Applications for the Arts & Community Access Grants will be accepted from April 1st, 2025 through September 1st, 2025. Autistic people are encouraged to apply. Grants will be awarded based on available funds.

Grant Qualifications:

• Grants are available to non-profit 501C-3 organizations
• Individuals may partner with non-profits to apply
• Grants may be used for a wide range of projects (including arts-related), but must improve the lives of people impacted by autism
• Any funds granted must be used within one year
• The minimum request is $1,000 and the maximum award is $5,000

If you are unable to view or complete the application online, please email or call us for assistance.

info@artsforautism.net • 917-475-4580

The advisory board will oversee the granting of funds raised at the Arts For Autism benefit concert. They will meet after the application deadline and award grants based on a review of the applications received.  Grant awards will be announced in Novmember.

Members of the Advisory Board:

Christine Biernacki | Attorney & mother of autistic children 

Deborah Bonomo | Speech Language Pathologist 

Nicole D'Angelo I Actor, music director, and multi-instrumentalist

Andrew Duff | Autistic actor from the TV series As We See It

Jill Frutkin | Actor & creator of theater curriculum for Stages on the Sound

Kelvin Moon Loh | Broadway Actor

Andy Paris | Emmy nominated actor and writer known for The Laramie Project & Uncommon Sense

Click on the recipient's name to visit the website and learn more about the organization.

EPIC holds two musical cabarets per year that feature vocalists living with and without disabilities. Directed by Broadway professional Scott Evan Davis, EPIC's cabarets take place at several established venues in the city, primarily Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, 54 Below, and Lincoln Center. These cabarets are a musical showcase designed to shine a spotlight directly on neurodivergent talent and to elevate the need for inclusive hiring and casting practices. Neurodivergent artists employed by EPIC share the stage with a handful of neurotypical peers as well as special Broadway guests, with whom they perform duets and group numbers.

Founded in 2019, Sophia’s Mission is a registered 501(c)3 organization committed to creating inclusive employment opportunities. The organization focuses on empowering Autistic individuals, people with other disabilities, and veterans by providing pathways into the dynamic fields of audio, radio, and media. Sophia’s Mission advocates for diversity and inclusion in these industries, offering training, resources, and support to ensure that everyone, regardless of their challenges, can thrive in a professional environment. By breaking down barriers and fostering a supportive community, Sophia’s Mission is helping to transform the media landscape into a more equitable space for all.

Actionplay is an NYC-based 501(c)(3) theatre organization dedicated to providing actors of all abilities, including autistic, neurodivergent, and disabled teens and adults, with equal access to the theatremaking process. Actionplay is dedicated to improving the lives of all theatre artists, including neurodivergent and disabled individuals, their families, and the community at large.

The Spectrum Empowerment Project is a non-profit organization that hires exclusively individuals on the Autism Spectrum and other atypically developing individuals for paid employment. Our business model highlights the unique creativity and skillsets of individuals on the Autism Spectrum and our work environment is tailored to accommodate their sensory and social needs.​We have kicked off this business venture by entering the industry of clothing retail. Specifically, designing and selling custom shirts for local businesses. At the outset we have already contracted with many local businesses and organizations in the Commonwealth to manufacture their customized. A local entity that chooses Spectrum Empowerment is not only delivered a superior product but is contributing to help a growing need of providing young, gifted, and otherwise unemployed individuals with the opportunity for gainful employment. In addition, members of the Spectrum Empowerment Team have already began designing customized t-shirts inspired by their unique perspective. Each month a team member will be featured with a shirt they personally designed.

The Independence Academy was founded by two Indianapolis families who recognized a need for a school that would serve their sons and other children on the autism spectrum. Cofounders Susan Le Vay and Ruth Padgett met in 2005 and soon began sharing their vision for an innovative school where autistic students could thrive while earning an accredited high school diploma.

Susan and Ruth opened IA’s doors in August 2008 at the school’s first location near Butler University—the same site where both The Orchard School and Sycamore School started years before. Welcoming 18 students in its inaugural year, Susan and Ruth served as director and administrator, respectively, along with a team of gifted faculty and wonderful volunteers.

Spin the Spectrum is dedicated to the advancement of Autistic/Neurodivergent Inclusion, Advocacy and Allyship in both Society and the Scientific Community.

The Autistic Theatremakers Alliance seeks to reduce stigma and increase inclusion of autistic persons in all aspects of theatremaking by providing support, encouraging conversations among stakeholders, educating theatremakers about including autistic persons, and providing financial grants for training for autistic persons wanting to learn about theatre.

At Empowered Theater & Arts, our values are the cornerstone of our mission. We honor the inherent worth of every individual through Dignity, ensuring that each person is respected and valued. Our commitment to Advocacy drives us to champion equal opportunities and accessibility for all. We are dedicated to fostering Growth by nurturing artistic development, inclusion, and innovation within our community. Through Representation, we amplify the diverse artistic voices and talents of people with disabilities, ensuring that their contributions are seen and celebrated. These values guide our efforts to create an inclusive and vibrant artistic environment for everyone.

MNprov uses improvisational theater with a range of students who are neurodivergent or have social/emotional learning needs, and their teachers. We serve students from elementary grades to adulthood.  

Presented By

Educational Travel Adventures (ETA) & Believe NYC

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info@artsforautism.net

917-475-4580

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