Autism Education Fund
The Autism Education Fund was established in 2012 through the fundraising efforts of the Dan River Autism Awareness 5k. The purpose of the Autism Education Fund is to support autism education-related programs or organizations benefiting individuals, families, educators and the community.
The Autism Education Fund is an endowed fund managed by the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region. The interest generated by the fund principal will be distributed as grants by the Community Foundation. Grant proposals must must align with the fund's purpose in order to be considered.
Give to the Autism Education Fund
You can support the Autism Education Fund by participating in or contributing to the Dan River Autism Awareness 5k, held annually in April.
You can also contribute directly to the Autism Education Fund by contacting the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region at (434) 793-0884 or visiting http://www.cfdrr.org
Apply for a Grant from the Autism Education Fund
As an endowed fund, the Autism Education Fund will generate interest on the principal amount. The interest can then be dispersed into the community as grants by the Community Foundation. The process to apply for grant varies depends on whether you are a non-profit organization, for-profit organization, community group, or an individual or family:
Non-Profit Organizations may directly apply for and receive grants from the Autism Education Fund. To apply, contact the Community Foundation at (434) 793-0884 or visit http://www.cfdrr.org
Community Groups without non-profit organization status may not directly apply for and receive grants from the Autism Education Fund. However, a non-profit organization can serve as a fiscal intermediary for a community group. As a fiscal intermediary, the non-profit may apply for and receive the grant, which it can then disperse to a community group to carry out the grant's purpose. For suggestions on how to find a non-profit organization to serve as your fiscal intermediary, contact the Community Foundation at (434) 793-0884.
- Individuals or Families may not directly apply for and receive grants from the Autism Education Fund. However, a non-profit organization can serve as a fiscal intermediary for an individual or family. As a fiscal intermediary, the non-profit may apply for and receive the grant, which it can then disperse to an individual or family to carry out the grant's purpose. For assistance in finding a non-profit organization to serve as your fiscal intermediary, contact the Community Foundation at (434) 793-0884.
Examples of Grant Proposals
The purpose of the Autism Education Fund is to support autism education-related programs or organizations benefitting individuals, families, educators and the community. Grant proposals must must align with the fund's purpose in order to be considered. Examples of qualifying grant proposals are listed below:
Example grant proposals benefiting individuals with autism and their families:
- To provide scholarships to individuals with autism to receive private education
- To offset costs to families of behavioral or socials skills services
- To offset costs of tuition to families to attend summer education programs
- To purchase autism resource materials to provide to families of students with autism. For example, the Rivermont School received a grant to purchase a Wii for a student.
Example grant proposals benefiting educators:
To provide scholarships for autism teachers to attend training programs. Examples of acceptable programs include those offered by the TEACCH Autism Program or by the Carbone Clinic
To purchase autism teacher training workshops, materials and publications. For example, the Carrington Autism Resource Center at Averett University received a grant to provide a workshop series to parents and educators.
To purchase software or web applications to support education of children with autism in a classroom setting. For example, one elementary school teacher received a grant for a software designed specifically for use by students with autism. Read about it >>
To create a multi-sensory room for students with autism
To provide a field trip that will benefit the education of children with autism. For example, one middle school teacher received a grant to take her class of students with autism on a field trip to the Danville Science Center
Example grant proposals benefiting the community:
To host events or speakers which will raise autism awareness in the community
To develop, publish or purchase autism information to be made available to the community
Examples of non-eligible grant proposals:
To offset costs of medical expenses related to the diagnosis or treatment of autism by physicians or hospitals
To offset costs of physical, occupational, or speech therapy if for medical purposes not integrated into the educational services
To fund scientific research related to autism that will not directly contribute to improved educational opportunities or practices for individuals with autism
How to Develop a Grant Proposal
When you are developing your grant proposal idea, we suggest starting by answering these questions:
- What is the general purpose of your project? (2 - 3 sentences)
- Does the project fit the purpose of the Autism Education Fund?
- Who will benefit from the project?
- What is the total project budget?
- What is the amount of the grant request?
- What is the anticipated project start date?
- What is the anticipated project completion date?
For more information, contact the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region at (434) 793-0884
