Lots of organizations, foundations and groups help parents who have children with autism by providing grants. They help families pay for medical care and expenses. These include expenses such as a home aid, special schools, equipment to make the home safe for the child and technology that will help the child learn or live a full life.
Some of the grants featured below have already finished accepting applications for 2012, but accept applications annually. All of the grants listed below are specifically designed for children with autism and their families. Many, many more grants similar to the ones listed below assist families, so you can research other options, too.
Austism Cares: These grants provide financial relief up to $1,000 for individuals and their families to help cover costs associated with critical living expenses such as housing, utilities, car repair and other essential items on a case-by-case basis. Families must submit an application online and grants are awarded each month.
Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism: The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation annually awards grants to non-profit organizations and schools that provide services, education and advocacy for children with autism. Typically, applications are accepted from July through September of each year. Grant recipients are announced in December.
ASCONN Mini Grant: This grant is used to purchase items or services that directly relate to the safety and security of people with autism or their families within Connecticut. Grants are awarded for up to $1,000 for parents, family members, people with autism or anyone working with persons on the autism spectrum.
National Autism Association’s Helping Hand Program: The grant helps families fund medical and therapy services for children and adults diagnosed with autism. Since its founding in 2003, NAA’s Helping Hand Fund has distributed tens of thousands of dollars to families within the autism community. Applications are due at the end of July and are distributed annually.
4-A Healing Foundation: The 4-A Healing Foundation can provide financial assistance for children that require biomedical treatment. The “4-A” stands for autism, ADHD, asthma and allergies.
Autism Relief Foundation: Grant awards are available for patients of any age with a diagnosis on the autistic spectrum disorder. The majority of grants are to be used for medical therapies including functional, alternative, and conventional treatments provided by a medical doctor or other therapist with specific training in those areas. Grants range from $300-$700.
Danny’s Wish: Danny’s Foundation gives iPad grants to children with autism. Danny’s Wish Foundation raised over $15,000 through fundraisers and private donors to give 30 iPads and iPad covers to 30 deserving children with autism.