Apply to our Grant
Our Grant Application is currently OPEN
2025 Q1 is Open. The application period remains open for one month or until we reach our quarterly application cap, whichever comes first.2024 Q4 grant decisions are in the final stages of review. Notifications will be sent via email soon.
Grant Overview
Ben’s Fund provides financial support to families and young adults in Washington State to help with the costs of services and equipment related to an autism diagnosis. Grants of up to $1,000 are available each year per qualifying child or young adult.
Application Period
Applications are accepted and grants are awarded quarterly.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online. Our application is managed through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform (Salesforce), allowing you to apply online, save drafts, and track your application history. If you would like to apply by mail, please contact us for a paper application.
Application Assistance
Please contact Ben’s Fund if you need any help with your application. Families must submit the application themselves, though service providers can offer assistance. Please note, service providers cannot submit applications on behalf of the family.
Eligibility
- Autism Diagnosis: The applicant must have a documented autism spectrum diagnosis.
- Age 25 or Younger: The applicant must be 25 years of age or younger at the time of application submission.
- Washington State Residency: The applicant must reside in Washington State, as indicated on their financial document.
- Financial Need
Applicants must demonstrate financial need, as indicated by financial documents and extenuating circumstances. Even if you have health insurance, you are still eligible for this grant.
- Eligible Health-Related Requests
The requested equipment or service must be directly related to the child’s autism treatment, as recommended in the referral letter.
Required Documents
Document Preparation
Before submitting your online application, ensure you have gathered all the required documents outlined in these guidelines. Applications will only be accepted if they are complete, and all documents are required to qualify for a grant.
Application Process
Additional Information
FAQ's
What is Eligible for a Grant?
From equipment to services, we provide grants for up to $1,000 per award year, per child or young adult. A medical professional or special-ed teacher must recommend the specific service/equipment you are requesting and indicate that it will directly assist the child or young adult’s autism treatment.
Example of eligible items to apply for a grant for are:
- Therapies: ABA, OT, PT, Speech, Hippotherapy, etc.
- Equipment: Sensory items, swings, weighted blankets, toys or items to increase social and life skills etc.
- Technology: AAC devices & Apps for communicating, laptops, computers
- Safety Equipment: Fencing, alarm systems, AngelSense GPS
- Services: Social/life skills, swimming, music, sports, art , service Animals and recreation.
- Camps: Summer, year-round, social skill groups & specialty.
- Young Adults may apply for the above items in addition to job skill tools.
What is NOT Eligible for a Grant?
Items not listed in your referral letter or part of the autism treatment, respite care, autism diagnostic appointments, travel expenses, gift cards/subscriptions, any service that requires monthly payment including DEFY Seattle and TD Snapp app, untrained service animals, medicine not administered by a physician, AirTags or other GPS monitoring not intended for "people", reimbursements for equipment or for past due services that you are no longer receiving. Smart Phones are only eligible for Teens and Young Adults on a case by case basis.
We do NOT give any funds to the families. Items will be purchased by Ben’s Fund directly and payment will be issued to the service provider/vendor.
Upcoming Quarterly Timeline *
January 1, 2025: Accepting Applications for Quarter 1 funding. Camp grant requests may apply here.
April 1, 2025: Accepting Applications for Quarter 2 funding. Camp grant requests MUST apply here.
July 1, 2025: Accepting Applications for Quarter 3 funding.
October 1, 2025: Accepting Applications for Quarter 4 funding.
*Application will CLOSE once we receive our maximum number of applications per quarter.
Our Disclaimer
Submitting an application does not guarantee a grant award. The Ben’s Fund Review Committee reserves the right to approve or deny grants according to their policy and procedures.
False or misleading information in an application may result in losing my grant if awarded, being required to return disbursed funds or other actions against me.
No applicants will be discriminated against on the basis of his/her race, sex/gender, religion/creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, national origin or other similar factors. The information provided with this application is confidential and Ben’s Fund is HIPPA Compliant.
How often can I apply or get a grant?
You may apply for a grant once a year. You may be awarded a grant 12 months after your last grant anniversary date. Your anniversary date is listed in your award letter
Who can complete the application?
For children, applications must be completed by a parent or legal guardian. You may complete the application with assistance from a service provider. You will be required to list this service provider when applying.
For young adults, you or your legal guardian may apply on your behalf
Service Providers can NOT apply on behalf of a child or young adult.
Are grant awards based on income?
We understand that a number alone does not always reflect financial situation and that autism services can be expensive. We do look at extenuating circumstances and consider each application on a case-by-case basis. Families with the most financial need will be considered first.
Can I be reimbursed for an item/ service I already purchased/completed for my child?
For equipment, no. For services, you may request funds to go towards past due services ONLY if you are continuing those services. You must confirm payment arrangements for that service. If awarded, funds will go directly to the service provider.
Can I request equipment that is more than $1,000 if I agree to cover the remaining portion?
Only if you make payment arrangements and they are clearly outlined in your application. If awarded, we will submit payment to vendor only after your portion of the payment is submitted.
What if I am not awarded a Ben’s Fund grant?
Please review your denial letter for specific reasons.
An Incomplete Application is NOT a denied application. If your application is incomplete, we will follow up with documents we will need. You will have 90 days to complete it. After 90 days your application will expire, and you will need to re-apply.