Autism affects individuals and families across every race, culture, and socioeconomic background around the world. At Els for Autism, we are devoted to helping children and adults with autism and their families have a better life. Our purpose is to help people with autism of all abilities and backgrounds reach their fullest potential and live meaningful, fulfilling lives, no matter where they live.
While many know our central hub as The Els Center of Excellence® in Jupiter, Florida, our impact extends far beyond South Florida. This April, World Autism Month, we are proud to share more about our global organizations and the communities they serve.
Today, our reach spans 38 countries, along with dedicated foundations in the USA, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Together, we are building a global network focused on expanding access to services, increasing acceptance, and creating opportunities for individuals with autism to be fully included in their communities.
Each of our international foundations serves its local community while advancing one shared goal: helping individuals with autism live positive, productive, and fulfilling lives.
Established in 2013, Els for Autism Canada was created to address the needs of individuals with autism and their families across the country.
Through annual Golf Challenge events held nationwide, funds raised stay local. Proceeds are distributed through a structured granting process to registered Canadian charities, directly supporting families in the communities where the events take place.
Since its inception, Els for Autism Canada has hosted 54 events, raised $6.3 million, and granted $3 million to local autism organizations. In 2025 alone, five events generated $475,000, with $275,000 directed toward local grant funding.
Grant support has helped fund recreation and fitness programs, music therapy, summer camps, transition-to-adulthood services, digital arts programs for teens, and community education initiatives.
Beyond grant-making, Els for Autism Canada also supports Ernie Els #GameON Autism® golf clinics in four provinces and U Can Employ™, a social enterprise that helps businesses successfully hire and support employees with autism.
By keeping funds local and investing in community partnerships, Els for Autism Canada continues to create meaningful and lasting impact nationwide.
Founded in 2011, Els for Autism South Africa was established to provide lower-resourced families with access to effective autism support at no cost. Parents visit the center once or twice per month to learn practical strategies they can implement at home, building skills that create long-term impact.
Services include short-term parent coaching, longer-term parent-led intervention, and caregiver support groups. They also provide direct training and consultations for educations and other professionals working with people with autism. In addition, Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf Clinics are hosted for individuals ages 6 to 23, using sport to promote life skills development, social interaction, and healthy living. The organization also runs Ernie Els #GameON Autism Tennis and Fitness programs.
By equipping families with knowledge, tools, and confidence, Els for Autism South Africa is creating sustainable change and expanding opportunity for children and young adults on the spectrum.
Els for Autism United Kingdom
Els for Autism United Kingdom was established in 2011 to support organizations that provide services to individuals with autism across the UK and Ireland.
Through fundraising efforts and strategic partnerships, the foundation helps expand access to programs that make a meaningful difference for families. A primary focus has been supporting the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf program through Official Program Providers in England and Ireland.
The Golf Trust, the leading Official Program Provider in the UK, has delivered the 12-week golf program for multiple years, reaching thousands of participants. Furthermore, they have trained a multitude of golf instructors in implementing the program across England. The program includes pre- and post-assessments measuring fitness, golf skills, and social communication development, with participants demonstrating measurable improvement across multiple areas.
In Ireland, the program has been delivered in partnership with academic and community institutions, further strengthening its reach and credibility. Recognition from national sport inclusion organizations has highlighted the impact of this work in creating accessible recreational opportunities for individuals with autism.
One Mission. Global Impact.
While each foundation serves a unique community, all are connected by a shared vision: a world where individuals with autism have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
This World Autism Month, we celebrate the global community that makes this work possible.
