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Best Grants for Autism Programs

Explore grants for autism programs offering therapy, education, family support, and community integration for individuals on the spectrum.

31

Available grants

$31.7M

Total funding

$127.5K

Median grant

31 grants
$31.7M total
$127.5K median

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AI summary from publicly available grant information

Unspecified amount

Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants

Rolling deadline
State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.
State Farm Companies Foundation

US $500 - US $25,000

Karma Foundation Autism Grants in New Jersey

Rolling deadline
New Jersey nonprofits running autism-related programs and services can access funding through Karma Foundation for capacity building, equipment, operating support, start-ups, and special projects. 501(c)(3) organizations may receive US $500 - US $25,000, with most awards between US $1,000 - US $10,000; local, national, and international groups are considered, with specific New Jersey county priorities.
Karma Foundation

Up to US $300,000

Autism Research Funding for Institutions from Simons Foundation

Rolling deadline
Colleges, universities, hospitals, laboratories, and other research institutions conducting basic autism and neurodevelopmental disorder research can apply for Simons Foundation’s New Ideas Award, offering up to US $300,000 for bold, exploratory projects. Grants from Simons Foundation support early-stage, high-risk autism research that tests novel hypotheses and opens new conceptual or experimental directions.
Simons Foundation Inc.

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Unspecified amount

Education and Health Funding for Nonprofits from Saw Island Foundation

Rolling deadline
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, science, or health can apply for Saw Island Foundation’s grants to support scholarships, research, targeted programs, and general operating needs, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area. Autism-focused programs within these fields may be eligible if they align with the foundation’s priorities and demonstrate measurable impact.
Saw Island Foundation

Up to US $600,000

Simons Foundation Grants for Autism Research

Rolling deadline
Grants for autism and neurodevelopmental disorder research help U.S. research institutions pursue bold, exploratory basic science projects. Grants from Simons Foundation support novel hypotheses, new frameworks, and innovative tools that advance understanding of autism and related neurological conditions; awards are up to US $600,000 and are open to diverse scientific disciplines and methodologies, excluding institutions in China and Hong Kong.
Simons Foundation Inc.

Unspecified amount

Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Community Grants

Rolling deadline
Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or community support programs in the U.S., including autism-related services, may be eligible for funding that helps people help themselves. Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation supports initiatives in health and wellness, education, Native arts and culture, environmental protection, and the advancement of Native rights and Tribal sovereignty through its Community Fund.
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation

Up to US $10,000

Simons Foundation Autism Research Grants in U.S.

Applications due Sep 30, 2026
Autism researchers conducting U.S.-based studies that prioritize participation from undersampled groups can receive up to US $10,000 in participant incentive funding for online or remote projects. Focused on expanding SPARK Research Match, Simons Foundation supports studies on topics important to diverse autism communities, which may benefit nonprofits running autism-related programs and research partnerships.
Simons Foundation Inc.

Up to US $150,000

BJA FY 2026 The Kevin and Avonte Program: Reducing Injury and Death of Missing Individuals with Dementia and Developmental Disabilities

Applications due Oct 6, 2026
The BJA FY 2026 Kevin and Avonte Program aims to reduce the injuries and fatalities of individuals with dementia and developmental disabilities who wander from safe environments. This funding opportunity supports law enforcement and public safety agencies in implementing locative technologies to track missing individuals and develop programs that enhance safety and facilitate rescues, ultimately ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations.
US Department of Justice: Bureau of Justice Assistance

Up to US $750,000

U.S. Autism Research Funding via US DOD

Full proposal due Oct 23, 2026
Autism researchers and early-career investigators in the U.S. and territories can access funding through the US DOD to pursue innovative, high-impact autism studies and early-phase clinical trials. The Autism Research Program Career Development Award offers up to US $750,000 and requires meaningful collaboration with autistic individuals, caregivers, or community organizations throughout project planning and implementation.
US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command

Up to US $1,500,000

US DOD Autism Clinical Trials Grants

Full proposal due Oct 23, 2026
U.S. autism research institutions and clinical trial teams can access funding to implement autism treatment and management trials, from early proof-of-concept through large-scale efficacy studies. US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command offers up to US $1,500,000 for projects that include strong community collaborations and named autistic or caregiver partners across eligible U.S. territories and states.
US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command

Up to US $750,000

US DOD Support for Autism Research

Full proposal due Oct 23, 2026
Autism researchers and research institutions in the U.S. and territories can seek funding for innovative, high-risk/high-reward autism studies through the DoD’s Autism Research Program Idea Development Award. Focused on advancing autism science, US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command invites projects that may accelerate improvements in outcomes for Autistic individuals, including collaborative partnering PI efforts.
US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command

Unspecified amount

Autism Microbiome Research Funding from Wellcome Leap

Applications due Nov 25, 2026
Research institutions and interdisciplinary teams studying the maternal and infant gut microbiome’s role in neurodevelopment and autism-related challenges worldwide can seek funding through Wellcome Leap’s Foundations of a Resilient Microbiome program. Grants from Wellcome Leap support work on causal links, scalable diagnostics, and interventions that may ultimately benefit autism-focused programs and outcomes.
Wellcome Leap Inc

US $1,000 - US $15,000

Organization for Autism Research Grants for Autism

Applications due Nov 30, 2026
Community organizations and stakeholders in the U.S. creating non-commercial tools to improve autistic individuals’ health and quality of life can apply for the Organization for Autism Research Community Grant, awarding US $1,000 - US $15,000. Funding supports developing and disseminating guides, curricula, toolkits, or multimedia resources on autism-related physical health or adult services.
Organization For Autism Research

Up to US $10,000

Cowles Charitable Trust Grant

Applications due Dec 1, 2026
The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.
Cowles Charitable Trust

Up to US $120,000

Simons Foundation Grants for Plant Science

Applications due Dec 4, 2026
Postdoctoral researchers pursuing basic plant biology research in the U.S. can access funding through the Simons Foundation’s postdoctoral fellowships. Awards up to US $120,000 support interdisciplinary projects hosted by nonprofit research universities or research institutions. Autism-focused research programs in plant biology or related life sciences at eligible institutions may be able to involve qualifying fellows.
Simons Foundation Inc.

