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In 2020, Autism Speaks Canada, the McMaster Autism Research Team (MacART) and the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance (CASDA) partnered with the intention to uncover the breadth of impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on autistic Canadians and their families.
The Autism Speaks Canada Community Grants program is funding evidence-informed projects across the country that support mental health and increase social engagement opportunities for autistic Canadians and their families.
This year, the program has been structured to focus on improving the mental health of autistic Canadians and their caregivers. Our recent Pandemic Canadian Autism Needs Assessment survey highlighted the adverse effects of the pandemic on autistic Canadians’ mental health and well being. Self-advocates and caregivers both reported feelings of isolation, anxiety, stress and worry. Mental health concerns and lack of social engagement were amongst the most challenging experiences to navigate for autistic adults, children and their families. The 2021 program aims to expand the capacity of service providers and respond to current needs and service gaps.
Autism Speaks Canada Community Grants fund evidence-informed projects to support
for autistic people and their families across Canada.
Disclaimer: Some projects achieve multiple mission objectives.
The maximum award for each grant is $40,000. The grant term is for one year, ending in January-March 2023 (1 year after start of project).
For more information on application procedure and review process visit FAQ page.
Deadline: October 11, 2021
Applications open: August 16, 2021
RFA submission deadline: October 11, 2021
Anticipated Date for Award Notices: December 30, 2021
Anticipated Award Start Date: January 1 - March 1, 2022
Applications open: August 16, 2021
RFA submission deadline: October 11, 2021
Anticipated Date for Award Notices: December 30, 2021
Anticipated Award Start Date: January 1 - March 1, 2022
Since 2010, the Autism Speaks Canada Community Grants program has awarded over $4.3 million to 184 projects across the country. Grants are awarded through a rigorous review process, including a community panel of self advocates, family members, friends, service providers and research experts across Canada.
The 2021 program aims to:
“We are very proud to support the autism community in Canada through our Community Grants. Since 2010, we have granted $5 million to over 300 organizations across Canada to build capacity and serve the autism community. We have listened and updated the program to match the needs of the community.”
—Jill Farber, Executive Director, Autism Speaks Canada
"We have listened and updated our Community Grants to match the current needs of autistic Canadians. Autism Speaks Canada Community Grants is funding evidence-informed projects to support mental health services and social engagement opportunities for autistic people and their families across Canada."
—Jill Farber, Executive Director, Autism Speaks Canada
