BACKGROUND

We, the Organization for Autism Research, believe in the value of teaching today’s youth about autism spectrum disorders. Children who learn about the disorder develop better relationships with their peers with autism. OAR has helped educate more than 135,000 children through the Kit for Kids peer education program since 2012. This year, we are expanding our commitment to educating students by awarding grants ranging from $500-$5,000. These grants will support projects that aim to promote autism awareness and acceptance among students in grades K-8 using OAR’s peer education program.

$500-$5,000 Grants to Teach Students About Autism

OAR’s Peer Education Grant (formerly “Autism Education Grant”) provides Kit for Kids peer education materials and additional funds to support projects that aim to increase autism awareness and acceptance among students in grades K-8.

Funding: Up to $50,000 has been set aside to award grants ranging from $500-$5,000.

Deadline: January 22, 2022. Projects will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Access the Application          Download the Budget Form

Eligibility

Teachers, administrators, parents, youth group organizers, and autism professionals interested in organizing an autism awareness initiative at a school or other community-based organization may apply. Eligible organizations include but are not limited to K-12 public schools, districts, libraries, and 501(c)(3) non-profits in the United States. This includes U.S. military installations overseas. Organizations from low-income communities are encouraged to apply.

Public School Districts
501(c)(3) Non-Profits
Community-Based Centers
U.S. Military Installations Overseas

Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified no later than one month after the rolling application deadline.

Application Deadline Earliest Project Start Date
June 25, 2021 September 1, 2021
January 22, 2022 April 1, 2022

Budget

OAR will support projects that use OAR’s peer education materials (Kit for Kids, Autism Tuned In) to increase autism awareness and acceptance. Example projects include awareness campaigns, workshops, and presentations. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to OAR’s peer education materials, print costs, honorariums and travel expenses for guest speakers, venue rental, and refreshments. Funds cannot be used to cover salaries.

Selection Process

OAR will review applications by the stated deadlines to determine the successful applicants and amount to be awarded. The number of grants awarded will be based on the number of applications submitted, the quality of projects, the number of students impacted, and the amount of money requested.

Kids in Action

Contact Us

If you have any questions or comments, please contact OAR at programs @ researchautism.org.