In 2020, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism announced a new partnership with Spectrum for Hope. In the interest of creating the most significant impact for families, SFH and the Flutie Foundation joined forces to meet the needs of the autism and special needs community to create a more profound impact. Together, the Flutie Foundation and Spectrum for Hope will expand programs and positively impact the autism community with their collaborative efforts. It will give the organizations increased leverage to help families with multiple children with special needs.

 

Grant Timeline

Application open: February 9, 2023 (1 pm ET) - March 9, 2023 (5 pm ET) 

Review period: March 2023

Announcement: End of April 2023

Each family we connect with and each dollar donated is done with one purpose and one goal: to provide meaningful, real-life, practical support to deserving families who are caring for a loved one with autism.  Since no two people with autism are alike this grant serves the unique roll of addressing a variety of challenges and needs:

  • Recreational programs
  • Art classes
  • Music therapy
  • Books and educational videos
  • Computer software - communication needs (must include recommendation letter from Speech & Language Pathologist or Special Education Teacher who works with the individual, indicating that it is an appropriate fit).
  • Therapies
  • Camp tuition
  • Safety-related items
  • Social skills training

For inquiries not listed above (i.e. Respite, Educational advocacy), please contact Lisa Collins at lcollins@flutiefoundation.org prior to completing the application. 

Eligible Families:

Must have one family member medically diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and reside in New England (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire & Maine).  Families are only eligible to apply if they have not received funding in the previous year.

Proof of diagnosis, most recent tax documents, estimate of costs & reference letter will be required and must be uploaded with application prior to submitting. Requests for past due bills/invoices will not be accepted as well as requests for automobiles (repairs & purchases), construction costs and vacations. Details will be provided on the application. 

How to Apply for Support:

Families can apply for up to $2,000 per dependent (sibling). If applying for multiple dependents, at least one dependent must carry and autism diagnosis. Proof diagnosis is required and must be uploaded. Only one program or service per individual will be reviewed and considered.  

Proof of Service or Purchase of Goods:

Grants are made payable directly to the service provider or vendor (i.e. camp or program). Grant payments require proof that they were used for the intended purpose with the submission of valid receipts and a final report (details provided by The Flutie Foundation).  Our grants are audited by a CPA; therefore, we must have proper documentation. 

For more information, please email Lisa Collins at lcollins@flutiefoundation.org. 

 

 

About the Joey's Fund Grant Program

When the Gay Family wanted to start a fund to honor their daughter, Josephine, who was tragically killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, they came to us. The Gay Family, just as the Flutie Family, knew that they were just one of many families affected by autism and had seen firsthand the difference the right resources can make.  

Today, Joey’s Fund serves as a crucial funding bridge for autism families who are advocating, promoting, supporting and seeking out opportunities for their loved ones.   Since its inception, 193 families have received over $375,000 in financial support, making their journey just a little bit easier.   

     

     

     

    About the Spectrum for Hope Fund

    Meet the Anastasi Family. Mike and Sandra have three children, one typically developing child, Sara, and two with special needs - Jenna and Michael. Jenna is diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, the most physically disabling of the Autism Spectrum disorders. Michael is diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. The impact of their children’s diagnoses were initially devastating to the Anastasis. Raising a family is challenging for anyone, but for a family with multiple children with special needs, challenging is an understatement. 

    The Anastasi's created a non-profit foundation called Spectrum For Hope (SFH), supporting families of multiple children with special needs. In their work, they realized there were many other families sharing a similar journey. In just two years, the Foundation gave a total of $125,000 to 88 families for access to therapy, technology, respite and leisure and more. 

    Click here to visit the Spectrum for Hope website.