Grant Sources for Families
Scholarships, grants, and funding sources for families with special needs children, including autism.
As prices just seem to go up and up, we have compiled a list of Grants, Scholarships, and other Financial resources for families with children with special needs, including autism. These can be utilized to fund supplemental therapies, camps, and treatments. Our goal is to give children the chance to better express themselves in the world in which we live. 💙
The Ohio Department of Medicaid’s OhioRISE program is a specialized managed care program for youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs. If you have patients or families that need more information about the OhioRISE program, point them to the Resources for Members and Families webpage which has everything they need to know!
Who can benefit from the OhioRISE program?
Children and youth who…
- Have multiple needs that result from behavioral health challenges.
- Have multisystem needs or are at risk for deeper system involvement.
- Are at risk of out-of-home placement or are returning to their families from out-of-home placement.
Who is eligible for the OhioRISE program?
Children and youth who may be eligible for OhioRISE must meet each of the following criteria:
- Are eligible for Ohio Medicaid (either managed care or fee-for-service).
- Are age 0-20.
- Require significant behavioral health treatment needs, measured using the Ohio Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment.
If you are interested in learning about the OhioRISE program and how to determine eligibility to begin the referral process, find more information here.
Parker’s Purpose Foundation provides assistance to any family, who has a minor child (18 and under) with a life-altering illness or disability that is having financial crisis due to unforeseen medical expenses. Applications can only be considered from the State of Ohio.
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- What type of Assistance Do We Provide?
- Financial assistance can be given for specific bills, equipment, and needs stated within the application as the recipient deems necessary to their situation.
- How Much Assistance Do We Provide?
- Our maximum grant can not exceed $1000 per family.
- What type of Assistance Do We Provide?
More information can be found here.
Community Fund offers grants to nonprofits that serve Ohio residents with disabilities. Community Fund also offers three types of grants to individuals who reside in Ohio and have a disability. The individual grants are:
- Special Needs Grant with Financial Hardship is for an Ohio resident with a disability who receives SSI, Medicaid, or any HCBS Waiver.
- Special Needs Grant is for an Ohio resident with a disability who does not receive SSI, Medicaid, or any HCBS Waiver.
- Grant for Former Community Fund Beneficiaries is for an Ohio resident who was a Community Fund client (beneficiary), but whose trust has closed.
More information can be found here.
Learning Aid Ohio offers supplemental learning services to students with IEPs during this unique school year. Their goal is to bridge the gap by creating opportunities for students to achieve their goals despite the challenges of remote learning. In partnership with the governor’s office, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities is funding up to $1,500 per family per quarter to help subsidize the cost of any chosen learning providers.
More information can be found here.
Red Treehouse.org – having a child with a disability, a new medical diagnosis, or frequent medical care needs often results in added and unexpected costs for a family. Dealing with these financial burdens can make an already difficult situation even more challenging, which is why many organizations have made it their mission to help bridge the gap for families in need. In this newly updated guide you will find a list of organizations that may be able to help should you find yourself in need of monetary resources to fully fund or reduce the costs associated with medical care, travel, and basic living expenses.
More information can be found here.
National Autism Association wants to educate and empower families affected by autism and other neurological disorders while advocating on behalf of those who cannot fight for their own rights. We encourage families to help their loved ones reach their full potential, by funding efforts with the Helping Hand Program. The national organization accepts applications in June-July and the local group accepts applications in May, annually. Contact: Andrea Patterson, 216-544-1231.
More information can be found here.
Autism Cares: Financial Support Award is through Autism Speaks, and will provide financial relief of up to $1,000 for individuals with ASD and their families to help cover costs associated with critical living expenses such as housing, utilities, car repair, funeral expenses, and other essential items on a case-by-case basis. Applications are accepted year-round. [Please note: Grants are available for families in PA only.]
Technology Grant Program via Autism Speaks has a generous donation from CDW, a leading provider of technology products and services, will select 15 individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to receive an Apple iPad. Applications are due in March. Contact: 888-288-4762.
More information can be found here.
UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation is dedicated to facilitating access to medical-related services that have the potential to significantly enhance the clinical condition or the quality of life of the child. This “support” is in the form of a grant to be used for medical services not covered or not completely covered by commercial health benefit plans. Applications are accepted year-round.
More information can be found here.
Variety Children’s Charity is an association of 21 chapters throughout the country that empower local kids who are disabled and disadvantaged to live, laugh and learn. Their programs deliver crucial LIFE-ENRICHING communication equipment and services, education, and self-esteem to individual children and children’s organizations.
