Bureau of Autism Services Family and Individial Mini-Grants

Posted by on March 24, 2014

BUREAU OF AUTISM SERVICES 2014 FAMILY AND INDIVIDUAL MINI-GRANTS
The Bureau of Autism Services of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare is pleased to announce the availability of mini-grants to support children and adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and families that include an individual with ASD.

A focus of this project is to reach out and serve individuals and families that are not able to access existing support systems for various reasons (for example: eligibility criteria, age, waiting lists). The term “family” may include an immediate family member or other relative, a person providing foster care or a legal guardian or custodian, but does not include a person or entity who acts in a paid employment capacity. These grants are funding opportunities that will only be offered once and are time limited.

Applicants meeting eligibility requirements may apply for up to $500 in grant funds. Priority will first be given to applicants age 18 or older who did not receive a Bureau of Autism Services Mini-Grant in any previous funding year (2007-2013). Total funding for these mini-grants is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Not everyone who applies for this grant will be funded.

In order to be eligible, applicants must:
1. Be a Pennsylvania resident.
2. Have a family member with autism (of any age) or be an individual with autism.*
3. Not be currently receiving any family support services (including Base Funding) for the past 12 months.
* Family members can submit an application on behalf of their family member with autism but cannot apply on behalf of themselves or for family members that do not have autism; the only exception is for respite.

The following supports and activities are eligible for funding if they occur between March and August 2014. See application for exact dates.

FOR GRANT APPLICANTS OF ANY AGE (Children or Adults)
• Respite care
• Summer recreation and skill development programs
• Autism or advocacy related conferences, workshops or training opportunities
• Community programs such as karate lessons, swimming lessons, dance classes, art classes, cooking classes, private driving lessons
• Safety modifications or adaptations for home and/or community integration. For example: door locks, alarms, fencing or other items to increase or ensure a person’s safety

FOR GRANT APPLICANTS AGE 18 AND OVER ONLY
• College-level coursework
• Personal job coaching
• Public transportation to organized support group meetings, organized social activities, community programming, conferences or trainings, or place of employment

How Do I Apply?
Mail your completed application and supporting materials, which may include brochures, printouts from the Internet, statements on sponsoring organization letterhead, or statements of cost to the address on the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The full application packet including the application, instructions to apply, and frequently asked questions is available to download and print by visiting http://www.autisminpa.org or http://www.paautism.org under “2014 Family and Individual Mini-Grant.”

Important Dates:
•     The deadline for submission is March 31, 2014.
•     Notification of awards will be sent by mail on a rolling basis beginning on or about May 1, 2014 until June 30, 2014.

What if I have questions or need a copy of the application packet mailed to me?
•    Visit http://www.autisminpa.org or http://www.paautism.org to see the Frequently Asked Questions included in the Mini-Grant application packet.
•    E-mail DPW-AutismOffice@pa.gov or call the Mini-Grant Help Line, 717-425-5689.