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Grants for Families Living with Autism
Can We Apply for a Grant to Pay for Autism-Related Expenses?

By Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com

Updated February 27, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Many families wonder whether they can write a grant proposal and receive funds to help them manage the financial challenges that come with an autism spectrum diagnosis. The good news is that there are such grants; the bad news is that most are very small (less than $500) - and all are very competitive. What's more, many will only pay for specific medical expenses, and send the funds directly to the medical provider. A growing number of foundations, though, are making autism a priority for non-profit grants, which means local organizations that serve families have a better chance of receiving funds than ever before.

Autism Cares

This collaborative agency 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. "AutismCares 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. In most instances, payments are made directly to the vendor providing the services and not directly to the family. Assistance provided can not exceed $1,500 per family."

Autism Speaks Family Services Community Grants

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 Doug Flutie Foundation

The Doug Flutie Foundation 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

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is uniquely qualified to develop, identify, support and supervise programs that provide adolescents and adults with autism opportunities to live, work and participate in community life.

The Bubel Aiken Foundation

This foundation supports programs that include people with autism in typical community and recreational activities. It does not provide direct grants to families.
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