Are there grants I can apply for?
All too often, parents of children with ASD incur unexpected and immense out-of-pocket costs for treatments and services. Unfortunately, in many cases insurance companies do not cover these expenses. Through the generosity of foundations and, sometimes, public funding, applicable grants might help parents offset these costs.
Please read each option carefully and understand that specific criteria pertain to each. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and information is subject to change.
Asperger Association of New England Family Grant Programs
Available to families who have a child with Asperger Syndrome or closely related disorder (high-functioning autism, nonverbal learning disability). AANE can transfer your application to similar programs listed below if one program or request cannot adequately meet your needs. Call (617) 393-3824 or visit www.aane.org
- Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism: Available to moderate and low-income families (see details below).
- Edwin Phillips Foundation: Cash assistance to families residing in Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
- Family grants: Sponsored by a private donor on a first come-first served basis.
For more information or to obtain applications, visit www.aane.org
or call (617) 393-3824
Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
Provides financial assistance to families in Massachusetts for expenses incurred for the medical and related needs of children under age 22 who are not otherwise covered by insurance, federal or state health-care assistance. Call (800) 882-1435 or (617) 624-6060 or visit
www.mass.gov/cicrf
Consumer Empowerment Funds Program of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council
This service provides funds for individuals who are legal MA residents with developmental disabilities and/or a family member or guardian to attend conferences, trainings, or other events in MA or another state. Applications must be approved before the event and be based upon set program guidelines. For more information call (617) 770-7676 or visit
www.mass.gov/mddc/cerp/index.htm
The Danny Foundation
Funding ($100 to $500 per year) is available to individuals with autism and their families to help with costs for services and programs. Amounts are based upon financial need. The Danny Foundation is funded in part by the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. For more information call (781) 784-7022.
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
The EEC provides assistance, information and funding options for services and child care for children, birth to age 5, and their families. Call (617) 988-6600 or visit
www.eec.state.ma.us
Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism
Provides grants to IRS approved 501 c (3) organizations and qualified schools that in turn provide services, family support grants and resources to families. Call toll free (866) 3AUTISM or (508) 270-1855 or visit
www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org
Easter Seals of Massachusetts
Easter Seals offers a variety of programs and services for children and adults with disabilities and special needs. An assistive technology loan program and some funding are available. In Boston call (617) 226-2640. In New Bedford call (508) 992-3128. In Worcester call (800) 244-2756 or visit
www.ma.easterseals.com
Edwin Phillips Foundation
This foundation provides grants directly to families who have children with disabilities, including physical and cognitive challenges. Funds can be used for more expensive projects or services such as assistive technology or home modifications. P.O. Box 610075, Newton, MA 02461-0075.
Helping Hands Program of the National Autism Center
This program provides one-time grant awards per family based on income, need, and availability of funding. Grant awards are NOT given to families, but paid directly to vendor or service agency. Child must be ages birth to 18, reside in the US, and diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. For more information call (877) 622-2884 or visit
www.nationalautismassociation.org
Social Security Disability Insurance
SSDI provides benefits to families because of a child’s disability, depending on income. To apply call (800) 772-1213 or visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability
