Request for Applications: Family Services Community Grants
February 7, 2008 - Autism Speaks invites grant applications that promote services that will enhance the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorders. 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 with individuals with autism spectrum disorders
Providing funding for consultation to improve education for individuals with autism
Providing funding to increase the capacity of service providers
Sponsoring conferences
Training professionals to interact more effectively with individuals with autism spectrum disorders
Recreation/Community Activities
Funding to organizations that provide respite services.
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
Computer programs for schools, centers or agencies
OT and PT equipment
Augmentative communication devices (for schools or 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.
On December 20, 2007, Autism Speaks announced more than $565,000 in Family Services Community Grants. Read a press release here and read summaries of the funded grants here.