Best Grants for Autism Programs in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico autism research institutions and clinical organizations can access funding for autism clinical trials through US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command, with awards up to US $1,500,000. Projects must implement clinical trials on autism treatments or management, from early proof-of-concept to large-scale efficacy studies, and include meaningful community partnerships with autistic individuals or caregivers.

Research institutions and similar organizations conducting autism-focused studies in Puerto Rico can seek funding for innovative, high-risk/high-reward projects that improve outcomes for Autistic individuals. Grants from US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command support Idea Development Award projects, including collaborative partnering principal investigator efforts, with awards up to US $750,000 across eligible U.S. territories.

Early-career and transitioning autism researchers in Puerto Rico can apply for the Autism Research Program Career Development Award, with funding up to US $750,000 for innovative, high-impact studies or early-phase clinical trials. With a mission to advance autism research, US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command requires community collaboration and at least one named autistic or caregiver partner.

Autism research institutions and investigators in Puerto Rico can pursue large-scale, multi-site R01 research support focused on autism through upcoming Autism Centers of Excellence Network opportunities from the National Institutes of Health. Focused on advancing cutting-edge autism science, this program may benefit Puerto Rico-based teams developing collaborative autism research projects, with awards up to US $10,000,000.

Puerto Rico autism research institutions can access funding via the National Institutes of Health to establish or expand Autism Centers of Excellence using the P50 research center mechanism. This opportunity supports large, collaborative projects leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and may benefit organizations advancing autism science and related communication, environmental, mental health, or neurological research.

Nonprofit organizations in Puerto Rico offering autism-related education, health, or support services can seek funding for programs through the Mano Amiga Program, which includes autism within its health priorities. Empresas Fonalledas, via the Plaza Las Américas and Plaza Del Caribe foundations, also supports education, arts and culture, and women’s empowerment initiatives.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis and an IEP or 504 seeking higher education or job training may be eligible for this scholarship, including those in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico autism-focused students can access funding through Erie Community Foundation, with preference for current Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania members.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor serving autistic adults in work, home, social, or health programs can apply for grants up to US $25,000. With a mission to transform services for autistic people, Next for Autism provides project funding nationwide, and Puerto Rico autism initiatives may be eligible if other criteria are met.

Puerto Rico autism researchers and academic investigators can access funding for SPARK Research Match studies that increase participation of undersampled genetic ancestry groups across the U.S. through the Simons Foundation. Funding, up to US $10,000 per study, provides e-gift card incentives for participants in online surveys or remote autism-related projects using SPARK Research Match.

Schools, districts, libraries, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Puerto Rico working on autism education can seek US $500 - US $10,000 to run peer education and autism awareness initiatives. Focused on autism inclusion, Organization For Autism Research supports K–12 and community-based projects, with encouragement for districts and groups serving low-income communities.

Community organizations and stakeholders 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. U.S.-based applicants, including those serving Puerto Rico, may fund design, translation, web/app development, printing, distribution, and related administrative costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting people with autism can seek funding for programs that improve quality of life, including work in Puerto Rico. Anderson Foundation for Autism awards up to US $50,000 to organizations whose services align with autism-related needs and may benefit autism programs and services in this region.

Focused on urgent autism treatment needs, Autism Care Today invites Puerto Rico families facing immediate safety risks to seek support for effective autism therapies and services. Individuals with autism from households under $45,000 annually, who have not received Autism Care Today aid in the past year, may be eligible for this rapid-response assistance program.

Families of children with autism across the U.S., including Puerto Rico, can apply for Autism Care Today’s quarterly grants to pay for approved treatment services, assessments, and materials. Funding is paid directly to providers and may cover ABA therapy, assistive technology, safety equipment, social skills programs, summer school, medical tests, and related supports.

Students diagnosed with autism in Puerto Rico seeking help for educational or recreational needs can apply for the Varghese Summersett Autism Scholarship, which awards US $500. This U.S.-wide scholarship can support camps, tutoring, schooling, or other tools that help autistic children progress and improve quality of life.

Families of individuals with autism needing help with medical, nutritional, personal, or enrichment expenses not covered by other sources in Puerto Rico may be eligible for the MyGOAL Autism Grant Program. MyGOAL will distribute $25,000 in 2026 to 25 families for autism-related treatments and supports, with preference for first-time applicants.

Young adults and adults with autism or other developmental differences in the U.S. can receive $1,500 - $5,000 for independent living, housing, camps, retreats, or continued education and therapy. Focused on music-centric support, Music Movement invites applications from legal guardians or parents; Puerto Rico residents may be eligible within this national scope.

Focused on music-based autism support, Music Movement invites Puerto Rico families to request in-kind instrument donations for children and young adults with autism and other learning differences. Legal guardians apply, provide preferred instrument links, and, if awarded, receive instruments shipped directly to the recipient; typical support ranges from US $500 - US $1,500.

Parents and legal guardians in Puerto Rico seeking music therapy for children or young adults with autism or other developmental disabilities can apply for Music Movement’s grants, typically ranging from US $1,500 - US $2,500. These U.S.-wide awards help cover qualified local or online music therapy programs that support communication, social skills, and emotional well-being.

Predoctoral researchers studying autism and its links to cardiovascular and brain health, including those in Puerto Rico, can apply for Autism Speaks and American Heart Association fellowships. These U.S. awards provide US $80,000 to address critical knowledge gaps, advance health equity, and improve real-world outcomes for autistic people through implementation-focused research.

The Yocha Dehe Community Fund, established by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in 2000, supports initiatives that strengthen communities throughout Yolo County and beyond. With nearly $40 million in grants, the Fund prioritizes projects in health, education, Native arts, and environmental protection. The Tribe's commitment involves active participation in the grant process, ensuring impactful partnerships with various organizations. New applicants must register on the grant portal and submit a letter of inquiry to be considered for funding.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Simons Postdoctoral Fellowships in Plant Biology, offered by the Simons Foundation, aim to support early-career researchers pursuing fundamental studies in plant biology. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, including engineering and computational modeling, are encouraged to apply. This flexible program enables collaborations between disciplines, fostering innovative approaches to plant science. Eligible applicants should have obtained their Ph.D. within the last three years and may include both U.S. citizens and foreign researchers. Awards will be granted to nonprofit research institutions.

The Saw Island Foundation offers grants focusing on education, science, and health, primarily targeting nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their education grants support scholarships and program partnerships, while science and health grants aim to enhance life experiences through improved health outcomes. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and the foundation emphasizes innovative collaborations that demonstrate measurable impact in their communities.

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.