Els for Autism®
Who We Are
Els for Autism®, established in 2009 by World Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els, his wife Liezl, and Marvin R. Shanken, Publisher and Founder of M. Shanken Communications, is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with autism and their families. Inspired by the Els’ son, Ben, who is impacted by autism, the organization provides innovative, evidence-based programs that support individuals across the lifespan in three core areas: Early Intervention & Education, Recreation, and Adult Services. The Els’ daughter, Samantha, also contributes to the mission as co-founder of the sibling support initiative, Sam’s Sibs Stick Together.
Headquartered at The Els Center of Excellence®, a 26-acre campus in Jupiter, Florida, Els for Autism serves families locally and globally through in-person and virtual programs. Since its founding, the organization has impacted individuals and professionals in more than 38 countries and continues to expand its global reach through education, research, and services.
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Brand Rules
Our Name
First Reference: Els for Autism Foundation®
Second Reference: Els For Autism®
Following: Els for Autism or the organization
Our Global Mission
The global mission of Els for Autism is to transform the lives of people with autism and those who care for them through lifetime services and collaborative partnerships.
Incorrect
Els 4 Autism | El’s for Autism
Els’ for Autism. | ELS for Autism
E.L.S. for Autism | ELS Center
Our Vision
We envision a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.
“Where Possibilities Are Endless”
Press Releases
Three Global Leaders in Business & Philanthropy Appointed to Els for Autism Board of Directors
Stanley Black & Decker pledges $5 Million for Autism-Friendly Recreation Complex
Dr. Marlene Sotelo Named Executive Director of Els for Autism Foundation
Els for Autism To Host Virtual ‘Building a Neurodiverse Workforce’ Conference on March 12-13, 2021
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Golf Challenge
Spearheaded by Former No. 1, World Golf Hall of Famer, and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, the Golf Challenge consists of a series of regional events at top-rated golf courses across the U.S. and Canada from March to October.
The Els for Autism Golf Challenge is one of the largest charity-driven, amateur golf tournaments of his kind. Since its inception in 2011, the Golf Challenge has raised over $43.9 million, supporting our vision of creating limitless possibilities for individuals with autism.
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PRE-EVENT
1.) I’m excited to tee it up representing [company] at [your regional event] for the 2026 Els for Autism Golf Challenge! It’s all for an incredible cause supporting individuals and families affected by autism. Want to join me on the course or support the mission? Visit e4agolf.com. Let’s make a difference together!
2.) I’ll be playing in [your regional event] on behalf of [company]this year as part of the 2026 Els for Autism Golf Challenge! Honored to be part of this impactful event helping fund programs that change lives. Want to be part of it? Sign up or donate at e4agolf.com, let’s drive change, one swing at a time.
POST-EVENT
1.) Just wrapped up an incredible day at [your regional event] representing [your company] with the 2026 Els for Autism Golf Challenge! Every swing helps fund life-changing programs for families impacted by autism. Proud to be part of this mission. Visit e4agolf.com learn more.
2.) Had a great time hitting the greens at [your regional event] for the Els for Autism Golf Challenge 2026! Proud to support innovative programs that empower individuals with autism and their families. Let’s keep driving change, one swing at a time. Visit e4agolf.com to learn more.
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Affiliate Events
An Els for Autism Affiliate Event is a volunteer-run fundraiser that includes Els for Autism as a benefiting charity of the event. The event can take place at any time and any location around the world. While you may immediately think of a golf tournament, we have seen a wide variety of events over the years. From concerts, to pet shows, to 5K run/walks, to fashion shows, we welcome any and all exciting event ideas!
Each Affiliate Event host (an individual, family, company, organization, etc.) is responsible for the event’s program, fundraising efforts, activities, registrations, and volunteers. This allows the event host to have creative control of the event all while giving back to a great cause.
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We are proud to partner with Els for Autism by hosting [name of event] on [date] at [time].
When you join us at [name of event], you will be furthering the Els for Autism vision of creating a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism and their families.