More information can be found here.
The Asperger/Autism Network provides an extensive list of various grants available for families and individuals residing in the United States. Clicking on the name of the grant-giving organization will take you to the designated website.
More information can be found here.
Special Kids Therapy Grants & Scholarships is proud to offer scholarships to financially support children with special health needs and their families with the cost of non-traditional therapies or activities that are not covered by insurance.
More information can be found here.
Talk About Curing Autism provides information, resources, and support to families affected by autism. TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. [Please note: Grants are available for families in PA only.] Applications for the Family Scholarship Program are accepted year-round. Contact: Moira Giammatteo, 949-640-4401 ext. 107.
More information can be found here.
Modest Needs offers grants designed to promote the self-sufficiency of individuals and families who, because they are working and live just above the poverty level, are ineligible for most types of conventional social assistance but who, all the same, are living one or two lost paychecks away from the kind of financial catastrophe that eventually leads to homelessness.
More information can be found here.
The Giving Angels Foundation enhances the daily functioning of a child with a physical disability from a lower-income family by awarding grants for life-changing equipment, medical supplies, essential family bills, specialized camps, and therapeutic toys.
More information can be found here.
Zane’s Foundation aims to provide financial support to families of special needs children through funds designated for respite care, therapies, or other assistive equipment. Applications accepted quarterly. Contact: 330-922-5855
More info can be found here.
Different Needz Foundation: Its primary mission, inspired by personal experience is to provide special needs individuals, families, and organizations that support them with money to purchase medical equipment, therapy devices, adaptive toys, and/or services. Contact: 216-904-5151.
More info can be found here.
Peak Potential Therapy also utilizes other funding sources:
- Family Support Service Funds through county boards of developmental disabilities
- Family and Children’s First Council Funds through county boards of developmental disabilities and Jobs &Family Services
- Post-Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS) for children who are adopted with special needs
- Care Credit financing plan
- Autism Scholarship and Jon Peterson Special Needs approved provider
- Help Me Grow/EISOP approved provider, only for kids under 3 years of age
- Insurance companies such as Summa Care, Aetna/RPN, Anthem/BCBS, Humana Military(TriCare), Medical Mutual, Cigna, United Health Care (coming soon)
- Online schools such as ECOT, BOSS, and others
Andrew’s Gift: Mission is to empower individuals and families by providing awareness, assistance, and financial support to optimize the potential of all individuals with autism within their home, educational programs, and community settings. [Please note: Grants are available for families in PA only.]
More info can be found here.
C.A.R.E. Foundation: grants are for helping families with medication, autism diagnosis/evaluation, therapy session (including speech, OT and ABA,) autism summer camps.
More info can be found here.
ACT Today!’s grants are designed to provide access to individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Grant payments will be made directly to pre-approved treatment providers, assessors, or materials vendors. Applications are accepted quarterly. Contact: 818-705-1625.
More info can be found here.
Fund it Forward: Mission is to ease the burdens of families with special needs children by raising money for adaptive equipment. Types of equipment included augmented communication devices, bath and feeding chairs, wheelchairs, sensory equipment, etc. Contact: (330) 388-3829 or Email: [email protected]
More info can be found here.
National Center for Learning Disabilities: The Anne Ford Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500/year over four years) granted to a graduating high school senior who will be enrolled in a full-time bachelor’s degree program in the fall. Students must have a documented learning disability (LD) and/or ADHD.
More info can be found here.
iTaalk Autism Foundation: Provides interactive technology to children (0-22) with an ASD, and educational training on interactive technology to families, educators, and service providers of children with special needs.
More info can be found here.
Beyond Words Foundation: Funding for kids (0-22 years old) with Autism for research-based therapy and recreational services. Awards scholarships 3 times throughout the year.
More info can be found here.
Orange Effect Foundation: Empowering individuals (0-20 years) with speech disorders to communicate through therapy, education & technology resources. Accepts applications quarterly!!!
More info can be found here.
Summer Programming Scholarships: The mission of Individuals Dedicated to Educational Advocacy (IDEA) is to support students with special education needs by providing scholarships for summer programming. Contact: (216) 371-9874
More info can be found here.
Jewish Education Center of Cleveland: Provides up to two years of grants for Jewish children with special needs. Contact: (216) 371-0446
More info can be found here.
