The Autism Fund raises money to provide behavior analysis therapy for children who live in Florida’s Lee and Collier Counties, who have symptoms on the Autism Spectrum, and whose families cannot afford to pay for treatment. Assistance is provided to these children in the form of Grants-in-Aid.

The Fund seeks to help as many families as possible, however, grant money is limited and, therefore, certain criteria apply to grant applications. These are clearly listed below. Grants applications are only accepted from Board Certified Behavioral Analysts with an objectively demonstrable expertise in treating children with symptoms on the Autism Spectrum.

How to apply:

Click here to fill out an application form

Criteria for Applications

By its Charter, The Autism Fund, Inc. has set the following requirements for Applicants.

• Must be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in good standing, and current with all BACB continuing education requirements
• Must have an objectively demonstrable expertise in the treatment of children on the Autism Spectrum
• Must not be employed by a school and must work in a non-school setting
• Must employ the principals of Applied Behavior Analysis when engaging in therapy

A successful Beneficiary must meet the following criteria, among others:

• Reside in Lee or Collier County, Florida, at the time of the Application and during treatment
• Be age 5 or under at the time of the Application and at the start of treatment
• Have a family income which, in the sole discretion of The Board, renders the child “needy”
• Have parents or guardians willing to sign an IRS Authorization for the previous tax year
• Have parent or guardians willing to provide evidence of current weekly income
• Be able to meet the co-pay criteria set in each case
• Accept that the Board of Directors sets the amount, duration and terms of any award made

Procedures for grants
Applications can be made at any time, but the Board of Directors will sit quarterly to allocate funds. All Applications meeting the established criteria will be considered. The Board of Directors will carefully review each Application and will make grants to successful Applicants, subject to fundraising allocations, within one month of their meeting. In its sole discretion, the Board may elect to make no grants. All grant decisions are final.

Successful Applicants will be notified in writing if they are the recipients of an award. Information such as the amount of the grant, duration of the grant, level of co-pay and method of billing will be contained in this letter.