Apply for Assistance FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about our grant application, please read through our Frequently Asked Questions before contacting Autism Care Today. If you have additional questions that are not answered on this page, please contact the grants department at 805-506-5235 or 877-9ACT-TODAY (877-922-8863), or email to grants@act-today.org.

Please review this checklist before you complete your application: Grant Application Checklist

  1. Do I make too much money to qualify for a grant?
    We take income into consideration when making our decision but we realize that your family situation cannot be fully explained by this number. This is why we ask for a Description of Family Situation on Step 9 of the application (Page 7 of the hard-copy application). Families that make less than $100,000 annually will be considered first but we do not automatically disqualify applicants because of their family income.
  2. I have my tax return from last year but our employment situation has changed. What should I do?
    Please submit the tax return but also include your current financial information on Step 7 of the application (Page 4 of the hard-copy application). The Board is presented with both incomes when reviewing grants. You can also tell us more about your story in the Description of Family Situation section.
  3. I have two children who have autism. Do I need to submit two applications?
    Yes, please submit two applications as their diagnosis, treatment information and requests may differ. You do not, however, need to submit your tax return twice. The Board does take into consideration the fact that you have multiple children on the spectrum when making their decision. Please note that if you’re applying online for multiple children, you will need to signup with a separate email address per child.
  4. Can I request more than one item?
    Unfortunately, no. We are only allowing families to request one item now. Please remember to include the supportive documentation/assessment of costs for your request.
  5. What does “Upload Provider Documentation” mean?
    We would like to have documentation (i.e. invoice, a print out from the provider’s website, a brochure, etc.) that states the cost of the item or treatment you are requesting. This is to ensure that you do not request $1,000 for a program that costs $600. As we pay providers directly, this should prevent accounting difficulties from both parties.
  6. I feel uneasy submitting in my tax return because my social security number is on it. What can I do?
    Please feel free to cover your social security number with a black marker or correction fluid on our copy before sending it in.
  7. Can I fax or email the application to you?
    No, we currently do not accept faxed or emailed grant applications. We apologize for any inconvenience.
  8. I don’t have access to a computer. Can you send me an application?
    Yes, please contact the grants department at 805-506-5235 or 877-9ACT-TODAY (877-922-8863), or email to grants@act-today.org with your name and address and we will gladly mail a copy to you. Please note that we provide this service as a courtesy and are not responsible for lost applications, late delivery and/or any other mailing issues.
  9. Do I have to sign the “Release and Authorization for Use of Image” form?
    No, this form is not mandatory. We respect your privacy and your decision will not affect the outcome of your application.
  10. The application is very confusing to me. Can you help me?
    Of course! please feel free to contact the grants department at 805-506-5235 or 877-9ACT-TODAY (877-922-8863), or email to grants@act-today.org for further information.

How are Grants Allocated?
Grants will be allocated based on annual fundraising activities. The Board of Directors will determine the number and amounts of each grant at the beginning of each term. Requests for endowments or multi-year grants will not be accepted. Each application is kept in our system for two consecutive grant cycles after which the applicant must re-apply.

Once we determine how much we can give each quarter, we review the following items when considering approval of a grant request:

  • Completion of grant application – The application must be completed in its entirety to be reviewed. Partially completed applications will be kept on file for one year and additional information may be submitted to make the application complete within that timeframe.
  • Amount of grant request – Typical grants awarded range between $100 – $5,000.
  • Household income – While we have not set an income level cap, incomes below $100,000 per year are reviewed first.
  • Type of treatment requested – Our mission is to fund effective treatments, assessments and needed life supports.
  • Number of family members with ASD diagnosis – Applications from families with multiple children with ASDs are reviewed first.

We encourage families to share photos and stories. Once approved for a grant, providers have 12 months to process the funds. Should the approved products or treatments from the original grant request be reimbursed by another funding source (i.e. – school district, insurance company, private donor, etc.), the grant recipient agrees to reimburse Autism Care Today for such funds relative to the products or treatments provided.

Autism Care Today SOS Program

Program Description: Autism Care Today SOS is a program dedicated to supporting the immediate and imperative needs of those impacted with autism throughout the United States. Autism Care Today Grant Programs established in 2005 do provide access to vital and effective treatments for autism through our quarterly grant cycles. We recognize that some individuals diagnosed with autism who are in immediate personal danger or harm are unable to wait up to 12 weeks for a response to their request. The Autism Care Today SOS Program is designed to provide immediate support for these families based upon need and the program funds available.

Applicant Criteria for the Autism Care Today SOS Program

  • Applicant must have an immediate need for treatment/support and if treatment is not found, the applicant’s physical safety is in jeopardy
  • Autism Care Today SOS Program will fund effective treatments and services to treat autism spectrum disorders and cannot fund living expenses, travel, utilities or clothing
  • Income level of the applicant’s family must be below $45,000/year
  • Applicant may not have received support from Autism Care Today within the past 12 months of applying

Autism Care Today SOS Program Application Process

  1. Send an email to: SOSProgram@act-today.org

    In your email, provide the following information*:

    • Your name and the name of the applicant
    • Up to a 200 word description of why the SOS request is being made. Be sure to explain why your request requires immediate assistance and cannot wait for the next quarterly grant cycle.
  2. Autism Care Today will respond to your email within 2 weeks of it being sent either requesting more information or stating whether or not your request will move to the formal review stage. Once the application is received, a final decision and notification with regards to your request will be made within 2 weeks.

*If you do not have access to email, please contact the grants department at 805-506-5235 or 877-9ACT-TODAY (877-922-8863) for further information.

Learn more information about the Autism Care Today Grant Program.

Disclaimer: Our ability to raise funds is the single most important activity that determines our grant-giving for the year. This program is an integral part of Autism Care Today and the approval of Autism Care Today SOS grants is based upon board review.