Rec2Connect Foundation: This organization provides scholarship opportunities for individuals with special needs to attend Recreation Therapy-based services. Contact: (330) 703-9001
More info can be found here.
The Up Side of Downs of Northeast Ohio: This organization provides financial assistance that directly improves the life of an individual with Down Syndrome, and can assist with non-medical or medical expenses.
More info can be found here.
Our Military Kids: Supports children, ages 5 years through 12th grade, of deployed National Guard and Reserve service members and children of wounded warriors from all service branches. Grants pay for participation in activities to help children cope with stress and anxiety while their parents are recovering or absent.
More info can be found here.
Easter Seals Northern Ohio Services
Summer Camp/ Camperships
- Camps in Alliance, Ashtabula, & Bellevue
- Camp Scholarships
Contact: (888) 325-8532
www.noh.easterseals.com
Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship
The Jon Peterson Special Needs (JPSN) Scholarship Program is an exciting opportunity for your child to receive financial help to pay for the services that are listed in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Year-round applications are accepted. Students can receive up to $27,000 in aid but to receive the full benefit they must be enrolled for the entire year. The funds awarded starting with the fiscal year on July 1, however with the passing of House Bill 49, families can apply any time and the amount will be prorated.
More info can be found here.
SELF Waiver
Families can access funds under Client Directed Goods and Services category for our programming where we take kids into the community, even though Peak Potential Therapy is not a Medicaid approved provider.
More info can be found here.
Autism Scholarship Program
For individuals ages, 3 to 22 who are not attending public school, have an IEP, and a disability category on the ETR indicates Autism, you are “guaranteed” to receive the $32,500/year. The fiscal year starts on July 1. Individuals can apply at any time, but the amount will be prorated.
More info can be found here.
Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities
The Midwest Council for Children with Disabilities was founded in 1997 by a group of small business owners to provide financial assistance to children challenged physically, developmentally or cognitively. MCCD provides families of these children the means to pursue medical treatments and therapies that are not covered by health insurance.
More info can be found here.
Varghese Summersett PLLC Annual Scholarships: offers numerous scholarship opportunities for youth with special needs under the age of 15.
More info can be found here.
FARE-Cle Scholarship: an Uber-like service for individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges, is accepting applications for scholarships. The awarded scholarships will subsidize rides for up to one year.
More info can be found here.
The Arc of Ohio: provides competitive pricing on AAC devices and Assistive and Adaptive Technology through the Individual Options (IO), Self-Empowered Life Funding (SELF), and Level 1 Waivers, and a unique, self-directed program that offers people with developmental disabilities and their families the control of recruiting Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and in-home coordination of services through the SELF, Level 1, and IO waivers.
More information can be found here.
MyGOAL Inc: a need-based grant for treatments, enrichment, and educational needs that may not otherwise be covered privately or by other third-party funding sources such as school districts, county programs, insurance, and/or other grant-making entities.
More information can be found here.
SEAL Family Foundation: provides direct educational diagnostic testing, services, and tutoring/mentoring and support to the families of active-duty SEALs, SWCC and support personnel who have special needs children. Recent examples of where we’ve helped include spouse respite, emergency home repairs for deployed service members, urgent child care, and primary care individual replacement.
More information can be found here.
Maggie Welby Foundation Scholarships: offers grants for children and families that have a financial need for a specific purpose for children grades Kindergarten through twelfth grade. All grants are awarded to the family but are paid directly to the specific purpose for which the grant was applied. Organizations that directly benefit children can also receive grants on an annual need.
More information can be found here.
Education Scholarships & Grants
The Kelly Law Team Autism Scholarship Contest: The scholarship is available to citizens of the United States who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and who are interested in pursuing college or university, a junior college, or a trade or vocational school.
More information can be found here.
The Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship: Offers $1,000 scholarships to undergraduate or postgraduate students with autism or students with a relative with autism.
More information can be found here.
The Percy Martinez Autism Scholarship: Offers $5,000 to a high school, undergraduate, graduate, or law school student.
More information can be found here.
Organization for Autism Research (OAR): Our scholarship program provides $3,000 scholarships to students across the autism spectrum. We are pleased to invite applications from persons with an autism diagnosis (DSM-IV or later criteria) pursuing full-time, post-secondary, undergraduate education, or vocational-technical training.
More info can be found here.
Autism Support Network does not endorse or validate the listings hereunder, which are presented for informational purposes only. Individuals should contact the respective organizations directly with any questions.