Grants and Funding Sources

Here are some grants and funding sources that offer help for various reasons including, but not limited to medical expenses, camperships, basic needs, and home modification.

Autism Care Today – Awards grants up to $5,000 to families, with priority given to those with a household income under $100,000. Funding may be used for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech, OT, medications, & home safety devices. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis.
509 Marin Street Suite 123
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Phone: 818-340-4010
Email: Info@act-today.org

Asperger/Autism Network (AANE)
Family Grant Programs – Available to families who have a child with Asperger Syndrome or closely related disorder (high-functioning autism, nonverbal learning disability).
617-393-3824 x41

Philanthropy Massachusetts
Associated Grant Makers (AGM) is a diverse and vibrant membership association of highly engaged philanthropic organizations and individuals with interests in Massachusetts and surrounding areas. We connect new and established donors, their trustees and staff to each other, to their communities and to emerging and relevant issues in the field. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AGM delivers excellent opportunities in learning, networking, access to resources and tools, skill-building, and community-building and serves as a bridge between funders and fund applicants for better understanding, efficiency and impact. As a leading and influential voice and advocate for effective philanthropy, AGM provides access to knowledge and cooperative action that enables our members to create extraordinary value for each other, their grantees and to collectively shape the future of a healthy and vital region.
133 Federal Street, Suite 802
Boston, MA 02110
617-426-2606

AGM Grant Maker Resource Network– There are a network of Resource Centers across Massachusetts that provide free access to grant information.

Autism Speaks Grants for Families – AutismSpeaks Cares provides support for families affected by autism during natural disasters and other catastrophic life events. The grant program helps families to cover costs associated with critical expenses related to the well-being of the family member with autism on a case-by-case basis. Please note, we DO NOT fund monthly recurring costs such as rent, mortgages, utilities, or car payments.

Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF) – 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.
800-882-1435 or 617-624-6060.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) – Home modification grants may be available by contacting your local city government.

Massachusetts Community Action Agencies – List of current agencies with grants.

MDDC Council Empowerment Funds Program – The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) and the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) offer a variety of funding opportunities for individuals, cities, and towns. These grants make communities more accessible and empower people with disabilities to self-advocate.
100 Hancock Street
Second Floor, Suite 201
Quincy, MA 02171
617-770-7676 x115
harold.lieberman@state.ma.us

CSL Foundation – The CSL Foundation, Inc. reaches out to children and teenagers in Massachusetts challenged by health and life issues, including those who are facing a medical crisis, living with a disability, coping with chronic illness or the need for long-term care, terminally ill. We support individuals and families in need, as well as local organizations that share our goals.
30 North Avenue
Burlington, MA 01803
For more information contact: Tayla Puopolo at 1-781-222-5136
email: tpuopolo@csl-foundation.org

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) – Provides assistance, information and funding options for services and child care for children, birth to age 5, and their families.
To apply interested families should contact their local Child Care Resource and Referral agency for financial assistance inquiries and access to the waiting list. Financial Assistance for Families

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.
PO Box 2157
Framingham, MA 01703
Grant Application Process

First Hand Foundation – Provides funds to families with limited incomes. Covered expenses are:

Treatment: Clinical procedures, medicine, therapy, prosthesis, etc.
Equipment: Wheelchairs, assistive technology equipment, care devices, hearing aids, etc.
Displacement: Lodging (only if charitable housing is unavailable), gas ($0.33 per mile), parking and transportation related to a child’s care
Vehicle modifications: Lifts, ramps and transfer boards.

2800 Rockcreek Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64117
816-201-1569.
Firsthandfoundation@cerner.com
Request funding

National Autism Association Give A Voice Program – The intent of NAA’s Give A Voice program is to provide communication devices to individuals with autism who are non-verbal or minimally verbal, and whose communication challenges put them at increased risk of injury or harm. We have very limited funding for this program. Every application is carefully reviewed and all information submitted is verified by NAA staff. This program is intended for families who are in dire need of financial assistance and are otherwise unable to attain a communication device.
One Park Avenue Suite 1
Portsmouth, RI 02871
877-622-2884
Check website for grant application deadlines.

Big Red Safety Box Program – The Big Red Safety Box is a free-of-charge toolkit given to autism families in need as a means to educate, raise awareness and provide simple tools that may assist them in preventing, and responding to, wandering-related emergencies.

Lend A Hand Society – Provides financial assistance to low-income families and individuals for over 120 years. Our three programs, emergency assistance, camperships for children, and the book mission — work in partnership with social service agencies in the greater Boston area. Grant applications must be made through a social service agency.

Leominster Public Library Grant Center – Library has a Grant Resource Center with an online database of foundations and public charity organizations.

Modest Needs Foundation – Offers grants to low-income but generally self-sufficient households, displaced workers struggling to return to the workforce, permanently disadvantaged persons struggling to afford medical care, and small non-profit organizations.

Modest Needs Frequently Asked Questions

Random Smiles Project – Random Smile Project provides a bridge of support to people going through difficult times. Families in need are provided with clothing, groceries, books, and toys through a network of local support. Accessibility options for those in need are supplied through our construction and renovation projects like wheelchair ramps, handicap bathroom conversions and home repair. Through these efforts Random Smile Project promotes the spirit of giving and receiving that reflects the greater good of what a community really is.

United HealthCare Children’s Foundation – Households with private-pay or employer insurance (MassHealth/Medicaid subscribers do not qualify) may receive up to $5,000 annually/$10,000 lifetime to support their child, who must be 16 years of age or less.
MN012-S286
PO BOX 41
Minneapolis,MN 55440-0041
855-698-4223
customerservice@uhccf.org

GoFundMe – Open to individuals or non-profits that are needing to raise funds for personal, charitable, non-divisive causes in the following categories: medical expenses, memorial/funeral expenses, tuition/education help, adoption fundraising, service trips, nonprofits, veterans or helping a neighbor in need.

Last Updated 5/4/2021