The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) offers the Peer Education Grant to promote autism acceptance through educational initiatives in schools and communities. OAR is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of individuals with autism and fostering inclusive environments. This grant aims to support efforts that utilize OAR’s peer education materials, such as Kit for Kids and Autism Tuned In, to help children better understand and build inclusive relationships with their autistic peers.
The Peer Education Grant supports awareness campaigns, workshops, presentations, and other projects focused on autism acceptance. Funding may be used for peer education materials, printing, guest speaker honorariums and travel, venue rental, and refreshments. Salary expenses are not covered. Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000 for most projects, and up to $10,000 for projects that serve entire school districts.
The grant is available to teachers, school administrators, parents, youth group organizers, and autism professionals working in U.S.-based K-12 schools, school districts, libraries, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Organizations on U.S. military bases overseas are also eligible. The program particularly encourages applications from school districts and organizations serving low-income communities.
The grant application period is currently open. Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2025. Projects may begin as early as September 1, 2025. This grant is not offered on a rolling basis but is expected to recur annually, with the next cycle likely opening in June 2026.
Applicants may contact OAR for more information by emailing programs@researchautism.org or calling (866) 366-9710. While the application form, questions, and evaluation criteria are not detailed in the provided information, applicants are encouraged to develop thoughtful and impactful projects that promote autism acceptance in educational settings.
