News and Knowledge

OAR has expanded its commitment to peer education by awarding grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to support projects that promote autism awareness and acceptance. When children understand autism, they develop better relationships with their autistic peers. OAR has helped educate more than 135,000 children through the Kit for Kids Peer Education Program since 2012 and awarded eight grants to support autism awareness projects around the country last year.

Who Can Apply?

Teachers, youth group organizers, parents, and autism professionals are eligible to apply. Applicants with projects that impact low-income communities are encouraged to apply. See the application instructions for details.

How Do I Apply?

All the information you need, including the application, is available online. For questions and comments, contact OAR at programs@researchautism.org.

What Does the Grant Cover?

OAR supports projects that use OAR’s peer education materials (Kit for Kids, Autism Tuned In) to increase autism awareness and acceptance among students in kindergarten through 8th grade. 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.

When Are Applications Due?

OAR is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis. The next rolling application deadline has been extended to February 26, 2021, for projects starting as early as April 1, 2021.