Service Provider Grants: Local Impact Grants

Overview

_NOTE: We are re-imagining our community grants program to meet the needs of individuals with autism today and in the future.  We look forward to sharing our updated grants program in 2025.
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Since 2013, the Autism Speaks Local Impact Grant Program has awarded over $3.6 million to 750 organizations across the country and served tens of thousands of people with autism, their caregivers and families, teachers, therapists and neurotypical peers.

The Autism Speaks Local Impact Grant Program accepts applications from non-profit, 501(c)3 organizations for grant awards up to $5,000.

The objective of the Autism Speaks Local Impact Grants is three-fold:

* to promote local services that enhance the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorders
* to expand the capacity to effectively serve the ASD community
* to increase the field of national service providers

Autism Speaks places a significant emphasis on the product or deliverable of each proposal to benefit the autism community beyond those participating in the program. Deliverables include videos, manuals and curricula that may be shared on the Autism Speaks website for the broader community. In addition, Autism Speaks seeks to ensure proposals provide opportunities for individuals with varying levels of need. Careful consideration will also be given to applications that specifically address the needs of underserved communities - which can include rural towns, non-English speaking populations, and other vulnerable groups.

The grant period is seven-nine months, beginning once the check is received.

Grant Categories

We provide funding to support programs at existing organizations in the following categories:

*  Education

* o Building the field and scope of educators and other professionals who support individuals with autism, by providing continuing education and training
* Providing funding for consultation and hands on training to improve educational programs for individuals with autism
* Providing a specific service such as ABA, legal service, etc. to people with autism and the community

* Recreation/Community Activities

* Social skills training to provide peer modeling and inclusion with age-matched, typically developing peers; social learning; social relatedness; social awareness; and social communication. We fund both integrated and non-integrated programming. 
* Recreation and athletic programs 
* Equine programs
* Museums, arts, dance, music programs

* Young Adult/Adult Services

* Pre-vocational and vocational training
* Transition planning
* Residential services
* Recreation programs specifically for adults
* Life/Community integration skills
* Health/Safety

* Sensory Equipment/Supportive Technology
* iPads
* Smartboards
* Sensory equipment (occupational therapy equipment, toys, etc.)
* Equine therapy equipment

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Non-profit organizations with a 501(c)3 exempt status that have been in existence for at least ONE YEAR with at least three staff members (either paid or volunteer) can apply.
*  Only organizations in the 50 United States plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands may apply. 
* All funding MUST be spent on programs serving individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Ineligibility

* Individuals are not eligible.
* We do not fund an idea for an organization.
* We DO NOT fund the following items:

* Endowment, debt reduction, or fundraising activities
* Administrative salaries, i.e. those not directly working in the program for which you are requesting funding
* Food, apparel or equipment that can be donated in kind
* Rent or financing of buildings