The Fred Foundation is a U.K.-based advocacy group that raises funds to provide alternative educational pathways for children with autism. ^{1 2}

Background

The Fred Foundation was founded in 2007 and named after Fred Borer, a child diagnosed with autism whose parents struggled to find an education that matched his specific needs. Based on the experience of Borer’s parents and many others, the Fred Foundation was established to support specialized education to meet the needs of those with autism. ²

Under United Kingdom law, children with “Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)” may be entitled to special educational services. ³ The Fred Foundation cites issues with “local authorities,” whom it claims, “persist in supplying children with inappropriate education provision.” ²  The group has spoken out against the Special SEND process, calling it “hell,” and spoken out against the resulting provisions for those with SEND qualifications. ⁴

According to the group’s website, which cites the 2018 Ofsted Annual Report, these program shortcomings include unmet expectations, increasing exclusions of those with SEND qualifications, not enough support for “mental health needs,” varying quality between education, health, and care plans, and a widening “gap in performance and outcomes for children with SEND…between the best and the worst local areas.” ⁴ The group has attributed this “failure” to “school, health service, social care and local authorities” whom it claims “are systematically failing in their legal duties, and their jobs, to support vulnerable children.” ⁴ The group has also blamed lack of funding and lack of “culture change” for these issues in addition to an environment which the group claims makes it more difficult for “racial minorities” and those with disabilities to request help from the state. ⁴ The group has claimed these issues have been amplified by the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. ⁴

The group also published an article where one of the foundation’s contributors advocated for “diverse inclusion and fair remuneration for autistic people and caregivers involved in autism research.” ⁵

Activities

In 2023, the Fred Foundation raised money through fun-runs, “performance events,” and a myriad of “smaller events.” ⁶ The group asserts that a large portion of its time is devoted to communicating with those soliciting aid from the foundation. In 2023, the group claimed it assisted 23 families. ⁶

The group has partnered with Amazon to raise funds through Smile Amazon, receiving a small portion of proceeds from supportive buyers. ⁷ The group’s website wrote that “it is about time Amazon gave something away” and described using Amazon as “annoying” when people “would rather support smaller companies.” ⁷

The group runs a page on X (formerly known as Twitter), where it reposts cases of purported abuse of autistic individuals and other information related to its mission of supporting those with autism. ⁸

Financials

In 2023, the Fred Foundation received £20,894 ($26,052) in donations, raised £7,153 ($8,919) through “fund raising activities,” and obtained £800 ($997) in gift aid. In total the group brought in a revenue of £28,847 ($35,968). The group paid out £36,711 ($45,773) in expenses with “payments to specialist educational professionals” making up £35,725 ($44,544). The group listed no assets but retained cash funds at the end of 2023 of £6,131 ($7,644). ⁶

Leadership

The Fred Foundation was founded by Felicity Ellacombe, who, as of 2023, works as a trustee alongside her husband, Gilbert Ellacombe. ^{5 6} Other Charity trustees include Jonathan Vandermeer, Charles Vallance, Suzanne Thompson, Rebecca Goldbart, and Matthew Pope. ⁶

1. “Contact.” The Fred Foundation. Accessed January 17, 2025. https://www.thefredfoundation.org/contact/.
2. “About Us.” The Fred Foundation. Accessed December 16, 2024. https://www.thefredfoundation.org/about-us/.
3. “Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (Send).” GOV.UK, November 25, 2014. https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs.
4. “The Struggle in Send Hurts Us All. It’s a Sign of Society Gone Wrong by Tania Tirraoro.” The Fred Foundation, December 6, 2018. https://www.thefredfoundation.org/2018/12/06/the-struggle-in-send-hurts-us-all-its-a-sign-of-society-gone-wrong-by-tania-tirraoro/.
5. “Category: Latest News .” The Fred Foundation. Accessed January 13, 2025. https://www.thefredfoundation.org/category/latest-news/.
6. “Trustees’ Annual Report for the Period: The Fred Foundation – Charity 1122197.” Charity Commission for England and Wales. Accessed January 13, 2025. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4035116/accounts-and-annual-returns.
7. “Make Amazon Pay!” The Fred Foundation, May 4, 2020. https://www.thefredfoundation.org/2020/05/04/make-amazon-pay/.
8.  “The Fred Foundation.” X (formerly Twitter). Accessed January 13, 2025. https://x.com/fredfoundation1.