Grants for Adults / Families

CLOSED FOR 2023

Many Autistic children and adults benefit greatly from services and programs that can incur a significant financial expense for the average individual or family. Thanks to the generous support of the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, AANE has the pleasure of providing financial assistance for a limited number of individuals and families who need a little help paying for these services.

To apply for this program, please complete the online application and be sure to send in the required supporting documents.

Qualifications

You must meet all of the following criteria to apply for an adult/family grant:

• Candidate: You are a post-high school Autistic adult OR you are the parent or legal guardian of an Autistic individual. A diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is acceptable.
• Location: You must live in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, or Connecticut.
• Financial Need: This grant is specifically for low and moderate income families based on Federal HUD guidelines. Please do not apply if your family income exceeds these guidelines:
  • $62,800 for a family of 2
  • $70,650 for a family of 3
  • $78,500 for a family of 4
  • $84,800 for a family of 5
  • $91,100 for a family of 6

Grant Amounts

Grants will range from $50.00 – $500.00

What You Can Ask For

You may apply to use the money for anything that directly improves your life (for an Autistic adult) or your Autistic child’s life (for parents of Autistic children). Examples of possible uses of grant money:

• Therapeutic services, including educational and neuropsychological evaluations, occupational therapy, physical therapy, sensory integration therapy, social skills groups, and speech therapy.
• Respite care and health-related expenses not covered by insurance, e.g. vision and dental care.
• Social and recreational activities, e.g. art classes, camp tuition, horseback-riding lessons, music classes and instruments, skating lessons, swimming lessons, and YMCA membership, as well as one-to-one aides to help access activities
• Programs and equipment, e.g. adapted bicycles, books, computers, games, puzzles, sports equipment, and videos.

Application Process

To be considered for funds, please supply all of the paperwork listed below. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application is complete. We cannot process your application until we have received all the necessary documentation.

Feel free to explain any unusual or special circumstances regarding your need that may not be evident by completing the application.

Step 1: Complete the application.

Step 2: Provide documentation of family income.

• If you are required to file a tax return, please supply the first page of your most current completed tax return. Please black out your social security number and date of birth.
• If you are not required to file a tax return, please supply alternative documentation of income dependent benefits, such as unemployment income, SSI, or state benefits such as Transitional Assistance.

Step 3: Provide current documentation of diagnosis

• Summary page from a report of neuropsychological testing (or, if unavailable, substitute psycho-educational testing by a school psychologist) and/or
• Individualized Education Plan that lists a current Autism Spectrum diagnosis and/or
• A 504 Plan that lists a current Autism Spectrum diagnosis and/or
• A signed letter stating that the individual has an autism spectrum diagnosis. The letter will need to be provided by a therapist, psychiatrist, and/or doctor (i.e., LICSW/MSW, LMHC, PhD, PsyD, MD, DO) and include the provider’s name, license, and license number.

Documentation must be within the last 5 years.

When all the paperwork is received, it will be reviewed by the AANE Family Grants Administrator (grants@aane.org).

If funds are available, the Family Grants Administrator will notify approved applicants and the AANE Business Manager will issue a check to the family or to the service provider indicated on the application.

If an applicant wants to change the use of funds after acceptance, you MUST contact the AANE Family Grants Administrator in advance to obtain approval. If an application is rejected, the applicant will receive notification of the reason for the rejection. In that case, families should feel free to reapply if their circumstances change such that they meet the eligibility requirements listed above.

Proof of Service or Purchase of Goods

Families receiving money MUST send receipts or other proof of purchase for the agreed upon goods or services to AANE. This grant will be audited by a CPA and we must have proper documentation! You will be considered for a future grant only if we have received your receipts.

Questions?

Please feel free to email the AANE Grants Administrator (grants@aane.org) if you have any questions regarding the application process. We look forward to hearing from you.

CLOSED FOR 2023

Many adults and teens with autism could benefit greatly from services and programs but can not participate due to the expense. Thanks to the generous support of the Daniel Braun Memorial Camp and Recreational Activities Scholarship Fund, AANE is pleased to provide financial assistance for a limited number of adults who need help paying for these services.

The Daniel Braun Memorial Camp and Recreation Activities Scholarship Fund assists adults with Asperger’s and similar autism profiles, who wish to participate in enriching and fulfilling recreational activities. Sleep away-camp was instrumental in enabling Daniel to achieve an independent and fulfilling life. Daniel also loved to go to plays and museums with some wonderful organizations that serve the autism community. These activities brightened his life and made him a more outgoing social person. Through AANE, we would like to provide some assistance with the high costs of recreational activities and enable more individuals to have these valuable experiences.

To apply for this program, please complete the online application.

Qualifications

You must meet all the following criteria to apply for this grant:

• Age:  14 or older
• Location: The individual must live in the United States.
• Diagnosis: The individual must have a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome or a related Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Financial Need: This grant is specifically for adults with low to moderate income.  Grants will be limited to the available funds in the scholarship program.

Grant Amounts

Grants will range from $75.00 – $1,500.00

What You Can Ask For

You may apply to use the money for specific programs and activities that relate to the social and recreational needs of an adult with Asperger Syndrome or related diagnosis. Examples of possible uses of grant money: 

• Group Day Trips
• Group Travel Programs
• Group Social Events
• Group Fitness Programs
• Creative Arts Programs

Application Process

It is your responsibility to ensure that your application is complete. Feel free to explain any unusual or special circumstances regarding your need that may not be evident by completing the application. 

• Approved applicants will be notified and the AANE Business Manager will issue the funds to the Adult or to the service provider indicated on the application.
• If an applicant wants to change the use of funds after acceptance, you MUST contact the AANE Grants Administrator in advance to obtain approval.
• If an application is rejected, the applicant will receive notification of the reason for the rejection. In that case, individuals should feel free to reapply if their circumstances change such that they meet the eligibility requirements listed above.

Proof of Service or Purchase of Goods

Individuals receiving money MUST send receipts or other proof of purchase for the agreed upon goods or services to AANE. This grant will be audited by a CPA and we must have proper documentation! You will be considered for a future grant only if we have received your receipts.

Questions?

Please feel free to email the AANE Grants Administrator at grants@aane.org if you have any questions regarding the application process. We look forward to hearing from you.