OUR
STRATEGIC FOCUS
The Canopy Neurodiversity Foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in our community by contributing ideas, funding, and connections across seven opportunity areas. We partner with organizations that share our vision for the future of neurodiversity and employment, supporting innovative ideas that drive meaningful change.
OPPORTUNITY AREAS
We invest in seven core opportunity areas that reflect our commitment to progress, partnership, and community.
We invite bold, forward-looking research that delivers fresh insights and practical strategies to advance career development and transform workplace practices for stronger employment outcomes.
We seek innovative approaches to neuroinclusion education and advocacy that transform how organizations and communities understand, welcome, and empower neurodivergent employees.
We encourage creative, unconventional models for education, training, and work experience that challenge traditional pathways and create new opportunities.
We support innovative ideas that empower neurodistinct people to explore diverse career options, build confidence, and achieve lasting satisfaction in their professional journeys.
We seek to foster a dynamic, statewide network of professionals dedicated to advancing neurodiversity employment by encouraging collaboration, ongoing learning, and the exchange of innovative practices for a future-ready workforce.
We champion ambitious coalitions across public, private, and non-profit sectors to develop bold solutions and set a standard for advancing neurodiversity employment through innovative partnerships and resource-sharing.
We support advocacy and policy initiatives that engage diverse stakeholders and inform policymakers on employment issues affecting Washington families, driving innovative solutions to expand access to effective career support for neurodistinct people.
STRATEGIC GUIDELINES
As we examine and invest in these opportunity areas,
these strategic guidelines inform our decisions.
Washington Focus
We focus our efforts on Washington State because we believe a concentrated, community‑driven approach achieves greater impact in advancing neuroinclusive employment. By investing deeply in one region, we can build stronger partnerships, create lasting change, and develop a model that can inspire broader adoption.
Ecosystem Approach
We work through an ecosystem approach, supporting diverse partners and initiatives across the employment journey. No single organization or strategy can address the complex needs of our neurodiverse community, so we prioritize collaboration, community input, and alignment with those already making meaningful contributions.
Target Population
We center our initial efforts on neurodistinct individuals with autism and/or ADHD, without intellectual disabilities—an often underserved group. By focusing here first, and partnering with others, we can broaden resources and strategies that ultimately benefit the wider neurodivergent community across Washington.
Community Guidance
We are guided by the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us,” ensuring that people with lived experience play a central role in shaping our work. Their insights inform our decisions, strengthen our strategies, and keep our efforts grounded in the realities of the community we serve.
If you’re building programs that create real pathways to meaningful work, we want to hear from you. Be part of a growing movement to reimagine what’s possible—for the workforce, for communities, and for the future we share.