Up to US $600,000

Simons Foundation Support for Autism Research

Applications due Jan 14, 2027
Early-career postdoctoral scientists planning autism or neuroscience research, including autism-related programs, can receive up to US $600,000 to launch independent labs through the Fellows-to-Faculty Award, active at institutions worldwide. With a mission to advance autism and brain science, Simons Foundation provides underrepresented researchers with funding and career development toward tenure-track or equivalent faculty roles.
Simons Foundation Inc.

US $5,000 - US $20,000

Nordstrom Community Grant

Applications due Jan 31, 2027
The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.
Nordstrom

Up to US $50,000

Autism Research Funding for Academics from Organization for Autism Research

Letter of inquiry due Mar 18, 2027
Researchers at universities, medical schools, or research institutions worldwide can seek up to US $50,000 for applied autism studies that improve day-to-day quality of life. Organization for Autism Research supports projects on assessment, intervention, community living, health, and services, which may ultimately benefit U.S. nonprofits delivering autism programs and supports.
Organization For Autism Research

US $30,000 - US $350,000

True Inspiration Awards

Applications due May 1, 2027
The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.
Chick Fil A Foundation Inc

More than US $75,000

Autism and Neuroscience Funding from Simons Foundation

Letter of inquiry due May 22, 2027
Nonprofit-organized courses and conferences in autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, aging, or neuroscience worldwide can seek support for multi-year events through the Simons Foundation, with awards of more than US $75,000. Priority goes to programs aligned with SFARI, plasticity and aging, or systems and computational neuroscience, which may benefit autism-focused organizations planning scientific meetings.
Simons Foundation Inc.

Up to US $25,000

Next for Autism Support for Autism Programs

Applications due May 22, 2027
U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor can seek funding for programs serving autistic adults in work, home, social engagement, or health and well-being. With a mission to transform services for autistic people, Next for Autism provides grants up to US $25,000, prioritizing low-income, underserved, and rural communities.
Next For Autism Inc

Unspecified amount

Mutual of America's Community Partnership Award

Applications due Jul 1, 2027
The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.
Mutual Of America Foundation

US $5,000 - US $250,000

Gupta Family Foundation Grant

Applications due Jul 31, 2027
The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.
Gupta Family Foundation

Up to US $80,000

Autism Research Fellowships via Autism Speaks

Pre proposal due Aug 5, 2027
Autistic predoctoral students pursuing autism research can receive up to US $80,000 over two years for stipend and research expenses through this fellowship, open to U.S. and international institutions. Focused on autism and disability justice, Autism Speaks invites projects emphasizing implementation science and real-world application of evidence-informed interventions.
Autism Speaks

Up to US $100,000

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Support for Autism Research

Applications due Sep 27, 2027
Established neuroscience and psychiatry researchers developing innovative mental health and autism-related studies can seek up to US $100,000 for one year through the Distinguished Investigator Grant. Brain & Behavior Research Foundation supports basic and clinical research on brain and behavior disorders, which may benefit nonprofits and programs focused on autism and related conditions.
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

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Grants for Autism Programs Highlights

Grants for autism programs support nonprofits working to enhance services, education, and resources for individuals with autism. The following grants fund initiatives in therapy, advocacy, and community inclusion, promoting better outcomes and support.


Search Instrumentl's Autism Programs Grants Database


Explore 31 grant opportunities for autism programs, with $31.7M in resources. Instrumentl empowers nonprofits with tools for deadline tracking, tailored searches, and funder insights to advance autism-focused projects.

Frequently asked questions

These grants are typically awarded to schools, healthcare organizations, and research institutions that provide autism services. This could include therapies, educational support, or any programs that improve early diagnosis and intervention.

Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for autism programs, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 44.1% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q3, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.

Whether it's through educational resources, family support services, or research, funders want to support access to autism therapies. This is often done by awarding grants to organizations that promote inclusivity, early intervention, and research into autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

On average, grants for autism programs provide funding between $3,750 and $17,500,000, with typical awards falling around $127,500 (median) and $1,130,580 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.

Funding for autism programs comes from some state and local governments, private foundations, CSR programs, and more. Some examples are the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, as well as private autism advocacy groups.

Private foundations and trusts such as the Schoen Family Charitable Trust and the Uab Educational Foundation offer grants to support projects addressing health disparities and more specifically autism.

To improve grant success for autism-related initiatives, nonprofits should:

  • Align with Autism Funder Priorities – Tailor proposals to match the funder’s mission and key focus areas, such as early intervention, education, or employment support for individuals with autism.
  • Use Measurable Outcomes – Provide data-driven results to demonstrate past impact and expected future success in areas like behavioral therapy outcomes or educational achievements.
  • Build Strategic Partnerships – Collaborate with autism specialists, healthcare providers, schools, and family support groups to strengthen applications.
  • Develop a Compelling Narrative – Use real stories and case studies to highlight the significance of the program, such as improving the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families.

Want to improve your grant prospecting strategy? Master the process with our detailed guide to grant prospect research.

Instrumentl matches autism-focused organizations with funding opportunities that align with their specific needs, location, and mission. Instrumentl also provides detailed funder insights so that you can quickly assess your likelihood of funding success.

Streamline your grant management process with our workflow automation tools.

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