“Charitable gifts could be worth more if deducted in 2017 instead of 2018. The top marginal tax rate for 2018 would be 37% (down from 39.6%)—some taxpayers who are in the current 39.6% bracket will drop to 35% since that bracket is elongated to cover income up to $600,000 for married taxpayers. Therefore, a charitable deduction could be worth more if made in 2017 rather than 2018. There is a host of complexities, such as phaseouts and caps that can affect any particular taxpayer’s decision. There is no substitute for individualized advice from your tax professional. It is also noted that with the elimination of state and local tax deductions (and even with a $10,000 allowable deduction), some taxpayers may actually use the standard deduction if they have no charitable deductions. As a result, some portion of their charitable deductions in 2018 could be “wasted.”

This past year has been a great year of accomplishment for The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Research Fund at Yale University led by Dr. Roger Jou who has engaged nearly 400 participants in social groups that will form the basis of innovative research relating the unique social challenges of autistic adults.

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Transition and Adult Programs at the University of Miami Center for Autism and Related and Disabilities and the like-named fund that supports employment bootcamps, job coaching and support groups for adults and even social activities that enhance skills vital to employment has launched full-time employment for participants and fosters on-going support to assure success!

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Theater and Performing Arts Fund at Brown University has trained over 50 professionals in the acclaimed Miracle Project methodology and successfully completed a filled to capacity summer camp alongside Artists and Scientists as Partners where young adults and adults on the autism spectrum, their peers and Brown students through the magic of theater, dance and music made life-changing memories together!  And this is only year one!!

At the Graduate School of social work at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, we recently met with Dean Potter and the four Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Fellows who are working as clinicians with the family members of adults diagnosed with autism as well as putting the finishing touches on a national database to assist the family members of adults as well as professionals, autistic adults, and the community at large in navigating resources and support systems they need during the lifespan journey of of autism.

Finally, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award, a national honor presented annually at the Autism Society of America Conference, was awarded to Rising Tide Car Wash, a Florida company that employs autistic adults. Rising Tide is a role model for entrepreneurs and businesses across the United States and throughout the world and its great success exemplifies The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation vision to value each person and honor their strengths and talents as they participate in and contribute to community life.

As you see, 2017 was an incredible year of achievement for our all-volunteer-run organization, and we could not have done it without your continuous support during these past 15 years.  We hope you will consider a year-end donation that you can make directly from our homepage at http://www.djfiddlefoundation.org

With our unwavering commitment to all those affected by Autism, and to all of you in our service, our best wishes for a wonderful new year, The Board of Trustees of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation