Financial Planning: Grants & Scholarships

The ACT Today! board provides funding assistance to families on a quarterly basis.

Click here for more information and to access the ACT Today! and ACT Today! for Military Families Grant Application Form:
www.wizehive.com/apps/acttoday2013

Deadlines for application July 31 and November 30.

It is awarded to any graduating high school student or undergraduate with a disability.

To qualify for this scholarship, you must fall into one of the following three classifications:
1) You’re a recent high school graduate.
2) You’re a current undergraduate.
3) You attend an Autism School.

You must also be enrolled in or have been accepted by an accredited school, must be a US citizen, and must be diagnosed with an Autism spectrum disorder.

Visit the Iconic Displays website for more details on this scholarship application process.

NOTE: All applications must be mailed, and they do not accept questions via phone or email about the application process.

Knapp & Roberts is offering a $2,500 scholarship for college-bound kids who have a sibling with autism. Their firm wants to raise awareness for not only the children with autism, but the supporting family members as well.

Review web page for application requirements.

Outline of several grants offered through Autism Speaks.

AutismSpeaks Cares provides support for families affected by autism during natural disasters and other catastrophic life events. The grant program helps families to cover costs associated with critical expenses related to the well-being of the family member with autism on a case-by-case basis. Please note, they DO NOT fund monthly recurring costs such as rent, mortgages, utilities, or car payments.

To learn more and complete an application to determine final eligibility, families must first speak with a representative from the Autism Response Team. Contact them directly by calling 888-288-4762, or en Español 888-772-9050, or emailing familyservices@autismspeaks.org

Deadline for application is July 31. Open to current/accepted undergraduate and grad students with high achievements.

Beyond Words Foundation for Autism provides three opportunities a year for families to receive scholarships for research-based therapies. Students must be a resident of Ohio and under 22 years old. Applications can be submitted online.

Health Insurance (Medicaid) program

Also known as the Bureau for Children with Developmental and Special Needs.

They offer services, evaluations, connection with community resources and financial assistance for families of children with autism needing medical assistance for a secondary diagnosis, such as GI issues or physical disabilities. Note that they are the last payer after insurance and Medicaid.

Toll Free phone number: 1(800)755-4769

Churchill Public Adjusters is offering students who have a loved one with autism or a student themselves that are faced with the effects of autism a $5,800 scholarship through their foundation. The deadline is December 29, 2018.

Students with high academic achievements must meet two essential categories:

1. A form of autism diagnosed either in your immediate family or yourself
2. Current enrollment or acceptance in a college or university for a post-graduate level or undergraduate level by the applicant

In addition to the above criteria, a 500 to 1000-word essay must be submitted. Topics are listed on their website link.

An online guide for college-bound students about finances and budgeting, as well as how to apply for grants.

Informational website that offers information specifically for students with special needs. It discusses a student’s rights, how to acquire scholarships, and preparing for college. It also offers advice for families on choosing the right school and the keys to a student’s success.

The Cuyahoga Campership Program, operated by CCBDD, assists individuals with the cost of attending summer camp. Any individual who is eligible for CCBDD services and who is not enrolled in the Family Support Program or one of the DD waivers (Level 1, Individual Options or SELF) is eligible for the campership program based on a first-come, first-served basis. The maximum campership amount is $700 per individual for the camp season.

If you are interested in camp and enrolled in the Family Supports Program, contact NEON at 1-800-237-6828 or www.neoncog.org.

Deadline for application is August 1. These two scholarships are for full-time students with a disability or studying special education.

Deadline for application is July 1.

Several $500 scholarships for students with disabilities or in disability studies . Details at website listed below.

The Give A Voice program is to provide Apple iPad Minis to individuals with autism who are non-verbal or minimally verbal, and whose communication challenges put them at increased risk of injury or harm.

This program is intended for families who are in dire need of financial assistance and are otherwise unable to attain a communication device.

Our Military Kids supports children, school ages in 5-12th grade, of deployed National Guard and Reserve service members and children of wounded warriors from all service branches. Grants pay for participation in activities that help children cope with stress and anxiety while their parents are recovering or absent.

ACT Today! grants are designed to provide access to individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Grant payments will be made directly to pre-approved treatment providers, assessors or materials vendors.

Grants are awarded quarterly.

The Different Needz Foundation helps individuals with developmental disabilities obtain the necessary equipment and medical services they need to have the best quality of life. Grant applications are made available in January of each year. Grant awards are announced each year in May.

The Foundation considers future needs and provides payment for medical services or equipment directly to the provider.

Eligible applicants for this grant should be children or adults with special needs living in Northeast Ohio. The grants will be awarded on a quarterly basis. Families may only apply for this grant once within a calendar year.

Small Steps In Speech is a non-profit organization which provides grants on behalf of children with speech and language disorders for therapies, treatments, communicative devices, and other services aimed at improving their communication skills. Deadlines for applications are: February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.

The organization was created in memory and in honor of Staff Sgt Marc J. Small who was killed in action in February of 2009 while serving his country in Afghanistan.

UHCCF grants provide financial help/assistance for families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance plan. The Foundation aims to fill the gap between what medical services/items a child needs and what their commercial health benefit plan will pay for.

Helping Hand is a financial aid tool that can help fund autism services not covered by insurance. It provides grant funding for medical treatment, lab testing, medications and supplements. Funding for this program is limited, and will be awarded only to families who are in dire need of financial assistance. Applicants must be under 21 years old.

A new special education scholarship program named after former state legislator and special education advocate Jon Peterson. The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program will provide scholarships to students who, are eligible to attend kindergarten through 12th grade and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) from their district of residence.

The Lil MAC Kids Foundation was formed to raise funds for families located in Ohio or Minnesota with a child or children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Applications are taken year round. All applications will be reviewed by the Board of Directors for funding consideration. Notification of fund awards will be made no later than December 15. All application information will be confidential.

A volunteer run non-profit organization which believes that parents of children with special needs are strong, willing and able to endure daily struggles.

They offer a grant program that can help fund necessary medical equipment including augmented communication devices, bath and feeding chairs, wheelchairs, and sensory equipment.

MCCD provides families of these children the means to pursue medical treatments and therapies that are not covered by health insurance. The main office is located in Illinois, with satellite offices in Wisconsin and Olmsted Falls, OH.

The Murphy Thomas Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and money to assist families with financial needs and allow all adolescents with autism and other disabilities attend Summer Camp. This is accomplished by generous donations and fundraising for MTF.

Deadline June 19th

Eight (8) scholarships are offered to to undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities pursuing a career in the communications, media, or entertainment industry. Each recipient will receive $5,625 for cost of education at their current college or university. Details at website link below.

Application information and providers for the Ohio Autism Scholarship program. There is information on how to apply for the scholarship as well as frequently asked questions about the program.

Can help families with a variety of issues including child support, cash assistance, home energy assistance, bus passes, employment and food stamps

A financial aid and scholarship guide for students with disabilities interested in online education.

There are numerous scholarship options listed for students with disabilities that range from national financial aid opportunities to local opportunities within the United States and Canada.

The purpose of the Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS) is to assist Ohio families after the finalization of their adoption. The subsidy is available to all adoptive families, with the the exception of step parent adoptions, regardless of the type of adoption (international, attorney, public or private agency).

The child does not have to meet either the federal or state definition of special needs. Each child may be eligible for up to $10,000 per year ($15,000 if residential treatment is recommended by a qualified professional).

Provides scholarship opportunities for children with autism and their families. Available specifically for Toledo-area families.

They provide scholarships to families of children with special needs for recreation programming in northeast Ohio. Scholarships are provided to individuals with special needs of all ages and ability levels. Examples of programming that can be covered: horseback riding, dance classes, social skills classes, camps, sports classes, adapted aquatics, aquatic therapy, and recreation therapy programming.

The organization also organizes family recreation events (such as sporting events) and free introductory recreation classes for children with special needs.

A scholarship opportunity for students with autism who have been accepted to an accredited college. The amount is $5,000, and the deadline for application is December 31, 2017. Review website for more information.

Nonprofit organization that provides outreach to Ohio’s parents and children, as well as to their legislative and community leaders, and encourages them to engage in the discussion about school choice, as well as dialogue about school improvement initiatives.

Offers schooling details and scholarship information within the state of Ohio.

The Schwallie Family Scholarship Fund supports qualified individuals with autism or Asperger Syndrome residing in the United States pursuing post-secondary education.

Information and FAQs on the SELF waiver services and eligibility requirements

Siblings of Autism has a long-term goal of helping to develop programs to connect and support siblings of individuals on the spectrum via shared experiences, peer group support, and funding for professional counseling.

The non-profit also distributes scholarships for education and other defined needs for those that have a sibling on the spectrum as well as a goal to offer respite programs for siblings and other family members.

Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and related health insurance under Medicare and Medicaid provide lifelines for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.

This edition of National Policy Matters explores how these systems operate, the vital support they provide, and current policy proposals that may impact people with I/DD and their families.

A STABLE Account is an investment account available to eligible individuals with disabilities. STABLE Accounts are made possible by the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (“ABLE”) Act. STABLE Accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain public benefits programs, like Medicaid, SSI, or SSDI.

Earnings in your STABLE Account are not subject to federal income tax, so long as you spend them on “Qualified Disability Expenses.”

Students with intellectual disabilities may be able to get certain types of federal student aid.

Read this Federal Student Aid web page for more information.

The Deepwood Foundation has been providing assistance to Lake County children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families as a nonprofit and charitable resource. In partnership and collaboration with other charitable organizations The Deepwood Foundation provides support for essential programs such as Share-A-Chair, The Autism Fund, The Community Assistance Program, Special Olympics and The Foster Camper Project.

The Different Needz Foundation helps individuals with developmental disabilities obtain the necessary equipment and medical services they need to have the best quality of life. Grant applications are made available in January of each year. Grant awards are announced each year in May. The Foundation considers future needs and provides payment for medical services or equipment directly to the provider.

The Foundation’s main source of funding comes from the proceeds of its annual Luke Jordan Memorial Golf Outing, Dinner and Silent Auction.

Supports students attending two or four year universities, life skills or postsecondary programs, or vocational, technical, or trade schools. Hussman applicants typically make up the pool of talented students who face daily challenges related to autism and attend programs that assist in skill-building, job-readiness, and other transition-related skills.

Application is done exclusively through an on-line process and are due in May.

Their mission is to empower children & young adults with speech disorders to effectively communicate through therapy, education, research, and technology resources through awarded grants. All grant money is to be used for future therapy or assistive technology purchases.

Deadlines are March 1st, June 1st, September 1st, and December 1st, and families can apply directly.

Zane’s Inc. helps children and adults with special needs in Northeast Ohio by educating their families about beneficial resources that will improve academic achievement. They do this through funding assistance, community outreach programs, and parent support services.

They also assist with financial support that can be designated for things such as: camps, therapies, respite, assistive or adaptive equipment, or communicative devices that help to meet daily challenges.