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Charitable Grants to Start an Autism Business

One in 150 children is diagnosed with some form of autism. Due to the prevalence of autism, along with its complexities, more research and funding is needed. Many families struggle to get the necessary accommodations and services. Fortunately, charitable grants are available for families and educators. Grants assist in starting or expanding an existing organization with the sole focus on treatment and services aimed at improving the outcome for children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with an ASD (autism spectrum disorder).

  1. Autism Speaks

    • Autism Speaks is one of the larger sources for funding and has awarded $42 million in grants ($1,454,590 in Family Service Community Grants) to support organizations affiliated with autism that are seeking to expand services in four areas of education, recreational/community activities, equipment, and young adult/adult services. Find out more at www.autismspeaks.org.

    Other Types

    • The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund offers small and large grants (not typically awarded to an individual). Areas of interest include family support, employment schemes, play therapies, hands-on activities such as crafts and woodworking and independent living. Go to http://www.bailythomas.org.uk for more information on the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund.

      The John Merck Fund awards grants aimed at supporting those with developmental disabilities. It considers promising projects, pilot projects and smaller organizations, including start-ups. For more information, check out its website at http://www.jmfund.org.

    More Grants

    • The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation awards grants that focus on adolescents and adults diagnosed with an ASD in the areas of residential, recreational, vocational and educational programs geared at preparation for life after school. Go to http://www.djfiddlefoundation.org for more information.

      The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust Grants focuses on early intervention, health and rehabilitative services. Check out its website, http://info.cvscaremark.com.

    Applying

    • The process for applying for a grant is not complicated, but it does take some preparation. Initially, you will be requested to fill out an online application, or submit a letter of intent/interest stating your position. Most organizations will provide guidelines about writing the letter. In general, you will be asked to tell about yourself and your organization, the number of individuals involved, the amount of funding requested and whether or not it's a new or existing program. After the application is reviewed and there is interest, you will receive a letter requesting a full grant proposal. The time frame varies according to the organization, but it could take three to six months to find out if your grant was accepted.

    Considerations

    • Autism is not going away. No doubt, the demands for autism resources and information are high. Parents have contributed immeasurably to the emergence of powerful organizations such as Autism Society of America. One or two parents working together have made a tremendous difference in many lives of those affected by autism. Researchers are still in the beginning stages of understanding the complexities of autism and the spectrum. Therefore, funding for organizations with the mission of increasing autism awareness and providing services and treatments will most likely increase.

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