BAS Autism Family and Individual Mini-Grants
February 22, 2010

The Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) has announced the availability of mini-grants to support children and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and families that include an individual with an 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 that may include eligibility criteria, age, and 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 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 BAS mini-grant in previous funding years.  Funding is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Not everyone who applies for this grant will be funded.  

To be eligible applicants must:

1. Be a Pennsylvania resident,
2. Have a family member of any age with an ASD or have an ASD, and
3. Not be currently or in the past 12 months receiving and/or enrolled in 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. BAS reserves the right to and may verify the services and/or funds that the individual with ASD is receiving.

Family members receiving Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services or Early Intervention Services are eligible. 

Supports and activities eligible for funding may include respite or child care, private babysitter, summer camp program, autism or advocacy related conferences, workshops or training, community programs, and modifications or adaptations for home and/or community for safety.

Applications and a list of Frequently Asked Questions can be down loaded or requested through the BAS web site under “2010 Family and Individual Mini Grant” at www.autisminpa.org.

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