Autism Speaks, Community, Family Services Grants

On July 24, 2008, Autism Speaks announced a request for a new round of Family Services Community Grants. Grant proposals are being solicited that address one of the following areas of need: Education, Recreation/Community Activities, Equipment/Supportive Technology, or Young Adult and Adult Services. Click here to read a press release.

Click here for the instructions and guidelines (aka Request for Applications) on completing an online application.

On June 26, 2008, Autism Speaks announced the recipients of the second round of Family Services Community Grants. More than $450,000 was awarded to 21 community organizations across the country. Click here to read a press release and here to read summaries of the funded proposals.

Recognizing that there are multiple needs in this expansive and varied community, the focus of these grants will be on proposals that serve to build the field of services for individuals with autism and expand the capacity to effectively serve this growing community. Autism Speaks will accept family services community grant proposals that address one of the following areas of need :

Education

Building the field and scope of educators and trainers, by providing continuing education and training to those working directly with individuals with autism spectrum disorders
Providing funding for consultation and hands on training to improve education for individuals with autism
Providing funding to increase the capacity of service providers
Sponsoring conferences that provide several sessions of training and hands-on opportunities to demonstrate knowledge
Training professionals to interact more effectively with individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Recreation/Community Activities

Social skills training that provides peer modeling and inclusion with typically developing peers
Recreation and athletic programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Equipment/Supportive Technology

Augmentative communication devices (for schools or agencies, not individuals)
Software to enhance communication (for schools and agencies, not individuals)
Assistive technology (for schools and agencies, not individuals)

Young Adult/Adults Services

Pre-vocational and vocational training
Transition planning
Residential services
Recreation programs for adults
Life/community integration skills

Autism Speaks Family Services Community Grants will partner with other organizations to provide additional funding for projects that match our objectives.

Autism Speaks will not award grants to individuals or fund an individual or family for participation in personal programs. We encourage individuals to contact local providers and organizations to submit proposals that will meet our stated goals.

Autism Speaks Family Service Community Grants do not fund scientific research projects. For information about science grants funded by Autism Speaks please click on the following link: http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/research/grants/index.php

Awards
The average grant award will be in the $10,000 - $20,000 range. Multi-year grants will not be awarded.

Application Process
Organizations interested in submitting an application must address one of the 4 areas of need. Successful applicants will apply grant funding to support new programs or the expansion of existing projects.

All applications must be submitted on line. Click here for the online application process http://grants.autismspeaks.org/research/login.asp