism-focused CSOs, while also improving support for families and caregivers of autistic individuals.
The Grow4Autism project implemented a series of targeted activities to address the challenges faced by autism-focused civil society organizations (CSOs) and to strengthen their operations and impact. Key activities and outputs included:
1. Establishment of the Grow4Autism Network. An informal network of 34 autism-focused CSOs was established, exceeding the initial target of 15 members. The network included organizations with varying levels of experience and geographic reach, prioritizing those with limited experience in fundraising, structural development, and volunteer engagement.
2. Training Programs for Network Members. Three training programs were organized to enhance the capacity of CSO executives and staff. In total 81 individuals participated in the trainings.
3. Development of Educational and Informational Resources. A digital manual was created while the digital platform autismap.gr was redesigned to enhance user experience and accessibility for all and attracted 42,302 new users during the project duration.
4. Evaluation and Research. An evaluation study was conducted to assess network members’ satisfaction with the project and its activities. 17 of 34 network members participated, providing feedback via a Google Forms questionnaire. The study concluded that the project was highly successful, achieving its quantitative and qualitative goals.
5. Communication and Outreach. A dedicated project website which attracted 1,613 unique users seeking detailed information was created. Social media and digital platforms featured 11 publications to promote project activities and outcomes. Opening and closing events engaged 122 participants (out of 260 registered) from CSOs, parent associations, healthcare institutions, and private professionals.
6. Networking and Collaboration. Network members were supported with tools and resources for improved coordination and knowledge sharing. The project promoted collaboration and best practice exchange, creating a stronger, more unified approach to autism support and advocacy.
The Grow4Autism project generated significant outcomes, delivering impactful benefits to civil society organizations (CSOs), their executives and staff, as well as families and caregivers of individuals with autism. The key results and their beneficiaries are outlined below:
- Strengthened Network of Autism-Focused Organizations. The Grow4Autism network grew to include 34 organizations, exceeding the initial goal of 15 members.
- Enhanced Capacity of Network Members. Strengthened organizational sustainability and improved operational efficiency.
- Empowered Families and Caregivers.
- Broader Reach through Digital Tools. The redesigned autismap.gr platform became a centralized hub for resources, attracting 42,302 new users.
- Improved Collaboration and Advocacy. The network fostered collaboration among member organizations, enhancing their ability to advocate for systemic changes and address shared challenges.
- Increased Awareness and Engagement. Communication efforts, including a dedicated project website and 11 digital publications, raised awareness about the project’s activities and outcomes.