Learn More
Els for Autism offers innovative, evidence-based programs for families and individuals across the lifespan in three primary impact areas: Early Intervention & Educational Services, Recreation Services, and Adult Services.
We invite you to support the incredible work of the Els for Autism team by joining us on [date] at [time] for [name of event].
Together, we are creating a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism and their families.
With the CDC now reporting 1 in 31 now identified with autism, we all know and love someone with autism. That’s why we are partnering with Els for Autism by hosting [name of event] on [date] at [time].
Els for Autism programs and services begin at 12 months old and lasts a lifetime. Together, we are creating a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism.
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Giveback Events
Support Els for Autism while doing what you love! Giveback Events are community fundraisers hosted by local businesses, organizations, and individuals who want to make a difference. These events can take many forms, from Sip & Shops and Dine for a Cause nights at local restaurants to fitness classes and themed social gatherings.
A percentage of proceeds from each event is donated directly to the Els for Autism Foundation, helping us continue to deliver innovative programs, services, and resources that enrich the lives of individuals with autism and their families.
Social Media Captions
We are proud to partner with Els for Autism by hosting [name of event] on [date] at [time].
When you join us at [name of event], you will be furthering the Els for Autism vision of creating a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism and their families.
With the CDC now reporting 1 in 31 now identified with autism, we all know and love someone with autism. That’s why we are partnering with Els for Autism by hosting [name of event] on [date] at [time].
Els for Autism programs and services begin at 12 months old and lasts a lifetime. Together, we are creating a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism.
Els for Autism offers innovative, evidence-based programs for families and individuals across the lifespan in three primary impact areas: Early Intervention & Educational Services, Recreation Services, and Adult Services.
We invite you to support the incredible work of the Els for Autism team by joining us on [date] at [time] for [name of event].
Together, we are creating a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism and their families.
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Employment Partners
Thank you for being a valued Els for Autism Employment Partner.
With your support, we are helping autistic adults achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to society through paid employment.
To discover more ways Els for Autism can help your company become even more autism-inclusive, explore our U Can Employ™ program.
We encourage you to take advantage of the tools below to strengthen your partnership with Els for Autism. Use the contact card to request additional marketing materials from our team. When sharing on social media, please tag us and invite us to collaborate on your posts so we can amplify your impact across our platforms!
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We are proud to be an Els for Autism Employment partner by providing paid employment to adults with autism.
Together, the possibilities are endless!
Many adults with autism aspire to secure paid employment, and we’re proud to support them by being an Els for Autism Employment Partner.
When you visit us, you’re helping make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with autism!
As an Els for Autism Employment Partner, we’re honored to offer meaningful job opportunities to adults with autism.
Your support helps create a more inclusive workforce and community!
Social Media Guidelines
Social Media Guidelines for Sharing Els for Autism Graphics and Templates
Thank you for helping share the mission of Els for Autism! When posting our approved graphics, templates, or content on your own social media channels, please follow these simple steps to ensure consistency and proper credit:
1. Tag Els for Autism
Always tag our official accounts so your followers can connect directly with us:
Facebook: @ElsforAutism
Instagram: @els_for_autism
X / Twitter: @ElsforAutism
LinkedIn: @els-for-autism
2. Use Hashtags
Include relevant hashtags to help expand our reach:
#ElsforAutism
#AutismAwareness
#InclusionMatters
(Optional: add campaign-specific hashtags if provided with the graphics/templates)
3. Keep Graphics Unaltered
Do not change, crop, or overlay additional images or text on approved graphics. Maintain colors, fonts, and logos exactly as provided to ensure brand consistency.
4. Provide Context
Add a short caption or personal message explaining why you support Els for Autism or why the post matters to you. Authenticity resonates with your audience!
5. Respect Privacy
Do not share images of participants or staff unless you have explicit permission.
6. Share Responsibly
Ensure your post aligns with our mission and values. Posts should be positive, inclusive, and respectful.
7. Notify Us
If you’d like, you can tag us or send a screenshot of your post so our team can see your support and potentially reshare it on our official accounts.
