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 be given to applicants who have not received a Bureau of Autism Services Mini-Grant in previous funding years. Total funding for these mini-grants is limited and is on a first come, first served basis; and 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 spectrum disorder (ASD) (of any age) or be an ASD.
3. Not be currently receivingand/or enrolled in (or have received/been enrolled within the past 12 months) any family support services, including waiver funded services, Family-Driven Support Services, services funded under Individual Support Plans, county-based funds from MH/MR or other similar services or funding. The Bureau of Autism Services reserves the right to and may verify the services and/or funds that the individual with ASD is receiving.
*Note:Families whose family member with ASD is receiving BHRS/Wraparound or Early Intervention services are eligible for this grant.
The following supports and activities are eligible for funding as long as the activity or support occurs between March 1, 2010 and August 31, 2010:
· Respite or child care (services may be informal and do not need to be through a respite care agency – e.g. child care can be provided by a private babysitter).*
· Summer camp program.
· Autism or advocacy related conferences, workshops or training opportunities (registration fees and reasonable accommodation expenses only, travel and meal expenses will not be reimbursed).
· Community programs (e.g. karate lessons, swimming lessons, dance classes, art classes, etc.). Please note that unlike in previous years, requests for memberships or admission fees to non-educational venues are not eligible for funding. The Bureau of Autism Services has made this change to reflect feedback that we received from the Pennsylvania autism community at large.
· Modifications or adaptations for home and/or community for safety (for example: door locks, alarms, fencing or other items to prevent an individual from leaving home or yard).
How Do I Apply?
Mail your completed application and materials to the address on page 8 of this application. The deadline for submission is April 16, 2010. Applications must be postmarked by no later than this date. Applications which are faxed or e-mailed will not be accepted. We cannot be responsible for applications returned for insufficient postage, delayed or lost in transit to our office. Incomplete and illegible applications will not be considered for funding, so please be sure that your application is signed and complete with all necessary documentation attached. WE CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR APPLICATIONS COMPLETED OR SUBMITTED BY A THIRD PARTY (case manager, BSC, etc.).
Important Dates:
Applications are due (postmarked by): April 16, 2010
Notifications of awards sent by mail on a rolling basis beginning on or about: May 14, 2010
Activities must occur between these dates: March 1, 2010 and August 31, 2010
What If I Have Questions:
See the Bureau of Autism Services Website under “2010 Family and Individual Mini Grant” at www.autisminpa.org for a list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you question is not answered on the FAQ, you may email DPW-AutismOffice@state.pa.us or call toll-free, 1-866-539-7689. PLEASE DO NOT CALL TO INQUIRE AS TO THE STATUS OF YOUR GRANT APPLICATION. THESE CALLS WILL NOT BE RETURNED SO THAT WE MAY SPEND THAT VALUABLE TIME PROCESSING APPLICATIONS.
