Organization for Autism Research
The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a public charity based in Arlington, Virginia, formed in 2001. It funds applied autism research and provides resources and educational programs for autistic people, families, educators, and others in the autism community.
Organization for Autism Research at a glance
In short: Organization for Autism Research gave $296K across 15 grants in 2025 (avg $20K), top state Massachusetts. 47% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $295,743
- -7.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 15
- -16.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $19,716
- +11.6% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $3,358,553
- -13.2% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 47% first-time grantees (7 of 15, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (27% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Organization for Autism Research
- How to Apply
-
OAR publishes application materials and competition instructions for its research grants. Applied research applicants submit a letter of intent and, if invited, a full proposal. Graduate research applicants submit an application for an independent study. The Peer Education Grant accepts applications from eligible educators and community organization leaders.
- Review Cycle
- The 2026 applied research letter-of-intent deadline was March 16, 2026, a past deadline; full proposals were due July 24, 2026, also a past deadline. The graduate research competition lists proposals due February 1, 2027. The Peer Education Grant lists a deadline of January 11, 2027.
- Deadline
- The 2026 applied research letter-of-intent deadline was March 16, 2026, a past deadline; full proposals were due July…
- Contact
Mailing address: 2111 Wilson Blvd 401, Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (703) 243-9710
Website: https://researchautism.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Organization for Autism Research
OAR Applied Research Competition Grant
Organization for Autism Research
Amount
Up to US $50,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
OAR Community Grant
Organization for Autism Research
Amount
US $1,000 - US $15,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
OAR Graduate Research Grant Competition
Organization for Autism Research
Amount
Up to US $2,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Organization for Autism Research funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was University of Massachusetts - Boston ($40K). Together the top 10 received $252K.
Grant Size Distribution
73 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 71 grants of 73 (97%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
OAR’s 2025 grants went to recipients in multiple states. The largest reported shares of grant dollars went to Massachusetts (27%), North Carolina (12%), and Georgia, Tennessee, and Nebraska (10% each). OAR also states that international researchers and international graduate students may apply to its research competitions.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 15 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Organization for Autism Research open to new grantees?
47%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 7 of 15 grantees (47%) were first-time recipients. With only 15 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 7 points. First grants averaged $13K; repeat grants $26K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $30K repeat.
- 27% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+1%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $135K (2021) to $318K (2024). In 2025 it made 15 grants totaling $296K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts - Boston Boston, MA | Research | $40,257 |
| Boston University Boston, MA | Research | $30,000 |
| Clemson University Atlanta, GA | Research | $30,000 |
| UNC Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC | Research | $30,000 |
| Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN | Research | $30,000 |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE | Research | $29,203 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA | Research | $27,646 |
| University of Colorado - Denver Denver, CO | Research | $15,000 |
| Eden II Programs Staten Island, NY | Education | $10,000 |
| May Institute Inc Randolph, MA | Education | $10,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,358,553 | $2,126,550 | $2,566,342 | $295,743 | 15 | $61,932 |
| 2024 | $3,869,084 | $2,323,210 | $2,467,346 | $317,881 | 18 | $88,988 |
| 2023 | $4,110,656 | $2,819,297 | $2,188,510 | $299,235 | 17 | $66,905 |
| 2022 | $3,594,970 | $2,296,713 | $1,786,537 | $292,873 | 13 | $13,948 |
| 2021 | $3,295,138 | $1,694,880 | $1,339,159 | $135,151 | 10 | $12,844 |
| 2020 | $3,017,332 | $1,647,145 | $1,607,163 | $237,079 | 11 | $15,245 |
| 2019 | $2,092,311 | $1,650,876 | $1,726,479 | $277,996 | 14 | $14,720 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
OAR describes applied research as practical research intended to improve day-to-day life. Its research programs address quality-of-life issues affecting autistic people, families, teachers, and service providers. The 2026 applied research competition identified areas including communication, community living and supports, access to services, physical and mental health, and the needs of mid-life and older adults. OAR states that it does not fund biomedical research or research aimed at curing autism.
OAR offers applied research grants of up to $50,000 for studies lasting one or two years. Its graduate research competition offers awards of $1,000 for master’s students and $2,000 for doctoral candidates or postdoctoral students conducting independent research. OAR also offers scholarships for autistic students pursuing postsecondary education, and a Peer Education Grant for projects that promote autism acceptance among children.
