Community Grant Program

Community Grant Program is sponsored by Organization for Autism Research. This grant supports practical, noncommercial tools that create publicly accessible resources to improve autistic students' physical health, services, or adult-life outcomes.

Community Grant Competition | Organization for Autism Research Community Grant Competition Community Grant Competition We believe that autistic individuals and the people who surround them have the potential to innovate practical solutions that promote the quality of life of autistic individuals. Based on this commitment, OAR is pleased to present the Community Grant Competition.

The Community Grant Competition supports the design, packaging, and distribution of information resources that aim to enhance the physical and mental health of autistic individuals.

This competition recognizes the expertise of community members and aims to empower community stakeholders, such as autistic individuals, family members, and community organizations, to share their knowledge in order to improve health outcomes for autistic people.

Up to seven grants will be awarded to support the development of a practical tool that can positively impact the health of autistic individuals, either directly or indirectly (e.g. by providing guidance to caregivers or providers). OAR will fund up to seven (7) awards between $1,000 to $15,000 each . A full list of project priorities can be found in the Request for Applications.

The Community Grant Competition has concluded its 2025 cycle. The program is undergoing a redesign and is expected to open again in Fall 2026 (exact dates to be announced). Community Grant Resources Learn more about the previously funded community grant resources below.

Who is eligible to apply for the Community Grant Competition?

Eligible applicants include community stakeholders, such as: Community organizations (e.g., K-12 public schools, parent groups, 501(c)(3) non-profits, etc.) Additionally, by the time of the 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).

Do I need to be affiliated with a university in order to apply? No. University/academic partners are encouraged but not required. Are researchers eligible to apply?

No. Projects must be led by community members. The grant supports resources developed by the community, not resources developed through research. What kinds of informational resources will the grant support?

Projects may include, but are not limited to, the creation of: Books (children’s, instructional) Innovative multi-media tools All projects must be publicly accessible (i.e. beyond the applicant’s local community or organization only) and intended for non-commercial informational and educational purposes. Can I submit more than one application? Applicants may submit up to 2 applications per cycle.

How much funding can I request? Beginning in the 2025 cycle, the Community Grant Competition will provide funding between $1,000-$15,000 per awarded project. Applicants are encouraged to check the Request for Applications button above to learn more about what expenses are eligible to be supported by this grant.

A sample budget and budget template may be found above. How do I submit an application? I forgot my password for the application.

What should I do? OAR does not have access to user passwords. Please utilize the “Forgot Password” feature on the application portal.

What will I need in order to complete the application? The application has several parts: Basic information about the project, the applicant, and any collaborators. Project summary: an uploaded document (maximum of 4 pages) in which you will provide a detailed overview of the project.

You will be able to access a response template, including the questions and formatting instructions, once you begin your application. Budget: an uploaded document including project expenses and a justification. You can view a template and example above or download it once you begin your application.

Resource draft: A draft of your proposed resource. Do I need to have my resource drafted in order to apply? A draft of the resource is strongly preferred.

At minimum, applicants must submit an outline. What will I need to complete by the end of the funding period? By the end of the funding period, the funded resource must be finalized and ready for distribution.

A plain language promotional summary is also required at the end of the funding period to be distributed across the nation by OAR. Final expense report and receipts (if requested) must be submitted within 30 days of the project closing date. I have a question that was not answered here.

How can I contact you? If you are unable to find what you are searching for or have additional questions, please contact programs@researchautism. org .

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