OAR Community Grant

OAR Community Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Organization For Autism Research
Amount: US $1,000 - US $15,000
Last Updated: March 05, 2026

Summary

The OAR Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for autistic individuals by funding community-led projects that address physical health and support services. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 are available for initiatives designed to produce practical tools and resources. Eligible applicants include family members, autistic individuals, and community organizations committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism. Projects should be innovative, publicly accessible, and focus on priority topics such as health systems and community services.

Overview

Mission OAR’s mission is to apply research to the challenges of autism. We strive to use science to address the social, educational, and treatment concerns of autistic people, parents, autism professionals, and caregivers. The mission of “applying” research to answer questions of daily concern to autistic people and those around them defines our goals and program objectives and shapes our budget. In addition to funding research, our mission includes the requirements to: Disseminate new and useful information to as many members of the autism community as possible, andDirect all research and programs initiatives toward enhancing the quality of life for autistic individuals and the families that give them love and support. Community Grant Competition Background We believe that autistic individuals and the people who surround them (relatives, educators, health care providers) have the potential to innovate practical solutions that promote the quality of life of autistic individuals. The Organization for Autism Research (OAR)—in collaboration with the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P)—seeks applications for the Community Grant Competition. Through this competition, OAR/AIR-P will promote the development of community resources that enhance the physical health and quality of life of autistic individuals. These resources may enhance autistic individuals’ health and quality of life directly or indirectly (i.e. by providing guidance to family members, educators, or other providers). Beginning this year, OAR/AIR-P will award grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 for up to seven (7) related projects. The projects may last up to one year. Project Examples The following are examples of projects that will be funded through this Request for Application (RFA). All projects must be publicly accessible and intended for non-commercial informational and educational purposes. Projects may include, but are not limited to, the creation of: Guides and/or manualsEducational curriculaBooks (children’s, instructional)Practical toolkitsInnovative multi-media tools Objective Projects will promote the physical health and overall quality of life of autistic individuals across the lifespan. Specifically, all funded projects will lead to the production and dissemination of a practical tool; all funded projects will have the potential to impact community practices or public policy and aim to enhance the quality of life for autistic individuals. Practical tools that are available in languages other than English are welcomed. Priority Topics Projects must address at least one of the following priority topics: Physical HealthPrimary Care Services and QualityCommunity-Based Lifestyle ActivitiesMental Health Services or SupportsHealth Systems and ServicesGender, Sexuality, and Reproductive HealthAdult Services and SupportsTransition PlanningEmployment and Higher EducationHousing and Residential SupportsFinancial and Estate PlanningAdult Sibling Support

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible applicants include community stakeholders such as:Parents/family membersAutistic individualsDirect autism service providersCommunity organizations (e.g., K-12 public schools, parent groups, 501(c)(3) non-profits, etc.) By the time of award, the applicant must be a citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., possess a currently valid Permanent Resident Card USCIS Form I-551, or other legal verification of such status).Eligible expenses include:Graphic design workTranslation servicesWeb/app developmentIncentives for stakeholder reviewTransportation feesPrint materials and publication feesDistribution feesAdministrative costsApplicants may submit up to 2 applications per cycle.

Ineligibility

Ineligible expenses include:Salary or stipends for work performed by internal staffSalary or stipend for writing contributorsIndirect costsNot applicable to University of California InstitutionsTuition fee remissionFood or beverage expensesWebsite maintenanceEssential software and equipmentExceptions made on a case-by-case basisResearchers are not eligible to apply.Projects must be led by community members. The grant supports resources developed by the community, not resources developed through research.