Funding for Families of Autism?

I have often been asked if there is any way a family can receive funding to help financially manage the challenge that comes when their child is diagnosed with autism. The answer is yes, they can.

Although most are smaller amounts (up to $1,000) - and all are somewhat competitive, a growing number of foundations are making autism a priority for non-profit grants. This means local organizations that serve families of children with autism have a better chance of receiving funds than ever before.

Identifying your sources of funding is the first step, followed by a well written grant application. If a foundation does not award funds to individuals, don't get discouraged. There may be an educational institute or a local organization who can write for the grant on behalf of families in the community. Be Persistent.It never hurts to ask.

Below are some resources to get you started. For more information on how to locate & prepare grant applications, you can contact Barbara, care of this site or http://www.bodylogique.com/



Autism Speaks:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/fsdb/grants.php

Autism Speaks offers larger grants (up to $20,000) to organizations which create, provide and/or manage services for families living with autism. They will not award grants to individuals or fund an individual or family for participation in personal programs.



The National Inclusion Project
http://www.inclusionproject.org/

This foundation supports programs that include people with autism in typical community and recreational activities.




Autism Cares :
http://www.autismcares.org/site/c.mqLOIYOBKlF/b.4745901/k.BD21/Home.htm

Offers funding to families across the United States who are living with autism and also are coping with a major crisis such as flood or fire. "Autism Cares" assists families who meet the eligibility criteria to cover costs associated with housing, automobile repair, insurance premiums, medical care, prescriptions, daycare, funeral expenses, and other items on a case-by-case basis.




Helping Hand (National Autism Association)
http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/helpinghand.php

Provides families with financial assistance in getting necessary medical treatments, and therapy services. This grant maker will pay your medical provider directly.




The Doug Flutie Foundation:
http://www.flutiefoundation.org/Grants-Grant-Applications.asp

Makes grants to organizations that support families living with autism. The foundation gives only in New England, New York, New Jersey, parts of Canada and California.




The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation
http://www.djfiddlefoundation.org/

Develops, identifies, supports and supervises programs that provide adolescents and adults with autism, opportunities to live, work and participate in community life.




Lend 4 Health
http://lend4health.blogspot.com/

A unique program-provides small interest-free loans (in the amount of a few hundred dollars) to families from other families. Families interested in receiving a loan post on the blog, and may receive contributions that must be paid back over time.




Autism Assistance Resources and Information Blog
http://autismassistance.blogspot.com/

A list of dozens of small local granting agencies which give to families and organizations.



Autism Consortium
http://www.autismconsortium.org/empowering-families/are-there-grants-i-can-apply-for.html

A list of Foundations offering small grants to families living in Massachusetts and New England.