The Autism Community in Action (TACA) Company Profile

Background

The Autism Community in Action (TACA), formerly known as Talk About Curing Autism, is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2000 by Lisa Ackerman. Headquartered in Irvine, California, TACA is dedicated to providing education, support, and hope to families living with autism. The organization's mission is to empower families through education and support, aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by autism. TACA has expanded its reach nationwide, offering a variety of programs and services to support the autism community.

Key Strategic Focus

TACA's strategic focus centers on delivering comprehensive education and support services to families affected by autism. The organization offers free educational meetings, webinars, a parent mentor program, an online Hope and Help support group, and an annual National Autism Conference. These initiatives are designed to equip families with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the autism journey effectively. TACA's programs are accessible nationwide, ensuring that families across the United States can benefit from their services.

Financials and Funding

In 2023, TACA reported revenues of $2,163,858 and expenses totaling $2,461,094, resulting in a net loss of $297,236. The organization's total assets stood at $1,950,968, with liabilities amounting to $1,031,442, leading to net assets of $919,526. The majority of TACA's revenue comes from contributions, accounting for 94.6% of total revenue. Program services and investment income contribute 9.0% and 1.2%, respectively. Notable expenses include executive compensation at 5.5% and other salaries and wages at 44.1% of total expenses.

Pipeline Development

As a nonprofit organization, TACA does not engage in product development or clinical trials. Instead, its focus is on developing and expanding programs and services that provide education and support to families affected by autism. This includes enhancing existing programs, introducing new initiatives, and increasing outreach efforts to serve a growing number of families.

Technological Platform and Innovation

TACA leverages various technological platforms to deliver its services effectively. The organization utilizes WordPress for its website, Constant Contact for email communications, and Stripe for payment processing. These technologies enable TACA to maintain a robust online presence, facilitate communication with its community, and manage financial transactions efficiently.

Leadership Team

Lisa Ackerman: Founder and Executive Director. Lisa co-founded TACA in 2000 and has been instrumental in shaping the organization's mission and programs. Her leadership has been pivotal in expanding TACA's reach and impact.

Glen Ackerman: President. Glen has been involved with TACA since its inception, providing strategic direction and oversight to the organization.

Todd Hanson: Chief Financial Officer. Todd joined TACA in 2025, bringing extensive experience in financial management to support the organization's strategic growth.

Leadership Changes

In July 2025, TACA announced organizational changes to support its new strategic plan, TACA 2.0. This restructuring aims to align staff, goals, and objectives to grow the organization and support more families. As part of this transition, Todd Hanson was appointed as Chief Financial Officer to drive strategic growth.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The autism support sector has seen significant growth due to increasing autism prevalence rates. Organizations in this space focus on providing education, support, and advocacy for families affected by autism. The market is characterized by a diverse range of nonprofit organizations offering various programs and services to meet the needs of the autism community.

Competitor Analysis

Autism Speaks: A leading autism advocacy organization that funds research, increases awareness, and advocates for individuals with autism and their families.

Autism Society of America: Provides advocacy, education, information and referral, support, and community at national, state, and local levels.

Global Autism Project: Focuses on building local capacity to provide services to individuals with autism in under-resourced communities worldwide.

These organizations, along with TACA, contribute to a comprehensive support network for families affected by autism, each offering unique programs and services to address various aspects of the autism journey.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

TACA has engaged in several strategic collaborations to enhance its programs and services:

Oakley: Partnered to create special edition TACA autism sunglasses, raising funds and awareness for the organization.

Happy Family Brands: Supported TACA through the MOMS ON A MISSION campaign, assisting the Parent Support program and Ante Up for Autism event.

AutismCares: Collaborated to provide financial assistance to families in crisis.

These partnerships have been instrumental in expanding TACA's reach and enhancing the support provided to families.

Operational Insights

TACA's strategic considerations include:

Program Expansion: Continuing to develop and expand educational programs and support services to meet the growing needs of families affected by autism.

Community Engagement: Enhancing outreach efforts to engage more families and provide accessible resources nationwide.

Financial Sustainability: Implementing strategies to ensure financial stability and support the organization's mission effectively.

These considerations position TACA to effectively serve the autism community and achieve its long-term objectives.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

TACA's strategic roadmap includes:

Digital Transformation: Leveraging technology to expand digital offerings and reach more families through online platforms.

Program Diversification: Introducing new programs tailored to the evolving needs of the autism community, including services for adults with autism.