Grants for Applied Research to Improve Autism Support Services

Grants for Applied Research to Improve Autism Support Services is sponsored by The Grant Portal (aggregating various funders). This grant opportunity supports research and community initiatives designed to improve the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. This could include research or pilot programs related to autism employment strategies.

Applied Research Grant | Organization for Autism Research Applied Research Competition The annual Applied Research Competition is the most competitive line of funding we offer. Researchers can apply for 1-2 year grants of up to $50,000.

Our Scientific Council, augmented by highly qualified professionals from the autism community, evaluates and recommends the most promising research proposals through three rounds of review: letters of intent, full proposals, and final selection. Our Board of Directors approves all grant awards based on the recommendations of the Scientific Council and established research priorities. The application period is OPEN.

Access the Application Here Application period for 2026 grants opens March 16, 2026, 11:59 PM ET Second application round begins July 13, 2026, 11:59 PM ET Full proposal applications due Read about the competition timeline and application process. Download Request for Applications Download Application Overview What are considered eligible expenses?

Download Budget Guidelines We fund research that serves the immediate needs of the autism community. See OAR’s previously funded studies. Applied Research Grant FAQs What are the eligibility requirements?

International researchers are eligible to apply. At least one member of the research team must hold a Ph. D.

, M. D. , or equivalent degree and maintain a faculty position or equivalent at a college, university, medical school, or other research facility.

Applicants who are in transition between research institutions during the competition period but before the study period begins are still eligible to apply. In such cases, applicants must coordinate with the proper office of sponsored programs, and briefly explain the pending status of IRB approval within the application. Can I submit more than one application?

No, applicants can only submit one application per cycle. How much funding can I request? OAR funds pilot studies that range from 1-2 years.

The maximum grant amount is $50,000 regardless of study duration. Which type of OAR grant should I apply for? OAR currently offers two lines of research funding: the Applied Research Competition and the Graduate Research Grants Program.

Applied Research Competition – This is OAR’s most competitive competition available. The ideal applicant is an autism researcher. While there are no eligibility restrictions based on experience or degree, many of the finalists have doctoral degrees and previous experience conducting autism research.

Winners receive $50,000 for pilot studies that are 1-2 years in duration and have the potential to impact autism families in a meaningful way. Graduate Research Grants Program – This competition is for graduate students conducting autism research in support of an advanced degree.

Grant awards of $1,000 are offered to students for conducting autism research as a requirement in pursuit of a master’s degree and $2,000 for students who are doctoral candidates. Is my proposal a good fit for this competition? Please refer to the RFA above and review the list of OAR-funded studies .

How can I best prepare for the competition? Review the RFA, Overview of Application Process, and Budget Guidelines. Watch the informational webinar and download the Tip Sheet .

Review the entire online application on SurveyMonkeyApply. Access OAR’s research portal for examples of successfully funded studies. How are "early-career investigators" defined as?

Early-career investigators are defined as researchers who are within 10 years of completing their terminal degree. Who is the ‘Sponsored Office’ contact person? A university or research center typically has an office called “Office of Research Sponsored Programs,” “Sponsored Projects Office,” or “Office of Research.

” This office is responsible for administering grant materials, such as awards, applications, grant agreements, and budgeting for the organization. Depending on the type of research you conduct, you may be assigned a specific contact person from that office. If your organization does not have a sponsored office, please identify the individual who will be responsible for processing grant materials and/or funds at your organization.

To whom should I address the cover letter? Please address the cover letter to “Scientific Council, Organization for Autism Research” How do I format the Letter of Intent? OAR provides an LOI template for applicants to download and complete.

The instructions that appear within the text fields of the template may be overwritten. The LOI must not exceed two pages. If the applicant chooses not to use the provided template, they must adhere to the following format requirements: 1/2″ margins, Arial 11-point font or larger, maximum (2) two pages in length.

The LOI should include the section headers to ease the review process. How should I format my references? APA style, Arial 11-point font or larger.

Does it matter what version of NIH biosketch form I use? Please use the newest version available. I do not have an eRA user name for the NIH biosketch form.

What should I do? If you have any questions, please contact OAR at research@researchautism. org.

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