The Autism Support of Alabama (ASA) Adult Autism Program Enhancement Grant is designed to strengthen programs serving adults with autism throughout Alabama. Through this grant opportunity, ASA will provide funding to support program improvements, equipment purchases, facility enhancements, educational opportunities, vocational supports, recreational activities, sensory accommodations, and other initiatives that directly benefit adults with autism ages 18 and older.
Grant Funding
- Total funding available: $19,000
- Five (5) grants will be awarded within each of Alabama’s five Regional Autism Network (R.A.N.) service areas.
- Three (3) organizations in each R.A.N. region will receive grants.
- Each selected organization will receive $3,800.00
- A total of 5 grants statewide will be awarded.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a nonprofit organization, educational program, or community-based organization operating within Alabama.
- Provide services to adults with autism spectrum disorder who are 18 years of age or older.
- Operate within one of Alabama's five Regional Autism Network (R.A.N.) service areas.
- Demonstrate how their program supports, includes, and benefits adults with autism.
- Be in good standing with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Funding Priorities
Grant funds must be requested for a specific project, need, update, enhancement, or addition that directly benefits adults with autism. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Sensory equipment or sensory-friendly modifications
- Program materials and supplies
- Technology and adaptive equipment
- Vocational training tools and resources
- Life skills development materials
- Recreation and wellness activities
- Facility improvements that increase accessibility or participation
- Community inclusion opportunities
- Safety enhancements
- Educational or training resources for participants
Ineligible Expenses
Grant funds may not be used for:
- General operating expenses unrelated to the proposed project
- Debt reduction
- Political activities
- Religious instruction or activities
- Expenses incurred before the grant award date
- Staff bonuses or salary supplements
- Capital campaigns or major construction projects
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Demonstrated impact on adults with autism
- Clear identification of a specific need or improvement
- Benefit to participants and program quality
- Feasibility of implementation
- Alignment with the mission of Autism Support of Alabama
- Geographic distribution within each R.A.N. region
Reporting Requirements
Grant recipients must:
- Use funds within twelve (12) months of receipt.
- Submit a brief final report describing how funds were used.
- Provide at least two photographs, when appropriate, showing the completed project or
purchased items. - Share a brief statement describing the impact on adults served by the program.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a grant committee appointed by Autism Support of Alabama.
Awards of up to $3800 will be distributed equally across Alabama’s Five Regional Autism Network service areas to ensure statewide impact and access.