Information on the AANE Family Grant Program (via AANE)

The AANE family Grant Program is funded through the generous ongoing donations of one family. All thank you notes and notes of appreciation will be forwarded to that family.

In order to qualify for a grant, a family must:

• Live in New England
• Have a child diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome
• Meet the guidelines for financial need. This grant is specifically for low and moderate income families. Priority will be given to families with an income at or under $35,000 (for a family of four) although in special circumstances families with higher income will be considered. There will be a cut off at what the Federal Government considers moderate income; please do not apply if your family income exceeds the following guidelines:
  • $42,000 for a family of 2
  • $47,000 for a family of 3
  • $52,000 for a family of 4
  • $56,000 for a family of 5
  • $69,000 for a family of 6

Grant amounts:

Grants will range from $50.00 - $500.00

What you can ask for:

You may apply to use the money for anything that directly improves the life of a child on the autism spectrum.

Examples of possible uses of grant money:

Adapted Bicycle	Educational evaluation	Sensory Integration training
Adaptive swimming lessons	Horseback-riding lessons	Social skills training
Appropriate clothing	Membership to the YMCA	Speech therapy
Art classes	Music classes/instruments	Sports equipment
Camp Tuition/Aide’s Salary	Occupational therapy	Therapeutic skating lessons
Computer software	Physical therapy	Video games
Educational consultant’s fees	Puzzles and Games	Vision services

Items which will not be funded by this grant include:

• Experimental therapies
• Books
• Conferences
• Clothes, home goods
• Respite care

Application process

To apply for funds, please complete the application (click here). Please supply the first page of your most current completed tax return. Feel free to explain any unusual or special circumstances regarding your need that may not be evident by completing the form.

Once your application is received, Dania Jekel, M.S.W., Executive Director of AANE, and project volunteer Anne Reel, parent of two children on the autism spectrum, will review the application and determine if the applicant meets the above guidelines. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis and decisions made within fourteen days. If a favorable determination is made, AANE will write a check to the family or to the service provider indicated on the application. If the committee determines that a greater or lesser amount should be granted, we will notify the family, with an explanation of the decision. If an application is rejected, you will receive a letter explaining the decision. Families should feel free to reapply if their circumstances change. Since there is a limited amount of money, please apply as soon as you can. This is the first year of this grant and we do not know how long the money will be available.

Proof of service or purchase of goods

A family which receives money must send receipts or other proof of purchase for the agreed upon goods or services to AANE. This grant will be audited by a CPA and we must have proper documentation!!!

Questions

Please feel free to call Dania Jekel, Executive Director of AANE at 617 393-3824 if you have any questions regarding this application. We look forward to hearing from you.