OAR’s 2025 grants included research awards to universities and educational awards to service and community organizations. The May Institute describes its work as providing evidence-based educational, therapeutic, habilitative, and consulting services to people with autism and other disabilities. Nonpareil Institute describes its mission as “Building Better Futures for Adults with Autism.” All Brains Belong VT describes its work as building healthier communities through neurodiversity-affirming medical care, social connection, employment support, and community education.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, OAR reported 15 grants totaling $295,743. Grant amounts ranged from $6,499 to $40,257, with a median grant of $15,000. The largest awards included $40,257 to the University of Massachusetts–Boston for research; $30,000 each to Boston University, Clemson University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Vanderbilt University for research; and $29,203 to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for research. Education grants included $10,000 each to Eden II Programs, the May Institute, and Nonpareil Institute.
The applied research competition uses a multi-stage review: letters of intent, full proposals, and final selection. OAR’s Scientific Council and autism-community professionals evaluate proposals and recommend awards; the Board of Directors approves awards. Applicants need at least one team member with a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree and a faculty or equivalent position at a college, university, medical school, or other research facility. International researchers may apply. The graduate competition is a one-step application and review process; applicants must be the sole investigator on an independent study. International students are eligible.
The Peer Education Grant supports school-wide projects with awards up to $10,000 and other projects with awards from $500 to $5,000. Its stated eligibility includes educators and community organization leaders interested in organizing autism-awareness activities.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Kristen Essex as executive director and secretary, James M. Sack as chairman, and Michael Kotowski as director and then treasurer, with the change noted as effective January 1, 2025. It also lists Peter Gerhardt as chair of the Scientific Council and Roberto T. Datorre, Christopher DeMay, Cathy Schw allie Farmer, and Deborah Hammer as directors. Marie Johnson is listed as treasurer until December 31, 2024, and Lori Lapin Jones as a director until May 31, 2025.
Organization for Autism Research is led by Kristen Essex, Executive Director & Secretary on every filing since 2023; 2 of 16 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Kristen Essex
Executive Director & Secretary
On filings since 2023
60 hrs/week
$120K (2023) → $122K (2025)
James M. Sack
Chairman
On filings since 2019
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Peter Gerhardt
Chair & Scientific Council
Director → Chair & Scientific Council, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kimberly Ha
Senior Director, Research & Programs
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$111K (2024) → $113K (2025)
Cathy Schwallie Farmer
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gregory Smith
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa M. Hussman
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lori Lapin Jones
Director
Vice Chairperson → Vice Chairman, 2023
Vice Chairman → Director, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Roberto T. Datorre
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joseph Mangalasseril Thomas
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Kotowski
Director Then Treasurer
Director → Director Then Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Demay
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brendan Hughes
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Deborah Hammer
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephen Shore
Community Representative
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marie Johnson
Treasurer
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (7)
- Former: William Donlon (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: Liz Cavaliere (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Anthony Ferrera (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Michael V. Maloney (2019–2022) — Executive Director
- Former: Marie Kish (2019–2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Maria Veve (2019) — Director
- Former: Susan Lauredo (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $122K, to Kristen Essex (Executive Director, Secretary). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Organization for Autism Research
How much does Organization for Autism Research give each year?
Organization for Autism Research gave $296K across 15 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $318K across 18 grants.
What is Organization for Autism Research's typical grant size?
Organization for Autism Research's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $19,716, across 15 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Organization for Autism Research that year got $13K on average.
Where does Organization for Autism Research give grants?
Organization for Autism Research's top state is Massachusetts, with 27% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were North Carolina (12%) and Georgia (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Boston, MA (2 grants).
Does Organization for Autism Research give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 15 grants with a stated purpose on Organization for Autism Research's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Research" (8 grants) and "Education" (7 grants).
Who are Organization for Autism Research's largest grantees?
Organization for Autism Research's largest 2025 grantees include University of Massachusetts - Boston ($40,257), Boston University ($30,000) and Clemson University ($30,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 34% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Organization for Autism Research?
Organization for Autism Research reported $3.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.1M.
What does Organization for Autism Research fund?
OAR describes applied research as practical research intended to improve day-to-day life. Its research programs address quality-of-life issues affecting autistic people, families, teachers, and service providers. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Organization for Autism Research?
OAR publishes application materials and competition instructions for its research grants. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Organization for Autism Research's EIN?
Organization for Autism Research's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 54-2062167. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 25, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 9, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 10, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 24, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS March 31, 2020)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Organization for Autism Research's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Organization for Autism Research funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/organization-for-autism-research-morg_de9c07beb46044478f60be345a1ca971
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_542062167_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Organization for Autism Research funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/organization-for-autism-research-morg_de9c07beb46044478f60be345a1ca971},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Organization for Autism Research's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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