iCapital launches 2nd annual “#givealatte” campaign to bolster hard-to-come-by integrated autism support

January 14, 2016 – TORONTO, ON – In December, small business lender iCapital launched its second annual #givealatte, with the promise of matching every dollar donated up to $10,000. The funds raised are being given to Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND), a Toronto-based organization rare in its offering of multiple research-based autism services and programs under one roof.

#givealatte surpassed the amount raised through #givealatte last year raising $10,582. With the additional matching donation of $10,000 from iCapital, ISAND will be receiving a cheque for $22,582 that will help pay for ISAND therapy, camps, programs that help young adult transition into the working world, family support, and basic infrastructure and centre supplies.

“We at ISAND are thrilled by the overwhelming response to the 2015 Give-A-Latte campaign, sponsored by iCapital,” says ISAND's Executive Director David Gray. “In just two weeks, we were able to raise a total of $22,585. The proceeds from Give-A-Latte will benefit a number of children and youth with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders who require professional services and programs. We are particularly appreciative of Anthony and his wonderful idea that inspired generosity from so many.”

This campaign is inspired by Anthony, the gentle, affectionate, happy 17-year-old nephew of Diane Capobianco from iCapital. Earlier this year Anthony and his family discovered ISAND and have been inspired by the organization. Anthony and iCapital want to help other families experience the phenomenal ISAND programs that have helped Anthony build his social skills and engage with the world around him.

“I know from personal experience what a difference this money will make to people with autism,” says Diane Capobianco of iCaptial. “Anthony has been working with ISAND to learn skills to manage everyday activities such as riding the subway—paying a TTC fare, standing behind the yellow line and traveling a longer distance. It is amazing to see his progress and to have an organization like ISAND available to work with people like Anthony. The programs that ISAND offer, and the continuity of services, are rare to find. When you do find them, you want to do everything you can to ensure their longevity and accessibility for other families. It’s so gratifying to be involved with such a worthwhile cause—especially one that is so near to my own heart.” 

Not only did the #givealatte campaign raise funds, it was also instrumental in boosting much-needed awareness about autism and ISAND. People’s knowledge about children with autism is great thanks to the efforts of a number of wonderful organizations. But fewer people know about what life is like for young people leaving the school system and entering adulthood. And rarely do people consider the strain autism puts on families. iCapital is thankful their effort inspired people to learn more, talk with their friends about autism, and spread the word on social media.

What: iCapital will be presenting the cheque to ISAND in a ceremony
Who:   iCapital representatives, campaign champion and ISAND client Anthony Capobianco and his family, iCapital executive director David Gray and iCapital staff

When: Friday, January 15th at 10:00 am
Where: ISAND offices at 5734 Yonge St #500, North York

January 20, 2015 – TORONTO, ON – In December, small business lender iCapital launched #givealatte, an Indiegogo-based campaign to fund Autism Ontario programs for youth and young adults living with autism. Participants were asked to forego their morning latte and donate the $5 instead. The initial goal of the campaign was $2,500, with iCapital pledging to match up to $10,000.

#givealatte ended up quadrupling its initial goal: through social media and word of mouth, it ended up raising $10,100! In fact, the campaign hit its $2,500 funding goal within a few hours of launch, doubled it by the end of the week, and ended up with 400% by the time it closed on December 28th, 2014. And, with the additional matching donation of $10,000 from iCapital (less handling fees for Indigogo and PayPal), Autism Ontario will be receiving a cheque for $20,000 to fund vital youth and adult programs.

iCapital will be presenting the cheque to Autism Ontario in a ceremony on Tuesday, January 27th at 10:00 am at the Autism Ontario offices at 1179 King Street West, Suite 004, Toronto.

“This is truly ‘the little campaign that could,’” says Maya Chendke, Marketing Director for iCapital. “We couldn’t be more pleased by its success. Crowdfunding is such a great tool for raising money for things that matter – and for getting the word out about issues that need our attention.”

Inspired by Anthony, the 16-year-old nephew of Diane Capobianco of iCaptial, the campaign focused on raising money to create scholarships for young adults with autism – a group that is chronically underfunded due to lack of awareness. These $500 scholarships cover programs to help with life skills, one-on-one learning, encouraging personal interests, and helping youth and adults engage with the world around them.

“I know from personal experience what a difference this money will make to young people with autism,” says Diane Capobianco of iCaptial. “There are so many expenses that go with having a child with autism, from programs to caregivers to requiring that a parent stay at home and forego an income. $500 doesn’t sound like a lot, but it can help with school tuition, pay for activities and care, and even help young adults with autism start their own businesses. It’s so gratifying to be involved with such a worthwhile cause – especially one that is so near to my own heart.” 

Not only did the #givealatte campaign raise funds, it was also instrumental in boosting much-needed awareness about a group that tends to get ignored. There’s plenty of information out there about children with autism, but fewer people know about what life is like for young people leaving the school system and entering adulthood. The campaign showed that autism doesn’t end with adulthood, although funding for it often does. By giving a latte, people gave a lot more than they realize.

About iCapital

iCapital is the best small business loan alternative in Canada. The “i” stands for “intelligent,” and it really is the smartest and easiest way for entrepreneurs to get access to the money they need. The funds are repaid over time through a small percentage of daily credit and debit card sales. There is no interest, no payment due dates and no restrictions on how the funds are used – it can go to anything from purchasing equipment and advertising to buying out a partner, expanding, and solving cash flow challenges.

To show their gratitude, iCapital makes yearly donations to help make their community a better place. They proudly support World Vision, local groups like the Warren Park kids' hockey league – and have now partnered with Autism Ontario to help fund scholarships for young adults with ASD.

About Autism Ontario

Autism Ontario’s mission is to ensure that each individual with ASD has the means achieve quality of life as a respected member of society. They are a province-wide source of information and referrals on autism and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. They focus on increasing awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, providing information and education, supporting families, driving research, and advocating for programs and services.