Apply to our Grant

Grant Application OPEN

For second quarter funding
If you submitted an application before January 31, 2024, your application is still being processed in the first quarter

 Ben’s Fund provides support to Washington state families and young adults in need’ to help cover services and equipment costs to associated with their autism diagnosis Ben’s Fund grants are available for up to $1,000 per qualifying child or young adult, per year. 

 

We use an online application process provided by Salesforce and is HIPPA compliant. You will be able to apply online, save draft applications and keep track of your request history.

 

We accept applications and award funds on a quarterly basis. If our online application is closed, please check back to apply when our application is open the following quarter.

 

For more information on applying please click here.

 

To request a Paper application to apply by mail please contact info@bensfund.org.

Required Documents

Please have all these documents ready to apply
  • Family Story
  • Autism Diagnostic confirmation
  • 2022 or 2023 1040 Tax Form or Supplemental Security Income ( SSI) Award Letter
  • Referral Letter from a medical professional
  • Invoice/Estimate for requested equipment or services

Eligibility

  • Diagnosis: Child must have a documented autism spectrum diagnosis 
  • 25 Years or Younger: Age of applicant must be 25 years of age or younger at the time of application submission
  • Washington State Residence:  Place of residence must be a Washington Address as indicated on your financial documents.

Financial Need: Have financial need, indicated by financial documents and extenuating circumstances. Even if you have health insurance, you are still eligible for this grant

Valid Health Related Request: The requested equipment or service must be directly related to the child’s autism treatment. See the full list of suggested equipment or services here

Application Process

Starting in 2024, we will accept applications and award funds on a quarterly basis.

 

If our online application is closed, we have met our quota of applications for that quarter.

 

Please check back in the following quarter to apply.

 

Previous applicants can apply once every 12 months. 

The Ben's Fund Committee will review and award grant funding on a quarterly basis according to the following schedule:

Application Open December for 1st quarter

Application Open March for 2nd quarter

(Summer Camps should apply this quarter)

Application Open June for 3rd quarter

Application Open September for 4th quarter

Applications that are successfully submitted each quarter will receive their decision within that quarter.

 

You will be notified by email with a decision and next steps.

 

If awarded, Ben's Fund will purchase the items or services directly.

 

Applicants have up to six months to use awarded funds. 

 

Grant Details: What is covered by the 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.

 

Grants assist children in gaining access to:

 

  • 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.

Please contact us to see if your request could be considered.

Grants assist young adults in gaining access to:

  • Therapies: ABA, OT, PT, Speech, Hippotherapy,  etc.
  • Equipment: Sensory items, job skill tools, or items to increase social and life skills etc.
  • Technology: AAC devices & Apps for communicating, laptops, computers
  • Safety Equipment: Personal & Home safety and security. 
  • Services: Social/life skills, job training, swimming, music, sports, art, service Animals and recreation.

Please contact us to see if your request could be considered.

Grant Details: What is not covered by the 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, untrained service animals, medicine not administered by a physician, AirTags or other GPS monitoring for “objects”, reimbursements for equipment or for past due services that you are no longer receiving.


We do NOT submit payment to applicants. Items will be purchased by Ben’s Fund directly and payment will be issued to the service provider/vendor.


Submitting an application does not guarantee a grant award. It is at the committee’s discretion as to whom and what will be awarded. Decision is based on provided documentation. All decisions are final.

Additional Information

Submitting an application does not guarantee a grant award. It is at the committee’s discretion as to whom and what will be awarded. Decision is based on provided documentation, and we may request additional information.

 

The Ben’s Fund Committee does not discriminate applicants on the basis of his/her race, sex/gender, religion/creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, national origin or other similar factors.

FAQ's

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 with written permission for Ben’s Fund to contact them.  For young adults, you or your legal guardian may apply on your behalf

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. You may choose to apply again 6 months from the date of your denial letter.