Applied Research Grant

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is an established nonprofit entity committed to funding applied research that benefits individuals with autism and their families. The Applied Research Competition is OAR’s most competitive funding initiative, held annually to support research with real-world relevance and the potential to influence policy and practice. This competition encourages innovative, evidence-based approaches that improve understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for individuals across the autism spectrum. Through this initiative, OAR aims to support studies that provide immediate value to the autism community by generating actionable insights and recommendations. For the 2026 cycle, OAR is offering grants of up to $50,000 for projects lasting between one and two years. These grants are intended to support studies addressing key issues in the autism field, including but not limited to: models of assessment and intervention, service delivery systems, family support, and the use of technology in learning. Special attention will be given to projects that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as those led by early career investigators. OAR encourages proposals that explore practical aspects of community integration, access to services, gender and sexual health, mental and physical health, and aging in individuals with autism. The application process involves a two-phase review. Initially, applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) outlining the research concept, specific aims, proposed methods, and expected impact. The LOI must be submitted online no later than March 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Based on scientific and technical merit, selected applicants will be invited in May 2026 to submit full proposals. The full proposals will be evaluated by OAR’s Scientific Council and an adjunct review panel, with final selections made by the Board of Directors in October. Award notifications will be made in December 2026, and the grant period will begin on January 1, 2027. Evaluation criteria include the significance of the research question, methodological rigor, innovation, qualifications of the research team, practical relevance, and potential for replication and broad application. OAR prioritizes studies that address underserved populations or previously neglected research areas and that demonstrate a capacity to influence best practices and public policy. Importantly, the competition seeks projects that are highly relevant to the everyday lives of individuals with autism and their support networks. Eligibility is open to research teams that include at least one member holding a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree with a faculty or research appointment at a college, university, medical school, or research facility. International applicants are eligible to apply. The competition is global in scope, though applicants must meet the outlined academic and professional criteria. Researchers may only submit one LOI, and all submissions must conform to OAR’s strict formatting and procedural guidelines. Applicants must upload a complete LOI, a list of references in APA format, and biosketches of the principal investigator and main research personnel using the NIH standard biosketch format. The LOI cannot exceed two pages (excluding references and biosketches) and must address key aspects such as the research summary, need, aims, methods, innovation, anticipated impact, and personnel qualifications. All application components must be submitted via OAR’s online portal at https://researchautism.smapply.org/prog/2026_applied_research_competition. Additional information is available through OAR’s Grants and Programs Associate, Vivian Muhumuza, via email at [email protected] or phone at 571-977-5391.

Emphasize practical impact and clearly define measurable outcomes; early career and DEI-focused projects prioritized