“Children with developmental delays need to have opportunities to play, swim, and participate just like all kids. They just need a little more help to do so. And we want to give it to them!”
– Sherwood Collins, Beignet Fest Founder
More Than a Festival — A Mission to Make a Difference
What started as a simple idea—celebrating New Orleans’ most beloved treat—became something far greater. The Beignet Fest Foundation was created to turn beignets into a force for good, using festival proceeds to fund grants that support children and families touched by autism.
Beignet Fest, it’s about more than the beignets—it’s about making an impact in the lives of children and families across New Orleans.
Autism needs a BFF: Beignet Fest Foundation
The Beignet Fest Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to celebrating, embracing, and empowering children with autism and their families. Each year, we award grants to local programs that provide education, therapy, and critical support services—ensuring more families can access the resources they need.
Because every child deserves the chance to shine.
Beignet Fest Foundation in the Community
Grants to Nonprofits
BFF funds programs that provide adaptive swim lessons, inclusive art and computing programs, sensory-friendly storytimes, resource coordination, and peer support—helping children with autism and their families access critical services.
Advisory Role for Autism
We serve as a connector—bringing together families, educators, and organizations to share ideas and strengthen the autism community throughout the year.
Sensory-Friendly NOLA
Benny’s Sensory On-Site Spaces (SAV) is a mobile safe space designed to provide a quiet, calming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities at public events across the city.
Inclusive Summer Camp
Camp Benny is built for autistic children, ages 6–11, offering structured routines, sensory-friendly spaces, and trained staff who understand how to support every camper’s needs—socially, emotionally, and creatively.
Beignet Fest
More than a celebration of beignets, Beignet Fest has grown into a movement, a powerful community event that raises vital funds for local autism programs. Every beignet eaten, every ticket sold, and every sponsor who joins us helps fund essential services, giving more families access to the resources they need.
That’s a lot of Dough!
$2.6+ Million Raised
Through festival ticket sales, donations, and corporate sponsorships, Beignet Fest Foundation (BFF) has raised more than $2.6 million in the Greater New Orleans area. This funding goes directly toward fulfilling the mission and expanding our reach.
31 Funded Programs
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the success of Beignet Fest, BFF has supported 31 programs in Greater New Orleans, offering critical services for children with autism. These grants fund organizations providing therapy, education, and enrichment, helping families access the resources they need year-round.
Beignet Fest Foundation
Board Members
Erik Arnold
Amy Boyle Collins
William Dalton
Jim Durbin, Jr.
Jason Friedrich
Jenny Longwell
“What sets Beignet Fest apart is the sense of community and inclusiveness. It’s a rare gem of a festival that brings joy to families, regardless of their differences.”
– Bill Dalton, Beignet Fest Foundation Board Member
