The New England Center for Children® (NECC®) took a historic step toward securing its long-term sustainability and global mission with the creation of an endowment fund: The L. Vincent Strully, Jr. Endowment Fund for NECC. Announced at the 2022 Children of Promise Gala, this fund honors NECC’s visionary founder, former CEO, and current executive advisor, Vinnie Strully, whose leadership over nearly five decades transformed a small startup into a world-renowned leader in autism education and research.

At the close of fiscal year 2025, NECC had raised $9.4 million in commitments from more than 80 generous donors. This milestone represents more than financial growth; it is a lasting investment in NECC’s mission, its people, and the future of autism education.

Vinnie Strully’s legacy is woven into the fabric of NECC. From its founding in 1975 with just $30,000 at Taunton State Hospital, NECC has grown into a global institution serving children with autism around the world. This endowment fund bearing his name will ensure that the values, innovation, and excellence he instilled will continue for generations to come.

A Powerful Tool for Perpetual Impact

Gifts to the Strully Endowment have greater impact than a one-time gift: they are an investment that will pay dividends into perpetuity. For example, a $50,000 gift generates $2,500 every year, forever, providing NECC with the resources to support growth in staffing, programs, and innovations beyond operating costs covered by tuition. This endowment fund aligns NECC with the best research universities, hospitals, and educational institutions, that rely on endowment funds to support complex, long-term service models.

As NECC continues to pursue its mission to empower those with autism through comprehensive care, education, and research, the endowment will serve as a cornerstone of stability. And this is just the beginning. With a goal of $20 million by 2028, the campaign seeks like-minded philanthropists to help grow this fund into a powerful engine for change— one that matches the scope and ambition of our mission.

If you or someone you know would like to support this transformative initiative, we invite you to be part of NECC’s future. Together, we can continue the life-changing work that Vinnie Strully began nearly 50 years ago.

To learn more or to make a gift, please reach out to Chief Development Officer Jared Bouzan at [email protected].